Parabelum’s debut live show at the Milk Bar in Perth on Saturday 16 August 2025 carried the weight of expectation. Billed as their single launch for From Darkness to the Light, it was the first time the new band had stepped onto a stage together, and the crowd, full of many familiar faces, was eager to see whether their blend of melody and metal could live up to the hype. Supported by Legacy Alive and Code Red, the night had the feeling of a community celebration of local rock and metal, with the Milk Bar’s intimate setting giving everyone a clear view of what was to come.
It was a competitive night though around town, and a testament to how much the Rock scene in Perth has regrown itself over the last few years – Jason Ayres was playing down in Fremantle with his easy on the ear full band Eagles-sound; and Art of Dysfunction were launching their latest single back at Amplifier. Three great shows on the same night – it was like stepping back in time 10-15 years when you could have a full weekend out most weekends and get your Rock and Metal fill.
From the opening notes, Parabelum played with an assurance that belied their lack of live history. The pacing of the set was smartly judged, alternating between bruising heaviness and melodic breathing space. They didn’t simply run through their songs but engaged directly with the audience, acknowledging the cheers and commanding the small stage with confidence. It was the kind of presence that suggested the band already understood the difference between playing music and delivering a performance.
Vocalist Mick Vinnie was particularly impressive, his voice shifting seamlessly from gritty growls to soaring melodic passages without losing control. Krissy Sanfead’s lead work as impeccable, stealing focus and adding cool accents amongst the thrown shapes. She’s come a long way since the we first saw her with Reaper’s Riddle and Beyond Never. She shone through tonight with clean, expressive leads and clever textural flourishes. Jake Isard on drums and Sean Savage on bass kept everything grounded with a rhythmic drive that gave the songs heft and cohesion, even during the heavier, more chaotic moments.
In a set that included some choice covers that tell the tale of where the band is coming from and where they want to position themselves they acquitted themselves beautifully. There was a great version of ‘The Trooper’ by Maiden and a little rougher run through Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’.
Most might have expected that the highlight of the night would have been the single From Darkness to the Light but for me positioning it so early in the set is the sign of a confident band. On the night it sounded great – it came across as both powerful and memorable, with a chorus that resonated well in the live mix. While some of the softer-to-heavier transitions could have flowed more smoothly, the track proved it could stand tall on stage and not just in the studio.
Other original songs teased what might be coming on their EP later in the year, each one reinforcing the band’s ambition to balance melody with aggression. My favourites were ‘Demon Inside’, ‘Foresaken Solace’ and the closer ‘Echoes of Failure’ but everything shone. If ever a band was crying out for a second guitar live though it’s these guys, on the basis of the songs I heard tonight that extra depth would allow the lead to soar even more and add another texture. That was underlined later in the set when Jacob Kenny of Legacy Alive joined the band onstage to turn up the dial.
The opening acts did their part to set the tone, with Legacy Alive and Code Red energising the crowd and priming the room for the main event. Their contributions gave the night a sense of progression, with anticipation building until Parabelum finally stepped out.
The sound on the night was solid, with vocals cutting through clearly and the guitars carrying enough bite without overwhelming the mix. At times the cymbals were a touch too bright in the faster drum fills, but this was a minor quibble in what was otherwise a well-balanced performance. Lighting was simple but effective, complementing the shifts in mood without trying to overcomplicate things.
For a debut, Parabelum displayed a level of professionalism that suggested they’ve been working toward this for much longer than one show. The musicianship was consistently impressive, the crowd engagement genuine, and the set thoughtfully constructed. A few rough edges will no doubt smooth out as they gain more experience, but the potential on display was undeniable.
By the time they left the stage, it was clear that Parabelum had made a strong first impression. They had shown that they are not just another local metal band testing the waters, but a group with the skill, presence, and songs to carve out a lasting place in the Perth scene. Their EP later this year will be the real test, but on this showing, they are a band worth watching very closely. A very impressive debut indeed, it will be cool to see where this goes.
