With new front man, Marcus Bridge, being in the band for nearly a year, everyone had high hopes for how well the set would be, especially following the new album, Node. It’s safe to say that no one was disappointed, and there wasn’t a single person who wasn’t moving and enjoying themselves.
Opening the night was Hellions, bringing sweat and energy to the table, certainly made sure people were off their feet and giving 100% from the get-go.
Next up was the eagerly anticipated, The Acacia Strain, bringing anger, anger and a bit more anger. These guys definitely knew how to get the crowd properly moving, with a few crowd surfers joining in the madness.
Following on from TAS’s heavy set; LA boys, Volumes, showed what metalcore is really about. With hard-hitting lyrics and heavy riffs, these guys made sure everyone was pumped for the headliner. Vahle had everyone off their feet, giving 120%, with both the band and fans getting emotionally deep into the fantastic song.
The next 15 minutes felt like an eternity, waiting for the big act, Northlane to hit the stage. All of a sudden, ‘Obelisk‘ hit the air and the whole band are delivering to the crowd, a face melter to make sure the energy is high. The first single the guys produced with Bridge, ‘Rot‘, was next up, and it was a banger. There’s nothing better than a mellow beginning, then a face-punching chorus, and it was safe to say the crowd conveyed this reaction with crowd surfing, barrier jumping and a pit as big as the venue. This energy stayed for the rest of the set, and everyone lost their sh*t when ‘Masquerade‘ was played. Marcus Bridge certainly nails the older songs as well as the new.
The band walked off stage with their heads held high. Northlane’s passion and fire to perform stayed with the crowd, and it’s certainly a gig that will be remembered for a long while.
Words and photography – Sam Mackintosh
