Words by Matt New
Pix by Angie New Photography
The Dillinger Escape Plan has long been one of heavy music’s most enigmatic bands, whose brand of chaos is carefully crafted with razor-sharp precision. Their debut release, Calculating Infinity, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, was a watershed moment in metal, establishing Dillinger Escape Plan as a force to be reckoned with. After a hiatus in 2017, the reformation of Dillinger, with founding vocalist Dimitri Minakakis back at the helm, has been highly anticipated by fans worldwide. The Enmore Theatre in Sydney, a venue deeply embedded in the city’s rich live music culture, hosted this electrifying return. While Dillinger is known for their tumultuous energy in smaller venues, the larger setting of the Enmore highlighted the broad, ever-growing respect for the band’s influence.
Before Dillinger could take the stage, the audience was treated to a truly mind-bending performance by Ho99o9, a New Jersey-based duo that has garnered a reputation for blending industrial, hip-hop, metal, and hardcore punk into an unpredictable sonic landscape. Known for their raw, abrasive style, Ho99o9 has earned their place as one of the more polarising acts in modern music, and their performance was nothing short of captivating.
The duo’s dynamic was immediately striking. theOGM, with his hardcore punk-influenced raps, was a force of nature, while Eaddy brought an unexpected balance with his versatile vocals, seamlessly weaving between aggressive rapping and melodic hooks. Together, their performance was an awakening, fusing experimental sounds and aggressive energy. Including several samples of classic old-time songs like The Chordettes’ Mr. Sandman and Frank Sinatra’s My Way fused into their set for quite the juxtaposing impact.
What made it even more memorable was the fact that Dillinger Escape Plan’s drummer, Billy Rymer, has been drumming for Ho99o9 since 2020, and he brought his immaculate drumming to their performance. His rhythmic expertise added a level of intensity to Ho99o9‘s already high-octane set, further highlighting the chameleon-like nature of their music. Ho99o9 were intense yet had an amusing side to them while they engaged with the audience, commenting on “where the weed was at?” Standout tracks included Protect My Bitch PT.2, Battery Not Included, and the band’s most recent single, Upside Down. Ho99o9 was an incredible complement to the chaos of Dillinger Escape Plan’s music, and they absolutely blew the entire Enmore audience away.
And then, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived. Dillinger Escape Plan took the stage, and from the first note of Destro’s Secret, the audience was catapulted into a world of pure, unbridled chaos. The band’s ability to perform such complex, intense music with flawless precision is truly mind-blowing. Every member gave their all, delivering a level of ferocity and passion that was palpable. There was no room for hesitation or uncertainty, as Dillinger’s performance was a direct assault on the senses. Every moment of each song is carefully manufactured with a rare level of virtuosity that is unmatched within the realms of metal, math rock, and hardcore music. It is unbelievable to fathom how meticulous their performance is while they quite literally throw their bodies around with rampant force on stage, a skill I have never seen replicated to the same effect, and that’s why I respect this band so much.
In addition to performing every track from Calculating Infinity, there was a selection of songs from their early EPs, including Monticello from the self-titled Dillinger Escape Plan EP, as well as all tracks from 1998’s Under The Running Board. If you are an OG Dillinger Escape Plan fan, this setlist was purely divine. Yes, the band went on to achieve a lot more commercial success when singer Greg Puciato joined after Dimitri Minakakis’ departure back in 2001, but being able to witness these songs with Minakakis just felt right. His brooding presence was impeccable as he towered over the crowd atop the Enmore Stage, on multiple occasions getting amongst the action in the mosh pit. From that point onwards, it felt like there was no barrier between the band and the audience. Minakakais was drawn to wherever the chaos pulled him. The band has a very fun sense of humour, considering their music is so disjointed. Minakakis acknowledged the fans in the upper tier by saying “everyone up there is like the fucking muppet show,” which stirred rousing laughter.
Billy Rymer’s drumming was, as always, alien and ungodly. His relentless precision and timing gave the songs a foundation, even as the music veered between discordant noise and intricate, jazzy moments. The band’s technical prowess has always been a defining feature, and here, it was on full display. Liam Wilson has been with the group almost from the very beginning, and his performance is always so intense yet laser-focused. Along with guitarist James Love, the two fed off each other’s discordant harmony and provided so much stability to the group.
Ben Weinman, the sole remaining founding member of Dillinger Escape Plan, is a whirlwind on stage, and he is a vastly gifted guitar player. The music represents so much of his personality and vision, so much so that Dillinger Escape Plan simply would not be the same without him. It was amazing to see him thrash across the stage, shredding like an evil jazz-metal demon. At times, you felt for the safety of his guitar, as on many occasions, it flirted with disaster by being thrown airborne across the stage of the Enmore. In contrast to his maniacal stage performance, Weinman gave a heartfelt shoutout to each of the band’s members during a brief technical issue, reinforcing the tight-knit camaraderie that has kept the band together despite the years.
The performance felt personal – a celebration not just of their music, but of their journey together. The band’s setlist was peppered with surprises that kept the energy at a fever pitch. A cover of Ministry’s Just One Fix was a perfect fit, charging the atmosphere with primal energy. Dillinger also delivered an impeccable rendition of Aphex Twin’s Come to Daddy, a song famously adapted by the band with Mike Patton. This track, with its electronic experimentation fused with Dillinger’s trademark aggression, was a true highlight. The crowd responded with raucous enthusiasm, but it was the climactic performance of 43% Burnt to conclude their implausible set that left the audience breathless. The song’s already-impressive technical intricacy was pushed to its limits, as the band toyed with its structure, twisting it into new shapes and rhythms.
It’s hard to convey the sheer intensity of Dillinger Escape Plan’s performance. The band’s ability to balance their unrelenting chaos with such precision is unmatched. The night passed in a blur, and every moment felt like it was a part of something larger – a critical, yet fleeting piece of a musical puzzle that only Dillinger can put together. Despite the members being on the cusp of 50, their energy and stage presence haven’t waned in the slightest. Guitars were swung in wide arcs, microphone stands flew across the stage, and members were airborne, all the while maintaining a level of control that kept the audience in awe. All elements we have come to demand from the Dillinger experience.
Although they may be an outlier in the world of heavy music, that is precisely what has kept them relevant for so many years. Their music is a reflection of their unwillingness to conform or to settle for easy answers. They’ve carved out a space where originality reigns, and their fans—old and new alike—continue to flock to their shows in reverence. As much as we hope that the Dillinger Escape Plan will return to Australia once again, sadly this will be the last time we will have the opportunity to witness one of the most unique bands of all time.
The live chapter of this band may be extinguished, but their music will forever continue to punch you in the face in the best way possible.
