Electric Callboy
w/Ice Nine Kills and coldrain.
Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Adelaide, South Australia
September 6th 2026

_{Review by Kayla Hamilton
Photos from Dajo Eberlei (source: Electric Callboy Official)}

Electric Callboy‘s career trajectory has been an incredible feat to watch. From small venue side shows and early stage appearances at Good Things Festival to doing a full arena tour of Australia in only four years is as impressive as they come.

That’s also the word that can aptly describe the show (along with the other acts that played before them) they put on in their return to Adelaide: impressive.

Joining this tour for their third time in Australia were Japan metalcore darlings, Coldrain. No strangers to the big lights themselves, the Nagoya lads took the opportunity to show the punters why they are well on their way to becoming a legacy act in their home country. It did not take too long for the crowd to respond as they thundered through some of the heaviest of their discography (along with some of their more known anime openings). Opening with ‘EX-HUMANITY’, and giving us bangers like ‘Mayday’, ‘Rabbit Hole’ and ‘Cut Me’, they gave a display that showed a professionalism of 18-years in the game. Finishing with epic ‘Chasing Shadows’, the general consensus in the room was that when (not if) the band returns, they should be doing their own headline run. (This reviewer also agrees with this statement.)

ICE NINE KILLS were a whole different kettle of fish, but when it comes to theatrics and showmanship, they really nail every single moment. As somebody unfamiliar with their lore and work, I was not too sure what to expect going in. I’m also not a horror movie buff, so I fear I may not be the target audience, but all in all, they have a very easy-to-digest sound (even if the visuals may not always be). The segments in between songs on the television were creative and in moments did fill in the gaps I have about their lore.

The real takeaway from ICE NINE KILLS set is that they seem to be having a lot of fun and honestly, it made it fun for me. Having a performance with a live soundtrack was campy in the best way. I particularly enjoyed the appearance of Alex Reade from Make Them Suffer. The final moments with their own character Art The Clown finally gave me the real visual shock I was expecting. I found myself getting really wrapped up in the finale. Now, this is not a band I do see myself fully getting into down the line, but I am happy I can say I saw them. Also, this is another act I’m surprised has not had their own headline tour of Australia. I suspect that it won’t be far off.

As it came time for the main event, the German phenom Electric Callboy, the anticipation of the audience was palpable. Opening with the tour’s title track, TANZNEID, I was immediately convinced that this band belongs in arenas. Flowing seamlessly into their Sum 41 cover ‘Still Waiting’ and the popular track ‘Tekkno Train’, the sets segments were noticeable but it just added to the overall theatrical quality of the show.

Just like their music, it was a diverse ride through their eras. We had an Electric Bassboy segment, giving us a chance to sing and boogie to their versions of ‘All The Small Things’ and ‘Bodies’. We got a boyband segment where they went from Backstreet Boys to their own instant classic ‘The Way You Are‘. They did not leave out any of the popular hits and they danced effortlessly between their years. Oh and I simply cannot forget to mention Frank Zummo‘s drum solo. As somebody who has been a fan of Sum 41 since their start, it was so satisfying to see him be able to take on a new stage of his career as Callboy’s official drummer.

Most notably, though, there was just this overwhelming sense of both fun and gratitude. Frontmen Kevin and Nico were excellent hosts, keeping the energy up from start to finish. As goofy and fun as they are, there was also so much sincerity in their words. That’s what I think the appeal of this band is. They don’t take themselves too seriously and especially the Australian audiences can see that.

Finishing with ‘Elevator Operator’ and then coming back for an encore of ‘RATATATA’, ‘Space Man’ and ‘We Got The Moves’ was just the perfect way to wrap up this party promoted as a metal show. Everything from the pyro, the confetti, the lighting, the stage show, the costumes and of course, the music was on point. The 105-minute set FLEW by and even in the stands, I could feel the absolute joy emanating from everybody in the room.

When this tour was announced, I was not sure that these three bands would work together, as on the surface they seem to be so different. Stripping them down sonically to their sound and structure, there were a lot of similarities. They fit together like a puzzle. Pieces have to have different parts to slot together, and this is what this show was start to finish.

If you are on the East Coast, there is still time to make it to a show.

So get your tickets now. Find them here.