I See Stars @ UniBar, Adelaide 23/10/2025
Absence makes the heart grow fonder so it was fantastic to see the return after I See Stars after a fourteen year absence bringing their brand of “hypermetal” fusing metalcore intensity with electronic and pop elements. Originally rescheduled after touring relentlessly and needing a break and just seeing the intensity they play with I can see why as they leave nothing in the tank. This show in the intimate surrounds of the UniBar is no different being full throttle from start to end.
The UniBar was bathed in blood red light and right from the opening moment of Spin It this Michigan based quartet made their intentions known that they weren’t here to rest on the laurels. The crowd were in to it right from the get go throwing their bodies around with reckless abandon. There is definitely something captivating about front man Devin Oliver’s presence and his vocal stylings alternating between ethereal falsetto and guttural screams. The light show was unique pulsating in sync with their powerful breakdowns unleashing this part rave, part metalcore vibe.
The set list flowed balancing fan favourite with newer material from THE WHEEL which only had come out last month. Songs in the ilk of Drift and Ten Thousand Feet just shows how much this band has evolved. By the time the band plough through New Demons, Yellow King and White Lies they are unstoppable prompting the question from Oliver “Are you alive?” The carnage continues on D4MAGE DONE with a circle pit gaining momentum. With a big long growl in the intro on Filth Friends Unite they back up that intensity of Eliminator and Are We 3ven not even letting up for a second.
With the crowd getting down low to start jumping in Split finding a new leash of life with the band responding to that new found energy. Oliver took a moment to reflect and say that we should put our differences aside and “dance a little more”. New song Carry on for you is all class followed by “Murder Mitten” which hits just as hard now as it ever has done before. Oliver asked the crowd to move a little bit more even though they might have just wanted to watch. Recalling playing Soundwave fourteen years, Oliver asked “were you there?” adding that the support from their fans is not lost on them and touring not being about the money, name the place and they’ll be there.
It was clear as day that a huge highlight was Calm Snow with Oliver pointing out that this is the “longest set in our career”. Asking the crowd to go hard one last time and “call in sick tomorrow” it was Anomaly that finished this spirited and lively performance. There’s plenty of love for I See Stars in Australia and hopefully this affinity grows stronger with a return visit sometime soon.
Live Review By Rob Lyon