HIM Soundwave 2014 Sidewaves have been announced.

Following on from a wave of Sidewave show announcements – featuring Soundwave 2014 headliners Avenged Sevenfold, Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, and Black Veil Brides – HIM are confirmed to top a triple-bill show in Sydney and Melbourne with Nostalghia and the Defiled.

A force like no other, HIM and their trademark Heartagram have left an indelible stamp on the globe with over 8 million records sold and the distinction of recording the best-selling single of any Finnish artist to date (‘Join Me In Death’ from 1999’s Razorblade Romance).

HIM were also the first Finnish band to receive gold certification in the United States for 2005’s Dark Light. Since 1992 these veteran song-smiths have peddled their unique fusion of forlorn balladry and heavy, synth-laden sounds to create a uniquely potent brew. Tears On Tape – their eighth studio release written acoustically and then translated into the language of volume and heavy distortion – is the stuff that latter-day classics are made of.

Joining HIM, will be post-apocalyptic gypsy punk outfit, Nostalghia, arriving Down Under for Soundwave off the back of their first full-length album I Am Robot, Hear Me Glitch, which has gained praise for its unique synthesis of primal pop and avant-garde leanings. Nostalghia now follow-up with ‘You + I’ the first new single from their forthcoming album.

Last but not least is The Defiled. Gleaming platinum-plated proof that the future has already arrived, the band made 2013 their own as Daggers was released and laid down a new blueprint and manifesto for this most distinctive and destructive of contemporary creative forces.

The HIM, Nostalghia, and The Defiled 2014 Sidewaves follow announcements of headline sideshows from  Soundwave 2014 headliners Avenged Sevenfold, Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, and Black Veil Brides.

In Soundwave tradition there’s also a ream of massive triple-bill shows to enjoy, featuring Mastodon, Baroness, and GojiraRob Zombie & Korn, and Alter Bridge & Living ColourMegadeth, Volbeat, and NewstedThe Dillinger Escape Plan, Glassjaw, and Dir En Grey, and Eagles Of Death Metal, Rocket From The Crypt, & Mutemath.

Then there’s Alice In Chains, Down, and Walking With PapersLess Than Jake, Bowling For Soup, and Zebrahead, and Jimmy Eat World, Panic! At The Disco, with Alkaline Trio, plus Sidewaves AFI with ††† (Crosses)Biffy ClyroPlacebo, and Clutch.

In related news, the Soundwave 2014 lineup underwent a massive lineup change last week after top-billed act Stone Temple Pilots announced they’d cancelled on their festival appearance and sideshows just four weeks out from the event’s kick off.

Citing commitments to recording their first album with Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, the band have since admitted to not telling the whole truth about their Soundwave cancellation, revealing the “initial statement citing ‘recording delays’ wasn’t true.”

Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah has defended Stone Temple Pilots’ decision, saying their “reason is totally valid and understandable. Completely out of their control.” Meanwhile, The Living End have been roped in to replace STP on the Soundwave 2014 lineup, joining a massive bill that features over 90 artists.

HIM Soundwave 2014 Sidewaves Announced

w/ special guests Nostalghia and The Defiled.

TICKETS ON SALE: THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6 @ 9:00AM AEDT

TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY
SYDNEY, THE METRO – Licensed All Ages www.ticketek.com.au

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY
MELBOURNE, 170 Russell (formerly Billboard) – 18+ www.oztix.com.au / www.cornerhotel.com/

Also performing at:

Soundwave 2014 Dates, Tickets

Saturday 22nd February – Brisbane, RNA Showgrounds
Sunday 23rd February – Sydney, Olympic Park
Friday 28th February – Melbourne, Flemington Racecourse
Saturday 1st March – Adelaide, Bonython Park
Monday 3rd March – Perth, Claremont Showgrounds

Tickets on sale via: soundwavefestival.comoztix.com.au & other outlets

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine