First up are the rap metal band Oxymorrons. Their mix of influences is impressive, and with their energetic and funky grooves they soon have everyone nodding along. They’ll appeal to fans of Fever333 and Skindred for sure, but they're also not afraid to break out some Turnstile type tunes too. One of the things that really impressees me about Oxymorrons is their ability to switch things up and keep the audience engaged. The platform across the front of the stage gives them ample opportunity to prowl the stage whilst delivering some impressive rap segments, and the two vocalists really know how to work the crowd. There is plenty of chat between songs too, and that serves to help the interaction as well.

The clean singing is flush with clarity and on point, with the drumming another particularly impressive aspect. There is a great variety in the drum parts, and at one point, it even reminds me of some Pitchshifter-type ‘Genius’ beats. The guitar work is also top-notch, and the guitarist's vocals give me some serious Dallas Green vibes. Oxymorrons' message of not closing your mind and opening up your heart and ears is definitely something we can all get behind, but importantly they're a really fun, bouncy, and energetic band that is definitely worth checking out. So, be sure to catch them if they venture back to the UK. 

If you're a fan of bands like Orgy, Electric Callboy and Red Method, then Ghøstkid is a band that you need to look up. The German band is a unique mix of those bands, with a heavy dollop of Marilyn Manson thrown in. Theatrical and haunting synth verses shift into gothic pop-metal choruses. The band has a very distinct look - with painted faces and The Matrix mixed with Rammstein outfits. Light boxes and a backdrop complete the full performance image and show. They seem very serious about their trade, and it shows in their polished performance. The frontman has both good shouted and clean vocals, which helps elevate the variety of the elements within each song.

The guitars in Ghøstkid's music are old school nu-metal in tone and feel, with mid-scooped tones. That said, the music is gothic, rather than party time, which adds to the overall vibe of the band. But they do also have a very Eurovision feel to their music…in a good way! The new single, ‘Hollywood Suicide’, has it all – once again that theatrical and haunting synth backing verse into poppy-metal choruses. Overall, Ghøstkid is a band that you should definitely check out if you're a fan of this genre.

This Bad Omens gig was originally set for Manchester Club Academy, but it's clear to see why the band was given an upgrade as all the crowd is here for them, and the venue is packed to the rafters. The frontman makes a grand entrance (complete with crazy balaclava intro video), delivering his delicate and fragile cleans that have the audience hooked from the start. The drummer joins him and they kicked off the gig proper, followed by the guitar and bass on stage. A fire on the back screen adds to the electrifying atmosphere as they fully kick-in. The crowd immediately sings along, and despite the guitar and bass seeming quiet at first, everything is sorted and spot-on by the second song. 

The heavier sections are reminiscent of While She Sleeps and Wage War, while the gentler bits reminded me of a fragile Siamese or Leprous, and the catchy segments are akin to Normandie and Novelists. There’s a Thirty Seconds To Mars grandness to the performance, reminiscent of their earlier works, and the likeness to Corey Taylor on the harsh vocals is palpable. Highlights of the night include ‘Like a Villain’ and ‘Just Pretend,’ both of which have everyone singing along. The energy is non-stop throughout, and the band's performance top-notch from start to finish. If you're a fan of Siamese or Wage War, then Bad Omens are a must-see live act - their heavy and gentle moments have the audience equally hooked from start to finish, and the energy in the room is electrifying. If you get the chance to see them, on these shores, then don't hesitate to grab a ticket.