Sick New World Is SICK

Attending the Sick New World festival for the second time was an absolute thrill for me. The event, held on Saturday, April 27th in Las Vegas, had made quite a mark with its debut in 2023, and this year’s lineup promised to be even more electrifying. With heavy hitters like System of a Down, Slipknot, A Perfect Circle, and more gracing the stage, there was no shortage of excitement.

Each stage at the festival had its own unique vibe, catering to different tastes within the rock and metal community. The Diablo Stage, a new addition, was a magnet for hardcore enthusiasts. Bands like Spy, Sunami, Drain, and Trash Talk delivered intense performances that had the crowd in a frenzy. Personally, I was eagerly anticipating Zulu’s set, and they absolutely blew me away with their powerful performance.

The Siren Stage, on the other hand, offered industrial and electro acts like Combichrist, VNV Nation, and Front 242. Knocked Loose and Poppy’s live debut of “Suffocate” was a standout moment, adding an unexpected twist to the stage’s lineup.

Over at the Spiral Stage, a mix of ’90s classics and newer bands entertained the audience. Sleep Token headlined to a captivated crowd, while Static-X and Powerman 5000 drew massive crowds with their energetic sets. Jinjer’s performance was particularly dynamic and left a lasting impression.

Primus on the Red Stage stood out. Frontman Les Claypool mentioned they had to purchase new instruments that day due to their gear getting lost between Las Vegas and Colorado the previous night. He also revealed that these temporary instruments would be auctioned after the show, with proceeds benefiting charity and BABYMETAL delivered unforgettable performances despite facing gear challenges. On the Gold Stage, Lamb of God delivered their trademark heaviness. Vocalist Randy Blythe dedicated their set, featuring “Redneck,” to the late Geordie Walker of Killing Joke, who was supposed to perform at the festival for the past two years.

SLIPKNOT:

Slipknot marked the 25th anniversary of their debut album, donning their iconic red jumpsuits. They co-headlined the festival with a 12-song set, focusing on early career tracks. Hits like “Eyeless,” “Wait and Bleed,” and “Spit It Out” from their debut album featured prominently, while tracks like “People = Shit” and “The Heretic Anthem” from Iowa made up over half the setlist. Lamb of God brought the heavy to the Gold Stage, and Alice in Chains played their only scheduled show of 2024.

SOAD:

System of a Down returned almost a year later to headline Sick New World, fueled by the positive reception of their 2023 performance and took the stage to close out the festival with an epic 27-song set, from “Chop Suey!” to “Aerials,” they delivered hit after hit leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.

POPPY:

Poppy made her mark at Sick New World 2024 despite not being on the official lineup. She rocked the Gold Stage alongside Bad Omens, opening with a powerful rendition of “V.A.N.” Then, she switched gears and joined Knocked Loose on the Siren Stage for the live debut of their collaborative song “Suffocate.”

SLEEP TOKEN:
Fans faced a tough choice between Sleep Token and headliners System of a Down, but Sleep Token’s set still drew a massive crowd and generated buzz on social media. Their seven-song performance included hits like “The Offering” and “The Summoning,” ending with the epic “Take Me Back to Eden.”

A PERFECT CIRCLE:
Kudos to A Perfect Circle for pulling off their Sick New World 2024 set. Weather hiccups meant their gear from Denver didn’t make it, but thanks to some generous souls, they managed to cobble together a show. Billy Howerdel expressed gratitude to those who pitched in, noting they had “literally zero seconds to spare before walking on that stage.” Despite the challenges, they delivered a 10-song set, even featuring a guest spot from Rizz of VOWWS on Howerdel’s solo track “Stars.”

SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL:

Where else could be better than one of the largest festivals of the year to reveal new music? Slaughter to Prevail performed a five-song set at Sick New World, using part of their time to premiere a yet-untitled new song. This track is a powerful, head-banging masterpiece enhanced by a unique string accompaniment. But don’t be deceived by the strings; this song is undeniably intense.

DANNY ELFMAN:

One of the most captivating sets of the day was by Danny Elfman, the long-standing Oingo Boingo frontman who gained fame in his second career as a soundtrack composer over recent decades. Elfman presented a blend of score work from Beetlejuice, The Simpsons, The Batman, and, naturally, his Nightmare Before Christmas masterpiece, “Jack’s Lament / This Is Halloween,” alongside classic alt-rock Oingo Boingo hits “Only a Lad” and “Dead Man’s Party” during a 20-song performance.

BRING ME THE HORIZON AND BABY METAL: Despite schedule conflicts, Bring Me the Horizon’s Oli Sykes made his way to the Red Stage to join Babymetal for a thrilling performance of “Kingslayer.” The collaboration was a highlight, complete with dramatic theatrics and Sykes dancing to the high-energy track.

New in 2024, Sick New World introduced VIP PIT sections positioned closest to the stage, gated off by rails to all main stages. If you’re a hardcore metal fan and want to be up and close to all the action then VIP experience might be just for you. Meanwhile, for those opting for the new GA+ tickets, you could take advantage of amenities including sectioned-off AC’d bathroom trailers, additional food options, designated entry line, and dedicated hangout sections.

Moreover, the festival organizers addressed concerns from the previous year by introducing more shaded areas throughout the venue, equipped with towering misting fans to combat the scorching heat. This was a welcome improvement from the near 100-degree weather and lack of shade experienced in the past.

Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in the number of water stations, alleviating the long lines seen in the previous year. This not only kept attendees hydrated but also provided ample opportunities for photo ops and relaxation. Art enthusiasts were also treated to a curated selection of ready-to-buy or auctioned art pieces, adding an extra dimension to the festival experience.

As the final chords echoed through the Las Vegas night, Sick New World 2024 drew to a close, leaving behind memories of electrifying performances, unforgettable moments, and a sense of camaraderie among metalheads from around the globe. With its diverse lineup, immersive experiences, and improvements in amenities, this year’s festival solidified its place as a must-attend event for fans of heavy music. As we bid farewell to another epic chapter, anticipation builds for what Sick New World 2025 will bring, promising even more excitement, innovation, and metal madness. Until next year, horns up and rock on!