A sold out triple billing was one for the ages at Hordern Pavilion on Saturday night — As we reach the end of the year, I’m mindful of the fact that this may be the last show I shoot in 2025 so expectations were running high, particularly as this would be my first time seeing Brighton Metal Core alumni, Architects in a live setting.
For those that don’t wish to read on, my expectations were well and truely exceeded.
This is a band that puts effort into every detail of their live show. From the supports to an insane lighting display, Architects are well and truly one of the best metalcore bands around. Before I continue singing their praises, Architects were joined by President and House of Protection to warm up the crowd and it was very clear which of the two bands understood the brief.
In recent years there’s been a resurgence of masked bands. Made famous of course in the 90’s with the likes of Slipknot and Mushroom Head and now with more recent acts including Glass Beams and Sleep Token, it feels like enough time has passed that this wouldn’t feel like imitation for these now very well established artists, and President can now be added to this new generation of enigmatic metal.
The songs felt big and heavy, and their presence on stage was ominous and felt exciting. Point Break is one of my all time favourite films so I loved the singers get up. A perfect warm up to what was to be an incredible trifecta of world class artists.
Where do I begin to describe how incredible House Of Protection are. I’ve covered a lot of shows this year and this might well be at the top of best live shows I’ve seen in 2025. The amount of noise and energy this two piece created is unmatched.
I was first made aware of this band after being shown their music video for Pulling Teeth which see both singer Stephen Harrison and drummer Aric Improta speeding around a velodrome in India in beat up cars and motorcycles. Both the clip and the accompanying song were so refreshing to see and hear. I’d heard nothing but incredible things about their live show as well so was excited to capture this show.
I can honestly say from the moment they walked to stage, the energy of the crowd felt like a headlining slot. It was made abundantly clear that punters were just as eager to see House of Protection as much as they were Architects. From stage theatrics including performing inside the circle pit, to Improta backflipping of his drum kit that would put Benson Boone to shame, this performance well and truly had the crowd hungry for more. Don’t sleep on seeing this band live, an absolute 10 out of 10 live show.
Entering the pit at the start of the night, it was difficult to not notice the enormous lighting rig at the front of the stage and it made me think two things, it was either going to be the best lit show I could have asked for or I’m going home blind. Thankfully it was the former, and it was backed by one of the best mixed shows I’ve seen at the Hordern in recent memory. Vocalist Sam Carter should be studied for his ability to effortlessly switch between clean and screaming vocals. Their set largely consisted of tracks from their latest album The Sky, The Earth & All Between with a perfect mix of classics including “Gravedigger,” “Red Hypergiant” and “Doomsday.”
Album tours can often leave fans wanting to hear more of the hits, thankfully Architects continue to deliver a refreshing catalogue of truely masterclass songs that are built for a live setting.
If this is to be my last show of the year, I’m incredibly content with that.
GALLERY: Architects with House of Protection at Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, Australia (December 13, 2025)
