Review: Froth & Fury Fest @ Adelaide Showgrounds 31/01/26
Froth & Fury continues to lead the way when it comes to heavy music festivals, with this year’s edition the best yet.
Words & Images John Goodridge
Froth & Fury Fest @ Adelaide Showgrounds 31/01/26
The Froth and Fury heavy metal festival continues to grow, moving this year to the Adelaide Showgrounds. The new venue sparked nostalgia for the Big Day Out era, and while Frenzal Rhomb’s Lindsay McDougall jokingly noted the age of long-time fans, the crowd was truly multi-generational – ranging from young children in Limp Bizkit shirts to veteran rockers.
The main Fury stage featured high-energy sets from local legends The Bearded Clams and Where'sthe Pope?, with singer Frank Pappagalo standing out in a striking white and gold outfit. Brisbane’s The Flangipanis also delivered a vibrant performance, successfully bridging the gap between party punk and heavy metal.
In the Compound, entertainment extended beyond music to include Roller Derby, Wrestle Rampage and the armoured combat of Ironclad. The intensity of these events was palpable, particularly during the wrestling, which created an electric atmosphere. Beyond the performances, the festival offered a well-rounded experience with live tattooing, a mini market, various food stalls and ample shaded areas.
Aboriginal Australian legend Briggs fronted his new band, Big Noter, with a hardcore, energetic performance. Meanwhile, Melbourne death metal band Algor Mortis stepped in at the last minute; vocalist Cecilia Keane impressed the crowd with a powerful voice that belied her demure appearance.
READ MORE: Review: Better Lovers @ Lion Arts Factory 30/01/26
The momentum continued with Canadian punk band Comeback Kid, followed by a fresh and enthusiastic set from Frenzal Rhomb. Lagwagon followed suit, powering through short, loud classics with a cheeky energy. Later, regional Victorian band Ocean Sleeper delivered a captivating set, proving the future of hardcore is in good hands.
Nailbomb, the side project of Max Cavalera and Alex Newport, brought the raw energy of their 1990s origins to the stage. As In Hearts Wake frontman Jake Taylor noted, the festival is less about pop songs and more about the raw energy derived from a deep-seated unrest with the system. Cavalera later returned to the Fury stage with Soulfly, delivering a larger-than-life show featuring soaring riffs and impressive lighting.
In the Compound, the mood grew increasingly wild. Private Function demonstrated how to have a great time on stage with an out-of-control, theatrical performance. To close the evening, Sydney band Polaris took over the main stage with a fire-filled light spectacular and a blend of melodic metalcore and electronic rock. Simultaneously, Abbath Doom Occulta closed the Compound, performing legendary Immortal tracks to end the night.
Looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year.
Want more pics of the gig? Check out our full photo gallery here.
