After a very successful debut in 2023, the one-day Sick New World festival returned to Las Vegas for its second edition on Saturday (April 27th), with an even bigger lineup that required a fifth stage. With perfect weather and an eclectic selection of bands including System of a Down, Slipknot, A Perfect Circle, Danny Elfman, Primus, Lamb of God, BABYMETAL, and Bring Me the Horizon, among others, there was most certainly something for everyone.
Each stage of the festival once again had a loose “theme,” with the new Diablo Stage being the place to be for the hardcore kids. Spy, Sunami, Drain, and Trash Talk all put on intense sets that saw countless bodies coming over the barricade. One of the most anticipated sets came from the Drop Nineteens, and the band most certainly did not disappoint, playing a fuzzing, yet heavy shoegaze inspired set.
The Siren Stage was where you could find mostly industrial/electro bands, including Combichrist, VNV Nation, Nitzer Ebb, Front Line Assembly, and Front 242, who have just embarked on their final farewell tour. Front 242 absolutely were one of the high points of the day, closing their set with the classic “Headhunter” (No. 2 on our list of the 50 Best Industrial Songs of All Time). Hardcore heroes Knocked Loose also played the Siren Stage, and were joined by Poppy for the live debut of their recent collaboration “Suffocate.”
The Spiral Stage featured a mix of both ’90s and newer bands, headlined by young sensations Sleep Token. Static-X and Powerman 5000 both had a huge crowd, while former Murderdolls frontman Wednesday 13 dedicated his set to the late Joey Jordison. Jinjer had the largest crowd on that stage, with their fans who had been up against the barricade all day singing along to every word.
Highlights from the Red Stage included Primus, who, as per frontman Les Claypool, had to go buy new instruments earlier in the day due to their gear being lost somewhere between Las Vegas and Colorado the night before. Claypool also announced that the temporary instruments would be auctioned off after the show, with all proceeds going to charity. BABYMETAL put on their usual high energy set as they played in direct sunlight, while Maynard Keenan of A Perfect Circle genuinely seemed to be enjoying himself as he and the band ran through a 10-song setlist that included the hit “Judith” and the Billy Howerdel solo tune “Stars,” featuring a guest appearance from Rizz of VOWWS.