Review: Joshua Hobbins
The Tivoli was sold out last night as Soulfly returned to Brisbane alongside Nailbomb and Snot, a lineup built on history but delivered with real intent. Rather than leaning on nostalgia, the night was physical, loud, and very much in the moment.
Opening the night, Snot came out swinging. Frontman Andy Knapp was excellent, bringing a level of energy and conviction that felt both respectful and revitalised. His vocal delivery came impressively close to Lynn Strait without drifting into imitation, striking a balance that felt genuine rather than forced.
Original members John ‘Tumor’ Fahnestock on bass and Mikey Doling on guitar were absolute standouts, with Tumor’s low end sounding immense and Mikey’s riffs cutting through with authority. Their backing vocals were tight and effective, adding extra weight to the set. Compared to their previous visit, this performance felt noticeably more energetic, with the band clearly feeding off the crowd’s response. More than anything, there was a genuine sense of appreciation onstage, not just for the reception, but for the chance to keep these songs alive and played with intent.
Nailbomb followed with a set that sounded sharp and aggressive, punctuated by ripping guitar solos from Travis Stone and a relentless pace throughout. Drummer Adam Jarvis was a standout, throwing in blasts where they hit hardest while keeping everything tight and driving.
The back-and-forth between Max and Igor added to the confrontational edge of the set, the generational dynamic giving the songs an extra layer of urgency rather than novelty. Alex Cha’s presence on keys and samples added texture and atmosphere, while his enthusiastic windmills (Corpsegrinder would be proud!) strengthened the intensity. Introducing “World of Shit”, Igor addressed the current state of play in the United States, punctuating his remarks with a blunt “Fuck ICE” before the band launched into the track, a moment that drew an immediate and visceral response from the room.
By the time Soulfly took the stage, the room was more than ready. Max had the crowd firmly in his hands from the outset, commanding attention with ease. The band’s low end was massive, driven by Chase Bryant on bass, whose backing vocals added extra weight and presence throughout the set.
Guitarist Mike De Leon delivered huge, percussive riffs, while Zyon Cavalera was exceptional behind the kit , powering the set with precision, stamina and feel. The rhythm section kept everything surging forward without losing clarity, and the breakdowns hit with a force rivalling most contemporary hardcore bands.
The response in the room was constant and physical. When Max says jump, you jump, simple as that. The floor moved in time with staples like “Back to the Primitive”, “Jumpdafuckup” and “Eye for an Eye”. Rather than coasting on familiarity, Soulfly sounded urgent and engaged, delivering a set that felt heavy, direct and fully present.
Across all three sets, what stood out most was not legacy, but commitment. Snot, Nailbomb and Soulfly each brought a clear sense of purpose to the stage, playing these songs as if they still mattered, because they do.
SOULFLY, NAILBOMB & SNOT JANUARY 2026 AUSTRALIA TOUR DATES!
Tuesday 27th January – SYDNEY, The Enmore
Friday 30th January – MELBOURNE, The Forum – SOLD OUT
Tickets:
From: https://thephoenix.au/
