Novelists were only given six days notice to join this tour following the late withdrawal of Miss May I, and it’s fair to say that it’s a ridiculously short amount of time for any band to logistically and mentally sort themselves for a tour. Unfortunately, frontman Tobias Rische couldn’t make it across so Sam Kubrick, from the band Shields, is standing in on lead vocals this tour. The long-time friend of the band fits in seamlessly, which is not to say it doesn't matter who's singing for them, but rather than the rest of the band are so professional, tight and amazing that they can afford the option of bringing in cover for Tobi and they still deliver a superb set. Their tech-metalcore has streaks of hardcore running through it, with catchy anthemic choruses and technically spectacular guitar solos. Relatively new addition Pierre Danel is the perfect foil to Florestan Durand’s stunning guitar display, with both of them providing not just mid-song licks but also interlude pieces that transfix the crowd, and at one point a guitar battle between the two of them. Flo’s brother, Amael, provides the compelling drum-work accompanied by Nicolas Delestrade’s energetic and swaggering bass. Tobi’s vocals are distinct and passionate, and it’s testament to Sam that he captures the essence of a Novelists’ vocal performance in his absence. His guttural vocals in particular are impressively on point and he connects well with the crowd. Every song is delivered professionally and expertly, with newer tracks ‘Smoke Signals’ and ‘Heretic’ standing out as highlights, and the band are clearly enjoying themselves with plenty of on-stage joking and smiles. You can’t escape the guitars being the stars of the show, with the tone when intricate and clean full of organic clarity, and the heavy riffing voiced with their signature futuristic tone. The sound balance tonight is awesome, as it usually is at the O2 Ritz, and affords the light and shade of each song and the set as a whole to really breathe. Closer ‘Lost Cause’ goes down a treat with the punters, and it’s great to see what the combination of hard work and talent can achieve. Once again they capture the exemplar of melodic, passionate, furiously aggressive yet dynamic music - simply brilliant.

The first of the co-headliners are August Burns Red, a band I’ve never managed to catch live before. They immediately set their stall out as cheeky, won’t-take-ourselves-too-seriously chaps as their seeming intro recording of System Of A Down’s ‘Chop Suey!’ is taken over halfway through by the band themselves who continue to cover the track from that point til the end. It’s a crazy and impressive move that sums them up totally. ABR are seminal stalwarts of the metal scene, and have influenced so many bands it’d be impossible to list even a quarter of them. Any fans of bands like Thy Art Is Murder, Lorna Shore, RSJ, etc. who don’t know ABR really need to check them as part of their musical heritage comprehension. Having said that, there are so many elements of experimental metal ranging from ‘Will Haven’ to ‘The Locust’, and even into melodic hardcore like The Ghost Inside and Every Time I Die that there is something for everyone to admire with them. Lead vocalist Jake Luhrs has an insane vocal range spanning thundering gutturals, distinct cleans, harsh screams and even a couple of pig squeals. There’s a galloping feel to lots of it, with very high tempo guitars and drums, but then they also switch it up to more considered fare, before leaping into deliciously syncopated riffs and structure. It’s a full-on brutal onslaught, with all band members of the band clearly enjoying the experience, and Luhrs in particular is a dynamic front to the band with one foot up on his riser platform conducting the crowd perfectly – none more so than when leading the birthday singing for drummer Matt Greiner. They’re professionally slick with tonnes of passion and technicality, those fast chaotic segments juxtaposed with more defined passages, and some of the most devilish beatdowns I’ve seen.  Still at the top of their game and still superb. 

Bury Tomorrow have waited a long time for this tour to happen, and during the pandemic and since they’ve had a rollercoaster of a ride. But they’ve clearly successfully moved on from the departure of clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jason Cameron and tonight sees them deliver a stunning performance. They take to the stage and unleash opener ‘Choke’ with red lights blazing out from the stage and the heavy kick drum pounding away. Frontman Daniel Winter-Bates is enthusiastic, engaging and charismatic as always, delivering the harsh heavy vocals their melodic and catchy metal with style and flair. Their metalcore is now at another level, with technical guitar work, ferocious vocals and mature song-writing having the entire venue in raptures. The newer songs also have more layers including dynamic electronic elements, with Tom Prendergast (keyboards & clean vocals) adding to the metal tapestry perfectly. Loads of the crowd are singing along from the very start, and you know what, I start singing along loud too by the time we hit ‘Black Flame’. There’s a notable moment during ‘Cemetery’ that sees less fans around me being familiar with the song, and I think it shows how the band have both collected new fans and retained old fans through their musical evolution. This was the first show of the tour to sell out, and as Dani says, without the fans they’re nothing, and it’s that awareness, feeling of community and humility that makes this band forever relevant. They debut track ‘Boltcutter’ which goes down a treat, and showcases what's to come in six months with the new album. They look to close the main set with ‘Cannibal’ and ‘DEATH (Ever colder)’ leaving everyone with a hunger for more, more brilliance.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!