There’s something to be said about the way bands come into favor in the modern landscape. There are plenty examples of artists deploying spectacle, cementing a cohesive social media presence and chasing the TikTok wave in order to try to reach a wider audience. But for some bands, it is clear that they prize their musical talent above all else. Industrial rock band HEALTH is a prime example. Coming up from the underground scene in Los Angeles, initially as a noise rock/experimental project, the band have built themselves a steady (and devoted) fanbase. Tonight’s show at the Hollywood Palladium marked the pinnacle of their artistry so far as they sold out the 4,000 person capacity venue to the hilt.
Each of the openers represented a part of HEALTH’s musical journey, arguably in chronological fashion. First up was Paul Lai who reminisced the band’s earlier experimental work on their self-titled debut LP and 2009’s Get Color. Lai’s performance was atmospheric with no frills, no filter and all feeling.
Next on the mic was electronic outfit Desire who represented HEALTH’s turn toward the more pop-facing electronic album DEATH MAGIC and their 2019 record VOL.4: SLAVES OF FEAR. Desire worked the crowd from start to finish with Johnny Jewel of Chromatics and Glass Candy manning the synthesizers.
Ever see an artist command a room armed with no more than a couple of words? Look no further than French darksynth musician Carpenter Brut. With a set comprised of instrumental-focused tracks, one would think the energy would die down. That was most definitely not the case for the group who had the audience moshing, crowdsurfing and headbanging throughout the hour long performance. Carpenter Brut’s output is more aligned with HEALTH’s recent back-to-back critically acclaimed albums RAT WARS and CONFLICT DLC. They are both rooted in industrial rock and metal with a heavy electronic edge. The French musician just released his latest album Leather Temple back in February and took the time to play it in its entirety. The group finished off with an electrifying cover of Michael Sembello’s 1983 hit “Maniac.”
Once HEALTH took the stage, it was clear they were more than worthy of headlining a venue with the stature of the iconic Hollywood Palladium. Wasting no time, they jumped right into fan favorite single “VIBE COP” which had the audience on their feet and moving within seconds. Pits broke out, crowdsurfers ruled the waves and headbanging was had by just about everyone. Having previously seen the band’s show at The Belasco in 2024, this set felt more full bodied in comparison. With the additional touring guitarist on heavier songs like “SHRED ENVY,” “VIBE COP” and “CHILDREN OF SORROW,” their reputation as pioneers of the burgeoning subgenre of “cum metal” has been secured. The guitar also added a new, grittier feeling to their track “DON’T KILL YOURSELF.” In the original recording of the song, the synths take center stage, serving as a tender lullaby of sorts but the live version with added guitar brings an even more poignant feeling of despair and grief. Throughout the set, it was clear the band were focusing in on their most recent output with the majority of the performances coming from RAT WARS and CONFLICT DLC. Notably missing from the setlist was DEATH MAGIC’s “STONEFIST.” They did, however, save a spot for “WE ARE WATER” from 2009’s Get Color, which was appreciated by day one fans and those who have an appreciation for the band’s earlier noise rock days. HEALTH also ensured they kept tributes to their video game contributions on the setlist with “Tears” from Max Payne 3 and “MAJOR CRIMES” from Cyberpunk 2077 holding strong. As they did last time they were in their hometown, they closed the night off with a thrilling rendition of “DSM-V,” their high voltage, adrenaline-inducing final single from 2023’s RAT WARS.
As the show came to an end, bassist John Famiglietti asked fans for a favor, requesting a “ride” to the sound booth positioned at the back of the venue. The crowd obliged, ensuring he made it safely to his destination. That’s the beauty of a band like HEALTH. They are down to earth, they experience the same messy, often downright terrible realities that the general public does. But instead of turning their nose up or looking the other way, they address it and create a sense of community surrounding that reality. Their music, as abrasive as it sounds and as dark as its lyrics are, foster a deep emotional connection, one that transcends beyond rigid boundaries or genres. Its messages are grim, but there’s a hidden hope and that’s all humanity can ask for.
HEALTH Setlist
1. VIBE COP
2. TRASH DECADE
3. HATEFUL
4. SHRED ENVY
5. FEEL NOTHING
6. ANTIDOTE
7. CRACK METAL
8. CHILDREN OF SORROW
9. ASHAMED
10. MAJOR CRIMES
11. TEARS
12. WE ARE WATER
13. YOU DIED
14. DEMIGODS
15. FUTURE OF HELL
16. ORDINARY LOSS
17. DON’T KILL YOURSELF
18. DSM-V
Photo credit: Vivianne Navarrete
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