The steady rise for Denmark’s tech-pop-metal maestros Siamese has been followed from the start by a couple of us at Rockflesh, and to see them finally explode to the heights of headlining with a stellar catalogue of tunes to choose from is a proud treat. Support bands Cold Culture and Chaosbay fit well on the bill with Siamese, sharing a similarly polished and modern approach to metal. The night is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of metal, with Siamese standing firmly at the helm.

Cold Culture take to the dimly lit stage, the only lights coming from high above and behind leaving us with silhouettes to consider up in front of us. Stepping in last minute on the EU/UK tour for Blackgold, they dive straight into their signature sound, delivering a set reminiscent of Stabbing Westward. Their sound echoes the signature style of that melodic electronic industrial rock, but with a modern slant and a heavier twist, especially in some of the set’s later material, which nods to bands like Cold Night for Alligators.

Frontman Mads Zelasny delivers some gentle yet powerful engaging vocals, his emotive delivery ranging from heart-wrenching melodies to forceful harsh lines. The band meanwhile seamlessly weave their instrumentation together - guitar, drums and synth/keys creating a layer of sound that moves effortlessly between atmospheric and intense. The guitar provides a solid metal foundation, while the absence of a bassist is offset by well-utilized keys. Their tight and slick performance for such a young band (in fact they’re Danish students who took out a loan for this tour!) sets them up well them as a band to keep an eye on.

Berlin’s Chaosbay follow, bringing a dynamic and infectious mix of styles that meld elements of Electric Callboy and Self Deception, with hints of Cascada’s infectious dance vocal melodies. Yes, it’s that crazy a mix, but is in fact a very accessible and measured pop-rock-metal affair. The four-piece leans into the techy elements of metal, favouring intricate, polished passages over raw heaviness in the majority. The vocals are earnest and reaching, and the standout moment comes with, ‘Maniac in the Mirror’ injects an undeniable energy, proving to be their most catchy track with a choris that sits in your mind long after the finish.

Their sound carries an unmistakable techy pop-metal ‘80s influence, appealing to fans of, once again, Cold Night for Alligators. Their cover of ‘Message in a Bottle’ is the other highlight, showcasing their technical proficiency, particularly in the guitar wizardry, and demonstrates their engaging, fun and impressive musicianship in bucketloads. Their performance carry a distinctly Eurovision-ready flair, blending melody, theatrics, and tight musicianship into a package that resonates with the whole crowd.

Siamese take the stage with their signature blend of catchy, tech-infused pop metal, wasting no time in launching into fan-favourite ‘Home’. Owning the stage like the headliners they have become, they immediately captivate the eager crowd. Fans of Normandie and Resolve will find plenty to love in this Danish powerhouse of a catchy-melody band. From the outset, the band explodes with energy, making full use of the stage to deliver a performance that is as dynamic as it is tight. Frontman Mirza Radonjica leads the charge with commanding vocals, while his bandmates construct a ferociously infectious wall of sound.

The live mix is impeccable, elevating the intricate yet powerful composition of their songs. Tracks from their latest album gain an extra level of heaviness in a live setting, with ‘The Shape of Water’ serving up some meaty guitar riffs, while ‘Sloboda’ and others highlight Mirza’s soaring vocal prowess and the band's ability to deliver both high-energy and deeply poignant moments. The crowd responds in kind, bouncing along to every beat as Siamese continue to raise the bar throughout their set.

Each band member plays an essential role, showcasing technical prowess and a deep musical connection that is truly awe-inspiring. While Christian Hjort Lauritzen’s violin is absent from this date and his stagecraft is missed., its presence is felt in the backing tracks. Despite this, the band’s engagement with the crowd remains heartfelt and enthusiastic, their genuine joy in sharing the experience shining through. Siamese truly offer something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of catchy pop melodies or hard-hitting metal—there’s no denying they’re simply awesome.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Siamese + Chaosbay + Cold Culture