Review and photography: Luke Petty

It’s clear that European metalcore and deathcore are on the rise, and this has really shown with Paleface Swiss. They have quickly become a defining force in the heavy music scene. Their explosive sound, which masterfully fuses brutal beatdown with classic deathcore, has garnered them a massive global following. After building a reputation for their visceral live performances, an Australian tour was not just wanted—it was inevitable. Tonight, we were about to witness why they have gone from support slots to selling out The Princess Theatre in Brisbane in such a short time.

Kicking off the night were local boys Virtues, with vocalist Wade Felsch rocking headphones like it was the latest fashion. These guys really surprised me. Their performance tonight was second to none. Felsch’s vocals were insane—he packs such a punch with his screaming delivery. The whole crowd was on the move. The circle pit was out of control only a few songs in, and it felt as if they were the headlining band. I can see these guys being booked on more tours in the future.

After a brief intermission, the stage was set for Belgian/German beatdown veterans Nasty to make their long-awaited Melbourne debut. For 21 years, their arrival had been anticipated, and their performance did not disappoint. The four-piece commanded the stage with an almost tangible energy, and their presence was a force to be reckoned with. The low-tuned, powerful guitar riffs tore through the venue, creating a foundation for frontman Matthias “Matthi” Tarnath’s ferocious performance.

He paced the stage relentlessly, his expression daring the crowd to match his intensity—a challenge the audience eagerly accepted. Behind the kit, Christian “Nash” Fritz thrashed at his drums with visceral aggression, fueling a violent and chaotic mosh pit. The set maintained its high-octane momentum, culminating in a peak during the fan-favorite Shokka. As the band launched into the song, the entire room erupted, and it seemed as if no one in the building could stand still. The crowd moved as one, completely swept up in the music.

Paleface Swiss’s arrival on stage was highly anticipated, almost a year to the day after their very first Australian show supporting In Hearts Wake. This return marked a significant milestone in their explosive rise. The band immediately set a high bar, kicking off their set with Hatred. The four-piece played with infectious passion, their energy and enthusiasm fueling the crowd.

Frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger’s performance was particularly impressive—he spat venom into the mic with effortless ferocity, proving his skill and resilience under pressure. The crowd’s energy never wavered. The set was a relentless wave of deafening singalongs and intense moshing that never once lulled, captivating the audience from the first note to the last.

Even during the performance of their softer track, River of Sorrows, the band’s hold on the audience remained absolute, a testament to their commanding presence. They closed out their seventy-five-minute set with tracks like Best Before: Death, Please End Me, and 666. Yannick on guitar was a show in himself—his passion and energy poured into every note, making his performance unforgettable. It was a clear demonstration of how deeply the Brisbane heavy music community adores this group, signaling that their return will be highly anticipated.

The band then returned for an encore, delivering a final, explosive performance of Deathtouch. Paleface Swiss have firmly cemented their place among the best in their region, proving that European heavy music is a force to be reckoned with. Headlining a sold-out show in a foreign city is a dream for most bands, but for Paleface Swiss, it’s a reality they’ve already conquered. With their future looking brighter than ever, it’s clear this is just the beginning.