Liveset Review: Holy Priest @ Nexus Paris in 2024

Imagine being at the heart of Paris, surrounded by a sea of ravers, each one lost in the pounding beats and hypnotic atmosphere. Holy Priest took the stage at Nexus Paris 2024, and what unfolded was nothing short of a sonic journey that left everyone breathless.

An Energy-Driven Opening

Holy Priest wasted no time in setting the tone for the night. From the moment the first kick drum hit, the intensity was palpable. Opening with “Dirty Funk” by Kyle Ramsay, featuring deep, rumbling basslines and eerie industrial effects, Holy Priest immediately captured the crowd’s undivided attention. You could feel the bass vibrating through the air, and it was clear that this set wasn’t just about music—it was an experience.

The first few tracks were layered with acid-infused synths and relentless, rapid-fire percussion. Tracks like “Step To The Rhythm” by GEWOONRAVES, Rizzo, and Zentryc, followed by “The Evil Within” by GEWOONRAVES, XTS, and Zentryc, kept the atmosphere electric as the tempo soared above 150 BPM, with a dark, ominous vibe that was quintessential Holy Priest. The crowd responded in kind, cheering and moving as one with the relentless beats.

Moments of Pure Hypnosis

About halfway through the set, Holy Priest transitioned into a hypnotic groove with tracks like “Pharos & Kings” by GRAVEDGR and Algo, featuring rolling basslines and distorted vocal samples that echoed through the massive warehouse space. This part of the set was a testament to their ability to keep the energy high while introducing moments of trance-like repetition, pulling everyone deeper into the music. The strobe lights and visual effects amplified the vibe, creating a sense of being in a timeless void where only the beat mattered.

A standout moment came with the track “DO YOU LIKE BASS?” by Yellow Claw (Holy Priest Hard Version), twisted with Holy Priest’s signature hard, raw edge. The familiar melody brought cheers of recognition, while the distorted, hard-hitting beats kept it fresh and exhilarating. The effect was magical—a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern brutality.

Relentless Drops and Crowd Connection

One of the highlights of the set was Holy Priest’s seamless ability to build tension and release it with explosive drops. Tracks like “Forget About Dre” by Eminem x Psyko Punkz (Holy Priest & elMefti Hard Version) and “Wanna Play?” by The Prophet (Holy Priest Version) featured extended buildups that expertly teased the crowd, only to unleash a barrage of raw kicks and industrial claps that sent shockwaves through the venue. The energy in the room was relentless, and you could see the euphoric expressions on the faces of those lucky enough to be in attendance.

Holy Priest also knew how to play with the crowd, frequently cutting the beat and allowing the audience to fill the silence with cheers and screams before slamming back in with full force. These moments of crowd interaction, especially during tracks like “Fuck This” by Holy Priest, elMefti, and FACELESS, made the performance feel personal—like everyone was part of the same pulsating heartbeat.

A Dark and Explosive Finale

The final part of the set was pure chaos in the best way possible. Holy Priest cranked up the intensity even further, mixing in some hardcore-influenced tracks like “Lose Control” by Missy Elliot (Holy Priest Hard Version) and “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio, Holy Priest & 1 World, pushing the BPMs to the edge. The bass hits were so heavy they seemed to physically move the air, and the flashing lights synced perfectly with every thundering beat.

The closing track was “S****y Kicks” by Holy Priest, a monstrous, distorted banger that left no one standing still. It was raw, aggressive, and a perfect way to end a set that had been pushing boundaries from start to finish. As the lights dimmed and the final echoes of the kick drum faded, the crowd erupted into applause, cheering for more—a sure sign that Holy Priest had delivered a set to remember.

Final Thoughts

Holy Priest’s performance at Nexus Paris 2024 was a masterclass in hard techno. Their ability to blend intense, industrial beats with hypnotic rhythms kept the crowd locked in from the first kick to the last. With standout tracks like “Direct It To The Roof” by AZYR (Holy Priest Hard Version) and “Rock The Rhythm” by Kenai, it was dark, it was raw, and it was exactly what you would expect from one of the most exciting artists in the hard techno scene today. For those who missed it, the recording is an absolute must-listen—and for those who were there, it was a night that will be remembered for a long time.

Ready to relive the experience? Check out the full set and feel the energy all over again.