Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)

Born Of Osiris w/Signs Of The Swarm at Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, South Australia, 18/3/26

A Wednesday night of heavy breakdowns in Adelaide’s loudest sauna was on the cards for this week’s festivities, with USA prog-metalcore titans Born Of Osiris and deathcore aficionados Signs Of Swarms kicking off their Australia tour.

With no local support, a mid-week show during the city’s busiest period is always a risk, but in true Adelaide fashion, the punters waited till the last minute to fill the room. Despite the cool change, Lion Arts Factory once again lived up to its reputation of always being one of the hottest rooms in the world- and that is literally. But that did not dampen the spirits of those who were chomping at the bit to get down to Signs Of The Swarm.

The band ripped right from the get-go, with vocalist David Simonich, goading the crowd into putting on some more energetic displays in the pit. Their crushingly heavy riffs powered through the venue, leaving us all with that permanent stank face. Every guttural ripped through on a cellular level, and the energy of the Pittsburgh act was absolutely rabid. While the mosh was not as wild as it could be, the room eventually woke up after what I can chalk down to them just being gobsmacked at the sound that was hitting them. Oh, and the sheer hype of hearing ‘Natural Selection’ also had something to do with it. Circle pits were formed, a few spin kicks were spun, and necks were definitely put to work. As they dipped back into some of their old discography, the room became a lot more receptive. ‘IWONTLETYOUDIE’ definitely triggered something primal in many, and as they finished with ‘Amongst the Low & Empty’, the demand for one more song rang out. While it was not able to be fulfilled, the impression that Signs Of The Swarm left on many who were seeing them for the first time, myself included, was evident. Before this show, I’ve wondered why people do not talk about this band enough when it comes to who is killing the game in the deathcore scene and after the set they put on, I’m even more perplexed. This band is the real deal, and I will not hesitate to see them the next time I’m in the same city.

Securing a barricade spot for Born Of Osiris felt like a bit of a risk, as I normally like to observe the rest of the room, but as the opening drums of ‘Bow Down’ thundered through the room, I felt like I had the best spot in the house. There is something to be said about the way Born Of Osiris work through their set. Every ending seeped seamlessly into an intro, with only brief moments to talk to the audience. It was a constant flow of sound that left you both breathless and energised. All five members play with so much purpose, and it never felt like they were going through the emotions. Sure, bands obviously enjoy playing music at the core, or else why would they be there, but Born Of Osiris play with the feeling that they genuinely would not want to be anywhere else in the world and that they actually really like playing together. It seeps into every moment of the set. There is no spotlight competing, even just little moments like when frontman Ronnie Canizaro steps back in moments to let his other members shine. The switching of leads between guitarists Travis Montgomery and Nick Rossi, the times Dan Marinaro was spotlighted and when Cameron Losch stepped out from behind the kit to chat on the mic and hand out a drumstick- there just seemed to be no egos at all. 

This way of playing had them powering through sixteen songs in a set that felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. By the time we hit the halfway point with ‘In Desolation’, the atmosphere was more like a party in a lot of ways. While it didn’t feel like people were going absolutely wrecklessly insane as they do at other shows, the audience moved in a way that just felt so natural. A few people attempted some crowd surfing, and of course, there was a pit, but it was not a forced display. There were a few tech issues, mainly with the guitars (and since some of their gear did not actually make it from China to Adelaide with them), but the band covered for each other so well.  After ‘Ascension’, they did go off for a sneaky encore, but it was obvious the chants for more music were going to be at full force. So the band obliged, hitting us with ‘Two Worlds of Design’ and ‘Machine’. 

Staying onstage to fist bump, hand out setlists and thank the Adelaide fans was just a lovely touch on what was already an impressive display of authenticity. Born Of Osiris is one band you do want to see. There is no doubt that these guys are not just phenomenal musicians, but masters of crafting some of the most interesting and exciting metalcore out there. Not a cookie-cutter riff, melodic chorus, breakdown type of deal. Twists and turns that keep you guessing, and a ride that hits harder live.  But it’s more than that. Their music is absolutely incredible, but the way they perform it is a cut above the rest. 

If you are on the fence about checking them out while they are in Australia, get off it and get your tickets now.
Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are still available so get along.

You won’t regret it. 

Tickets available here.