KING PARROT - Live in Brisbane
Loud, Unhinged, And Unforgettable.
Saturday 11th October 2025
Written by Jake Folmer
Photographed by: Tracy Mclaughlan
There’s nothing quite like a Saturday night at Crowbar Brisbane. Sticky floors, amps humming, and that familiar mix of VB, patch vests, and anticipation. The 11th of October brought a stacked lineup of Aussie metal at its finest, with a mix of hometown heroes and interstate chaos that reminded everyone why Brisbane’s heavy scene still hits like a truck.
Brisbane’s groove-metal juggernauts MASSIC kicked off the night with trademark ferocity. A muffled voice sample set the scene before they exploded into life, pulling in a wave of loyal local fans. Frontman, Si, owned the stage with fierce charisma, even diving into the pit to scream alongside the crowd. The band’s chemistry was undeniable. Tight, passionate, and full of heart. Bassist Rashid pulled some of the best bass faces in Brisbane, while the riffs thundered in perfect sync. It’s also worth remembering how far they’ve come. Si’s recovery from heart failure over five years ago remains a powerful part of their story, a reminder of resilience and the fire that fuels them. Pure groove, grit, and guts that represent Brisbane’s heavy scene at its best.
Image: MASSIC
Image: MASSIC
Image: MASSIC
Image: MASSIC
Next up were IDLE RUIN, and the tempo went through the roof. The local blackened-thrash trio wasted no time, hitting the stage like a detonation. Their songs dig deep into history, including Valley Inferno, which nods to Brisbane’s own darker chapters. Drummer/Vocalist Liam pulled off the near-impossible, blasting and shrieking simultaneously while never missing a beat. Their sound fused old-school thrash energy with a sharp modern edge, delivering that perfect storm of speed and fury. A bit of trivia for the fans: IDLE RUIN’s debut band shirt appears on the official poster for the upcoming horror-comedy Deathgasm 2, an iconic crossover between underground metal and cult cinema that feels perfectly fitting for these guys. They played a blistering ARMOURED ANGEL cover, a nod to Australia’s thrash roots that earned instant respect from the crowd. Tight, aggressive, and confident, IDLE RUIN are a must-see for anyone who wants the raw side of Brisbane metal.
Image: IDLE RUIN
Image: IDLE RUIN
Image: IDLE RUIN
Image: IDLE RUIN
The first band hailing from down south tonight was the up-and-coming doom/sludge metal act GOAT SHAMAN, one of my favourites of the genre, whom I had yet to hear, so I was curiously awaiting to see what these guys would bring to the table. Titanic crashes and chords invited us in, as well as the singer and lead guitarist from GOAT SHAMAN (which fits the doom naming criteria far too well). Psychedelic swells filled the air as these musicians hypnotised us with their slow-release ear candy. Chunky riffs with satisfying levels of psychedelia. Being very cheeky with the crowd, they urged people to come forward because they’re a treat, and they were right. A very enthusiastic young emerging band, bringing a niche that’s slightly lacking in representation in the Australian music scene currently. They were a welcome change of tempo and palette cleanser, skilfully placed between some faster artists on the bill. I believe Mr. Osbourne would be proud of his inspiration spawns, having given birth to so many interesting offshoots of the original BLACK SABBATH formula. Bold, courageous, and utterly crushing. I know I’ll be finding more of their music after this show.
Image: GOAT SHAMAN
Image: GOAT SHAMAN
Image: GOAT SHAMAN
Image: GOAT SHAMAN
The night ended in chaos and comedy as KING PARROT, Australia’s favourite unhinged grindcore crew, hit the stage. Frontman Youngy had the crowd howling with laughter before the first breakdown even hit, launching into rants about local bands, Oktoberfest punters, and the ever-rising cost of a drink. In true KING PARROT fashion, Youngy couldn’t resist roasting HOCKEY DAD, joking that everyone in the metal scene had already “been there”, and that anyone skipping Crowbar for Valley Fiesta had made the wrong call. His delivery was part stand-up, part sonic assault. The perfect mix of Aussie bogan humour, and pure grind energy. Between the banter came the onslaught: screeches, blast beats, and pit-fuelled madness. By the time they tore into Shit on the Liver the place was a riot of laughter, headbanging, and exhausted smiles.11/10 fast, feral, and funny. Nobody blends chaos and comedy like KING PARROT, and they closed the night exactly how a Crowbar gig should end. Loud, unhinged, and unforgettable.
Image: KING PARROT
Image: KING PARROT
Image: KING PARROT
Image: KING PARROT
This was one of those quintessential Crowbar nights. Packed, loud, unpredictable, and brimming with genuine community energy. From MASSIC’s heartfelt groove, to KING PARROT’s total chaos, every band left a mark. If there’s ever a reminder that Australian metal is alive, unfiltered, and thriving, this was it!
Image: KING PARROT
Photos by: Tracy Mclaughlan
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