The air is hot with anticipation tonight, we see 3 bands worth of highly revered musicians, each considered to be a master in their respective fields. Not only was this a show for the people who wanted a good time, but also a presentation for technical appreciation.
Up first with no nonsense were Good Tiger with an impressive resume of musicians making up the sound. It wasn’t long before ‘All Her Own Teeth’ displayed their unique genre with resonant guitars making lighter jingles that soon descend into a tsunami of dropping melodies. What really stands out is Elliot Coleman’s vocal range and style, providing a rare spice which makes them stand out within a genre where, at times, it can be easy to blend in. This brings me to my next point; how would you define their genre? It has a familiar alternative edge but is presented in a much different manner, a manner which the crowd were more than happy to mosh along to. ‘Where Are The Birds’ is a particular highlight, a funky groove driving the main verses of the song with a deep, delicious chorus section made for quite the impact in a live setting. In fact, watching this band live, you get a real sense that this group of talented musicians have created the music they’ve wanted to create, genuine, heartfelt and a masterpiece of craftsmanship make up for an irresistible sound that makes you want to listen and figure them out. Are Good Tiger to be the new kings of the alternative genre? Well, they’re definitely a serious contender, aren’t they?
Veil of Maya erupt onto the scene, ripping the reins from the hands of the crowd and leading them all into their world. ‘Nyu’, another groovy but chug-filled song, is definitely a good weapon for getting a sometimes inhibited crowd to throw that away and lose their minds, and of course, with such veterans of the ‘metalcore’ genre, tonight was no exception. With war cry like screams and growls from Lukas Magyar it was hard to breathe when the breakdowns reached their peak with crunching riffs and his insatiable vocals hammering at the airwaves, switching from low to high effortlessly and showing a high amount of appreciation from the crowd. ‘Mikasa’ shows the same melodic feel and pounding double pedal that the band is renowned for, but incorporates more clean vocals. This, coupled with the frontman’s flawless screams, really shows how well he has honed his skills to push himself from one extreme to the next. The song itself having a slightly more pop hook to it then seen in other songs, but still having enough identity behind it so you wouldn’t mistake it for any other band. Oder song ‘Unbreakable’ Got people moving as if the floor was lava, mosh pits were demanded and the musos on stage were leading the jumping up and down. Musically, a more aggressive and dark track, but with their trademark groove orientated metal the newer songs brushing against the older songs never seemed out of place. Take ‘Punisher’ for example, another of Veils well known melodic ideas driving the song with ambient programmed sections and punishing breakdowns. Then there’s ‘Aeris’, a lighter melody but with enough ‘Veil-sm’ behind it to make way for the intense breakdown that then switches to and from these ideas. This song best displays the true extent of their palette and how incorporating two seemingly opposite ideas actually makes for a sweeter, more attentive sound. A very well-balanced and intelligent set from the 4-piece, and the look of the crowd of sweaty faces and a satisfied atmosphere it felt as if the night was coming to a close, but this was just the eye of the storm.
Distant sound of war drums, the cheer of the crowd, the feeling of being pulled towards something inescapable, yes, the event horizon was here, and no one does it better than Periphery. A frenzied, insane rush, drops that make your heart skip, odd rhythms that catch your ear, that lead to an even better climax. Beautiful instrumentals, the crowd getting up in unity, this show had an atmosphere of something special.
Kicking off with ‘Muramasa’, demonstrating both sides of the varied melodies this band can produce, wonderfully atmospheric tones combined with menacing drops that complemented one another well. The great use of dynamics from soft melodic passages played with finesse, too much louder, much more pulverising heavy sections made for engaging and fascinating live music and already the crowd were impressed and more than willing to head bang and jump along with the band. ‘Psychosphere’, a particular highlight from a musical point of view, is a very intriguing track with an almost horror movie-like feel. The beginning is dreamlike with dark undertones, and then a sudden drop turns the song into djent-driven madness. With an earthy bass section for good measure, and Spencer Sotelo’s impeccable vocal range providing unrivalled clean vocals and soul-shattering screams and growls. Accompanied by pounding drums and an odd time signature leaves an anthemic yet disturbing feel to the ending of the song.
Finishing off with ‘Four Lights’ and ‘Stranger Things’, our leader Spencer carries good stage craft, getting the crowd singing, clapping and even inciting a whirlwind of a circle pit in the middle of the venue. The heavy sections of these songs and in fact the whole set were aggressive, technical and crowd pleasing, the mellow sections were emotional, connecting and important, and I mean that in the sense that not one word, or even one sound was uttered by the crowd during the slower moments. Looking around, you got a real sense these moments mattered to the crowd, it was like a fantasy, as if we were all suspending our disbelief to be closer to the songs, closer to the band. The way in which Periphery slowly turned the screw throughout the set made the heavy sections feel like more of an occasion, which in turn made more of the crowd want to get involved.
When the final note was strummed, the long outro was finished in a dramatic style by the band. The crowd was in awe, their thirst quenched, and like when you see a good movie, this night, and this band will be talked about for a long time to come.
Words – Marc Allum
Photography – Kayleigh Warren
