Review: METALLICA - Sydney

15 Nov

METALLICA melted hearts and faces at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Saturday 15th November 2025

Written by: Jimmy Wah
Photos by: Jimmy Wah >> SEE PHOTOS <<

It's been a long 12 years for Aussie METALLICA fans to wait for the return of the metal titans to our shores, and for those who witnessed them turn up the heat at Accor Stadium in Sydney last night, it was definitely worth the wait!

With a lineup as hot as the sun’s November kiss and the promise of our favourite riffs, not even rain could douse the flames that left the snake pit hissing beneath the stage. Beyond the feverish crowd that filled the stadium, it was an iconic event with an irreplicable performance featuring a unique stage setup, stunning lights show, pyrotechnics, and sound so heavy it could create diamonds. Even through the heavy metal mayhem the overwhelming message was one of unity from every musician who expressed their gratitude in sharing the experience with their beloved fans.

With the recently reported seismic shift from AC/DC's Melbourne show, they had set the task for METALLICA to match their energy. The anticipation was palpable, with thick crowds fanned around the stadium, refusing to give up their place at the gates and M72 merch stands despite being lashed by an afternoon downpour that threatened to ruin our evening. METALLICA were ready to ignite the hearts of Sydney fans but first, the fire had to be lit by SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and EVANESCENCE.

Fortunately the rain didn’t return as SUICIDAL TENDENCIES kicked off proceedings at 6pm with a steady flow of bodies colouring in the floor. After reading about these guys playing sideshows all around the country I was keen to see it for myself. The energy they exhibited was contagious, from Mike Muir bringing his unmistakable stage antics up close and personal with the crowd to Tye Trujillo using his 21 year old energy to skip across the full length of the stage like a cat with the midnight zoomies. That’s right, the son of METALLICA’s Rob Trujillo was absolutely shredding the bass like he was born with it in his hands, easily matching the supergroup that surrounded him. Ben Weinman from DILLINGER ESCPE PLAN joined Dean Peasants on guitar, jumping and throwing his guitar with the same energy as we saw in August when DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN played at Enmore Theatre in Sydney. In the meantime, former SLIPKNOT drummer Jay Weinberg commanded the kit with the furious authority we’ve come to know and love. The appearance of Nisha Star for the new track ‘Adrenaline Addict’ broke up a respectable setlist featuring known favourites like ‘Cyco Vision’, ‘Subliminal’ and ‘You Can’t Bring Me Down’.

Image: *Mike Muir, Jay Weinberg + Tye Trujillo*

As evening descended and the sky became brushed with colour, EVANESCENCE met the night with the emotive power that only they can deliver. The louvred LED screens that set the stage’s backdrop came to life with effected visuals of the performance as the lighting gave shape and colour through the mist. I’m always blown away by Amy Lee’s incredible stage presence with her emphatic vocals and figurative expression making her seem 10ft tall no matter the setting. Whether it’s the Sydney Opera House, Qudos Bank Arena or even Sydney’s biggest stadium, the power of the music fills any space it meets like water fills the earth. Will Hunt, arguably one of the best drummers in the game, drives the music from his throne in the centre of the stage. His partner in crime Emma Anzai on bass matches Amy’s style while steering the crushing flow of Tim McCord and Troy McLawhorn adding the unmistakable colour of EVANESCENCE’s explosive riffs that somehow cradle the soaring melodies. Punctuated with words of positivity, love and gratitude, the set was littered with a perfect mix of songs across the 22 year catalogue. Fan favourites like ‘Going Under’ and ‘Lithium’ adorned the setlist but every time Amy sat down at the piano the crowd collectively held their breath until finally ‘My Immortal’ was played to a backdrop of torches in the stadium. Rounding it out with ‘Bring Me To Life’, Amy Lee made sure to make the audience know just how much EVANESCENCE loved Australia and the people of Sydney. As epic as a supporting set can be, it layed the kindling for the fire to come.

Image: *Tim McCord, Will Hunt, Amy Lee + Troy McLawhorn*

Image: *Emma Anzai, Will Hunt + Amy Lee*

Finally there was only one break left before METALLICA, with a backdrop spanning across the screens featuring Ken Taylor’s awesome M72 tour artwork in red and blue. As the lights dropped to cheers from the audience the screens were replaced by candid snapshots from the METALLICA archives while paying tribute to AC/DC’s current PWR/UP tour with ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top’ playing in the background. ‘Ecstasy Of Gold’ was met with tribute footage of fallen soldiers and the anticipation reached fever pitch as METALLICA filtered onto the stage before launching into ‘Creeping Death’ to open the show. ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ was met with raucous approval by a beloved crowd and the smiling energy of front-man James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich behind the drumkit matched the excitement felt by the audience. Before we knew it the stadium was lit up with our first dose of fire for the 1998 classic '‘Fuel’. The heat melted faces and the gears only gained momentum as METALLICA steered the show through generations of metal. The distinctive snake pit for VIP ticket holders was an area of the floor in front of the stage that was encircled by a semicircle catwalk that jutted out into the crowd. Upon seeing hands reaching up toward the open sky and hearing the hiss of the roaring crowd made the name ‘snake pit’ became self evident, and the rest of the crowd green with envy.

From the very beginning of the show every band member of METALLICA looked like they were having the time of their lives. Once again they paid tribute to the Aussie rock juggernauts AC/DC as guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Rob Trujillo came to the front of the catwalk to play ‘For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)’ which turned into ‘Nice Boys Don’t Play Rock n Roll’ by ROSE TATTOO. As the show powered on through more epic metal I heard stories of mayhem and concussion from friends in the crowd showing the METALLICA shows haven’t lost their brutality despite welcoming young and old to share a memorable experience as a family with the wider community of fans. The lights show was astounding and as the crowd favourites like ‘Sad But True’ and ‘Nothing Else Matters’ started to fill the tail end of the set I looked around to see smiles and singalongs with metal gestures and people absolutely lost in the moment. By now we were seeing Lars popping up along the catwalk with a second kit with seamless transitions as METALLICA seemed to bring the audience with them. Yellow and black inflatable balls that reminded me of biohazard symbols bounced around through ‘Master Of Puppets’ and I thought the band had left the stage for an encore before I heard the distinctive gunshots and chopper for the opening of ‘One’ which was accompanied by amazing visuals, lights and lasers.

Image: *Lars Ulrich, Rob Trujillo + Kirk Hammett*

James had not been shy in talking to the crowd and including them in the journey throughout the show and made one last speech about unity which made our hearts melt. To my surprise there were as many hands that went up when he asked who was seeing their first METALLICA concert as those who had seen them before, which made his speech even more meaningful. ‘Enter Sandman’ was a jubilant anthem to finish the set despite it’s well known sinister tones. Those wanting an encore were met with house lights but that didn’t stop the band from staying on the stage and each band member making a short speech about their love for Sydney, Australia and the fans as buckets of guitar picks were thrown out into the crowd. Was the Sydney show the biggest one in Australia to end an incredible tour? I don’t know the answer but it sure left everyone happy.