Metallica have rolled into Perth like a runaway freight train and dropped a live performance that basically screams:
“WE’RE STILL THE BIGGEST METAL BAND ON PLANET EARTH — DEAL WITH IT.”
Recorded at Optus Stadium, the new professionally mixed video of “Holier Than Thou” is everything fans love about Metallica’s modern live era — explosive, polished, chaotic, and somehow both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
From the opening chug, James Hetfield has the crowd in the palm of his hand — proper job, that man is ageing like the world’s angriest fine wine. The dude points, growls, snarls, and preaches like a metal-armed prophet while wielding his guitar like he’s still in his 20s tearing up the Bay Area club scene.
And the crowd? LOUD. FEROCIOUS. SINGING EVERY WORD.
The Perth audience sound like they’ve waited their whole lives to scream “YOU! ARE! NOT!” back at Papa Het — and fair play, they absolutely nailed it.
🥁 LARS — LOVE HIM OR ROAST HIM — IS OUT HERE HAVING A BLAST
Say what you want about Lars (and trust me, the internet always does), but the man is playing with energy. The fills? Classic Ulrich. The vibe? Big grin, big cymbals, big chaos. Only in Metallica, mun.
🎸 KIRK & ROB — THE SECRET WEAPON DUO
Kirk’s solo is that signature blend of wah-fuelled madness that you either love or yell at — but here? It works.
Rob’s bass tone is a tank rolling into a cathedral. The low-end is monstrous.
This lineup feels locked in, tight, and absolutely loving every second on that Aussie stage.
🎥 PRO SHOT, PRO SOUND, PRO CHAOS
The footage is crisp as a frosty morning on Snowdon.
The mix is lush — lush as in “Diolch Metallica, this is lovely” lush.
Fans are already calling it one of the best pro-shot releases from the current tour. And honestly? Yeah. It might be.
🇦🇺 THE PERTH CROWD DESERVES A MEDAL
We’ve gotta talk about the Australians.
Metal crowds in Oz are built different.
Optus Stadium is bouncing like a trampoline inside a volcano. Crowd surfers, fists in the air, pits swirling — it’s the kind of crowd energy that makes you wanna book a flight and join in.
Perth said “We’re here for Metallica” and Metallica answered with “Hold my beer.”
🤘 WHY THIS RELEASE MATTERS
“Holier Than Thou” isn’t always a staple in their set — but when they play it, it’s pure early-90s swagger.
With Metallica still in the middle of their world-conquering M72 Tour, these pro-shot drops are like little gifts for fans worldwide — and a reminder that, after 40+ years, they’re still delivering metal moments that punch you square in the chest.
📺 WANT TO WATCH IT?
Metallica released the video across their official platforms — YouTube, socials, the lot.
If you’re a fan of the Black Album era, live Metallica, or just watching James Hetfield yell at 60,000 people like a proud metal dad — you’ll love this.
🖤 FINAL VERDICT:
THICC riffs. Massive crowd. Vintage Hetfield energy.
10/10. Would watch again while necking a pint.
YESS MUN. 🤘🔥
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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