Review & Photography by Nathan Vestal for MPM
On December 8, 2024, Combichrist took the stage at Da Bar in Milwaukee for a unique performance that promised something special: an “old school set” that paid homage to the band’s industrial dance roots.
Known for their intense energy, aggressive sound, and ferocious live shows, Combichrist has carved out a legacy in the industrial and EBM (electronic body music) scenes.
But this night was different, as the band dug deep into their catalog, revisiting some of their earliest, rawest material.
Da Bar is a modest but beloved venue in Milwaukee, known for its tight, intimate atmosphere. With its low ceilings, dim lighting, and close-knit crowd, it’s the perfect place for a band like Combichrist to unleash their potent blend of aggressive industrial beats.
The small size of the venue made for an up-close-and-personal experience that set the stage for a thrilling night.
The crowd was already buzzing with anticipation as the venue filled up with goths, industrial fans, and newcomers alike. The audience seemed to know they were in for something rare—this wasn’t just another Combichrist gig. The “old school set” promised to go beyond the hits and dig into the gritty, early days of the band’s discography, and the excitement was palpable.
GOTH Barge DJ
Before Combichrist took the stage, a local industrial DJ opened the night. Their mix of hard beats, dark synths, and aggressive vocals set the tone for the evening.
The crowd was already in a trance as the DJ played a range of industrial tracks, some familiar and others deeper cuts, perfectly setting up the high-energy chaos that was about to unfold.
Biocarbon13
Biocarbon13 kicked off the night at Da Bar with an electrifying performance that set the tone for an unforgettable evening of deep cuts. Formed in 2001 and known for their industrial-laced sound combining elements of electronic, synth-wave and EBM, the band transformed the intimate Milwaukee venue into a throbbing epicenter of sonic chaos.
From the moment they took the stage, Biocarbon13 had the crowd hooked with their gratuitous fog and laser light show. The set opened with vocals from frontman IGor Jefe laid over heavy, distorted basslines colliding with pulsating beats from Claudia C. Claudia on keyboard.
The crowd gathered in front of Da Bar’s stage and IGor took his job seriously to get the audience hyped by frequently mingling with and performing from the crowd to encourage the seated patrons to join the masses.
The tight space amplified the intensity of Biocarbon13’s performance, creating a sense of unity between the band and their fans. The lighting and minimal effects worked perfectly with their dystopian aesthetic, emphasizing the industrial grit and futuristic edge of their sound.
Overall, Biocarbon13 delivered a performance that was both brutal and exhilarating, proving that they’re still a force to be reckoned with in the industrial and underground music scenes.
Antania
Antania, an act based in Joshua Tree, CA and signed to Cleopatra Records, delivered an intense set to Da Bar in their opening slot for Combichrist.
Known for their unique blend of “doom bass” and blackened electronic music, the duo mesmerized the audience with their masked personas and genre-defying sound.
Their performance featured tracks from their debut project, The God Complex, showcasing a dark, aggressive fusion of trap beats and black metal-inspired textures. Kali Mortem delivered growling and unsettling vocals while Dr. Luna incorporated thunderous bass drops.
The duo’s commanding stage presence and raw energy captivated both metalheads and industrial fans. The crowd rewarded the band with cheers and applause as they closed out the set with a cover of “Cold” by Static-X.
The band’s ability to create a cinematic and visceral experience on stage promises a bright future for them in the underground music scene. Paired with the old-school industrial vibes of Combichrist, the night offered a diverse and unforgettable sonic journey.
Combichrist
When Combichrist finally hit the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers, but there was a sense of curiosity in the air.
The setlist was revealed slowly, and it was clear from the first few tracks that this show would be a trip down memory lane.
The opening song, “Intruder Alert!” immediately made a statement—announcing “I only came to dance” with its guttural synths, rapid-fire beats, and snarling vocals.
The first track of the first album The Joy of Gunz had the crowd jumping for the relentlessly high-energy set from frontman Andy LePlegua and Eric13 on keyboard and backing vocals.
As the set unfolded, they pulled from their back catalog, delving into tracks including the abrasive “Electrohead” and the darker “God Wrapped in Plastic”.
These songs, filled with industrial noise and relentless rhythm, were a reminder of the band’s roots in harsh, unapologetic EBM and industrial beats.
One of the highlights was “This Shit Will Fcuk You Up”. The live performance brought a rawness that was much more visceral than the studio version, with the pounding rhythms vibrating through the crowd like an electrical current.
Another major crowd favorite was “Get Your Body Beat,” a song that’s known for its heavy, pulsating bass and catchy hooks.
The live performance was nothing short of electrifying, with LaPlegua taking the crowd through a vocal performance that was both commanding and cathartic.
The crowd, full of diehard fans, responded with chants and claps, feeding into the energy that LaPlegua and Eric13 were pushing out.
From the moment the first notes hit, it was clear that Combichrist was operating at full-throttle. LaPlegua’s stage presence was magnetic—his snarling vocals, aggressive movements, and constant interaction with the crowd kept the energy high throughout the night.
He’s known for his ability to completely command the room, and on this night, he did not disappoint. Whether it was standing atop the stage monitors, or shouting lyrics directly into the faces of fans, LaPlegua ensured that everyone in the room felt connected to the performance.
Eric13 was no less impressive. The synths were sharp and menacing, perfectly complementing the brutal drums and bass. This added extra layers of intensity to tracks that were already hard-hitting, making each song feel more alive and organic.
For those familiar with Combichrist’s more recent work, hearing the old school material live felt like rediscovering a lost part of the band’s identity. The industrial noise was rawer, more abrasive, and more in-your-face than what you might hear in their later work.
The harsh synths, the chaotic drumbeats, and LaPlegua’s guttural vocals combined to create an atmosphere of controlled chaos, drawing the crowd into the deep, distorted world Combichrist has built over the years.
One of the most impressive aspects of the show was how well Combichrist connected with their audience. The small venue allowed for a very personal atmosphere, where fans could be close enough to reach out and touch the band members, and this closeness was felt throughout the performance. LaPlegua frequently interacted with the audience, leading chants, and even directing the crowd’s movements.
Combichrist’s “Old School Set” at Da Bar on December 8, 2024, was a night to remember. For long-time fans, it was a chance to revisit the roots of the band’s sound, a return to the noise, chaos, and intensity that made them a force in the industrial scene.
The set was a masterful blend of old fan favorites with deep cuts that took the audience on a journey through the band’s early days.
The intimate venue only added to the intensity of the experience, making it feel like a private, high-energy ritual that no one wanted to end. Combichrist delivered exactly what they promised—an old-school industrial experience that was as brutal and exhilarating as anything they’ve ever done.
For those lucky enough to attend, it was a night of powerful, unapologetic music, and a reminder of why Combichrist remains one of the most vital and thrilling live acts in the industrial and electronic scenes.
