Photos and Review by: Monika Oberscheven-Smith

Attending three Cancer Bats shows back-to-back was a whirlwind of intensity, energy, and pure musical joy. Over three days, I experienced the band's infectious passion across two venues: The Newcastle Hotel and Crowbar Sydney. Each show, while unique in its own right, reinforced why Cancer Bats have such a dedicated following.

The weekend kicked off on Friday, June 14th, at The Newcastle Hotel with an intimate yet powerful performance. The venue, packed enough to create an electric atmosphere but spacious enough for easy movement was alive with enthusiastic vibes. From the moment they took the stage, the Cancer Bats unleashed their signature high-energy chaos. Frontman Liam Cormier, with his ever-present smile and boundless enthusiasm, led the charge, engaging the crowd at every turn. The room buzzed with a mix of mosh-pit adrenaline and genuine camaraderie, a testament to the band's deep connection with their fans.

Despite the small size of the venue, the Cancer Bats filled the space with their relentless energy. The setlist featured fan favorites and deep cuts alike, each song delivered with the raw intensity that has become their hallmark. The crowd responded in kind, moshing and singing along with every word. It was clear from the start that this was going to be a weekend to remember.

The second night, Saturday, June 15th, at Crowbar Sydney, was a completely different beast. Performing as Bat Sabbath, the Cancer Bats delivered a tribute to Black Sabbath that was nothing short of spectacular. The venue was packed to the rafters, and the crowd's anticipation was palpable. As Danzig played in the background, fans eagerly awaited the band's arrival. When Mikey Peters, Jaye R. Schwarzer, and Jackie Landry took the stage, the room erupted. Liam Cormier, donning a black cape and cowboy-like shirt, burst onto the scene, instantly captivating the audience with his frenetic energy.

From the opening notes of "Into The Void" to the crowd-pleasers like "Paranoid" and "Iron Man," Bat Sabbath brought a unique hardcore intensity to these classic tracks. Cormier's dynamic stage presence, combined with his gravelly vocals, gave a fresh timbre to the beloved Black Sabbath songs. The energy in the room was unparalleled, with the crowd singing loudly, smiling broadly, and moving wildly in the mosh pit. It was a night of pure, unadulterated heavy metal worship, and the band's joy was evident in every note they played.

The set continued with other Black Sabbath hits, including "Children of the Grave," "War Pigs," and "Black Sabbath," each delivered with unrelenting fury. The highlight of the night, however, came during the encore when Bat Sabbath returned to the stage. Instead of more Sabbath covers, they treated fans to three Cancer Bats tracks—"Lucifer’s Rocking Chair," "Bricks & Mortar," and "Hail Destroyer"—performed with the same alter-ego intensity. It was a fitting end to an incredible performance, leaving the crowd in awe.

The final show on Sunday, June 16th, at Crowbar Sydney, despite being on a Sunday and drawing a slightly smaller crowd, maintained the high energy of the previous nights. The Cancer Bats, true to form, gave 100% from start to finish. The crowd's enthusiasm matched the band's energy, creating an electric atmosphere that felt as vibrant as a full house. Watching the band dart around the stage, it was clear they still approach each performance with the excitement of a band on their first big break. Liam Cormier’s infectious smile and interactive stage presence once again highlighted the genuine appreciation the band has for their fans.

Photographing the Cancer Bats after an eight-month hiatus due to personal reasons was both a challenge and a joy. The band's relentless movement and stage antics always make for an exciting shoot, and this time was no different. The kindness and warmth of the band members, especially Jaye and Mikey, helped ease my nerves. As someone with autism and ADHD, their welcoming nature made me feel at home, turning a potentially overwhelming experience into one of comfort and belonging.

Sharing my personal struggles and the sense of renewed joy I felt during these shows with the band was a deeply humbling moment. Their music and presence on stage brought a sense of happiness I hadn’t felt in a long time, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Cancer Bats have proven time and again why they have such a loyal fan base. Whether performing their original material or paying homage to Black Sabbath, their shows are a masterclass in energy, passion, and connection. The three nights I spent immersed in their world were a testament to their enduring appeal and the powerful impact of live music. If you ever get the chance to see Cancer Bats live, take it—you won't be disappointed.