Sick New World Fest Rocked by System of a Down, Deftones, Korn, and more

This Mother’s Day weekend highlights the MOTHER of all nu-metal gatherings. Tens of thousands of fans gathered under a 90-plus degree desert sun to witness System a Down (making their only scheduled performance in 2023), Korn, Deftones, Incubusand dozens more at the inaugural Sick New World festival last Saturday (May 13) in Las Vegas.

Early birds storm the gates at 11am to start their day indulging in options like Korn Koffee or a cold Deftones Phantom Bride IPA. Fans flocked in heat to and from the Spiral, Sick, Purple, and Green stages, led by demonic motifs. Nightmare Before Christmas-chic goth and a combination of Spencer’s Gifts and Hot Topic-inspired attire are the fashion of the festival. Eclectic tattoos, colorful hair, Happy Bunny tee shirts, and piercings abound on the bodies of various fans, young and old.

Alien Ant Farm wished fans “Happy Birthday” and “Happy Mother’s Day” as they performed electric renditions of their songs “Courage,” “Movies,” “Wish,” and their signature cover of “Smooth Criminal” featuring CeCe Peniston’s ’90s dance classic “Finally” as the outro.

Despite the rumble and obvious sound issues, Lacey Sturm’s joyous return to Flyleaf after a 10-year absence from the band made for a much-anticipated set of the day. Sturm’s screeching high notes and jarring vibrato hit or miss cutting through the seemingly blasted speakers, as the band performed “Again,” “So Alive,” “I’m So Hurt,” and ” All Around Me.” Next, POD was larger than life playing their hits “Boom,” “Youth of the Nation,” and “Alive” featuring a surprise guest vocal appearance by Jinjer’s Tatiana Schmayluk (whose toured last year).

As the scorching midday sun began to set, fans perhaps beginning to feel “too sick” from the heat, many joined an exodus from the main stages to the shaded tents. for a break.

From there, Papa Roach grabbed attention with a surprise appearance by Hollywood Undead with their song “Swerve” and played all the crowd favorites including “Getting Away With Murder,” “Scars,” and “Last resort.” Turnstile followed up with their rousing mix of hardcore punk (“True Thing” and “Holiday”) and melodic groove (“Don’t Play” and “Fly Again.”) After their debut at last year’s Coachella festival , it’s easy to understand why. Turnstile is one of the most exciting live acts today.