Crystal Buchberger
PALEFACE SWISS
w/ Nasty
4/25/25 – The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
©Crystal Buchberger
Clouds vortex through the sky while a gentle rain threatens the line of yearning fans trying to make their way into tonight’s venue. The Rave stands alone as one of Milwaukee’s greatest music scenes, guaranteed to bring chaos into tonight’s show. Three Bands – Nasty, Stick To Your Guns, and headliner Paleface Swiss – are plastered on a large black and white sign. As we entered the building, we were led down a steep slope into what felt like an old dive bar. A line of eager fans wrapped around the long bar at the merch booth to the left of the stage. Anyone not wearing black immediately put on their new merch, preparing themselves for tonight’s onslaught.
Lights in the color of blood were directed at the stage, outlining the silhouette of the drums. Nasty hit the stage running as violent screams from the crowd radiated throughout the room. Their opening track, “Reality Check,” set off the crowd as they exploded into a mosh pit.
Bodies slammed together in a frenzy as they danced in a circle. Matthi Tarnath gripped the mic with an emotional charge and headbanged between screams. Crowd surfing was not just expected, it was required. The band’s stage presence was nothing short of demanding.
Check out our concert photos of Nasty below:
Time ticked by as hungry fans patiently waited for Stick To Your Guns to arrive. The band’s guitarist, Josh James, unexpectedly ran his way up to center stage. “Unfortunately, our vocalist was in an accident and is unable to perform.” Whispers of concern filled the crowd. Before anyone had a chance to react, Nasty flung themself back onto stage, ready for more blood to be shed. They shredded the stage up as members of Paleface Swiss eagerly joined them. “We have never, ever played this song live before,” Paleface Swiss vocalist Zelli Zellweger said right before breaking out into the song “Talk,” a collaboration between Paleface Swiss and Nasty. The crowd bounced, moshed, and shouted out every word as both bands tore up the stage.
Paleface Swiss’ frontman, Zelli Zellweger, came rushing out drenched in water. Beads of liquid whipped into the audience as he immediately started headbanging. The band exploded into their first song, “Hatred,” a track off their newest album, Cursed, that was released earlier this year. Their complex riffs and screaming vocals sent shockwaves through the tightly packed crowd.
Zelli signaled to the crowd, with a gentle movement of his hands, to split the crowd in half. Everyone obeyed as they moved to create a wall of death. The crowd roared and limbs went flying as Paleface Swiss belted out their next song “The Gallow.” The intensity of the crowd did not disappoint as crowd surfers flooded towards the barricade.
‘’The only reason why we are here is because of Milwaukee Metal Fest,” Zelli explained. The crowd from last year’s festival was so brutal and raw, Paleface Swiss made it a mission to come back and headline at The Rave. Milwaukee crowds are known for their intensity, and tonight solidifies that. While playing their final song, “Love Burns,” Zelli leaped off the stage to high-five everyone.
Crowd surfers were relentless as they took their chance at touching the vocalist. Even after the last lyric was sung, crowd surfers continued their onslaught toward the pit. The band finished their set and walked off stage, leaving the crowd earning for more.
Check out our concert photos of Paleface Swiss below:
By the end of the night, ears were ringing, necks were destroyed, and nobody left without the feeling of mayhem. Many fans left hoping for a speedy recovery for Jesse Barnett, lead singer of Stick To Your Guns. Most decided to head straight to the bars to continue their Friday night. The Rave hosted many legendary shows over the years, but this one will go down as pure chaos.
WATCH: Paleface Swiss – River Of Sorrows (Official Music Video)
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