First up are hardcore metallers Dying Wish, and I must say, it's not quite hitting the mark for me. What disappoints me the most is the lack of interesting songs and structure. Dying Wish's set feels like one continuous blur, with tracks blending together in a repetitive manner. There are no standout moments or memorable hooks that grab my attention or make me want to get lost in the music. The guitars, bass, and drums are decent but lack that wow factor that sets a performance apart. It all feels flat and a churn of hardcore from the playbook. 

Despite my disappointment, I must acknowledge the dedicated fanbase present at the show. The crowd is fully immersed in the energy and vibe Dying Wish brings to the stage. Mosh pits are erupting, and fans seem to connect with the band's hardcore hipster aesthetic. While the performance isn't resonating with me personally, it's clear that they have managed to carve out a following of passionate fans who appreciate their addition to the scene.

Paleface are an energetic bunch of Swiss lads that are determined to be your new favourite beatdown band. It does feel like their music is one long intro followed by a series of beatdowns though, and it does leave you wondering if they're ever going to switch it up. The vocals interesting – scurrying, brutal and at times rap-like - but overall the band sounds dated and, dare I say, one-dimensional.

Now, I'll give them this, Paleface knows how to get the crowd going. They bring an energy that pumps you up and makes the crowd wanna move. But look, the music is decent, but it's like they're stuck in a rut, playing the same formula over and over again. It lacks depth and variety, which is a shame as they have some good talent, skills and potential. Having said all that, if you're into Biohazard and Malevolence, then maybe give Paleface a shot.

Main support Kublai Khan TX, the masters of thrashy hardcore mayhem, are poised to unleash their auditory assault upon the ravenous crowd. With Pantera-esque ferocity and Deez Nuts swagger, they embark on a stompy expedition that slams us straight in the chops. Each song is an explosion of sound that rattles the very foundation of our existence. They storm the stage like a battalion on a warpath, their presence commanding and electrifying. Frontman Matt Honeycutt steps forward, a fierce frontman armed with a brutally vocal prowess that could level cities. The crowd roars in response, eager to be consumed by brutal beats.

The definition in their sound is staggering, with each aspect discernible and meticulously crafted. The guitars deliver a venomous dose of riffage that feeds the hunger of the crowd, while the bass and drums lay down a punishing foundation, their thunderous rhythms inciting frenzy within the pit. This is thrash, my friends, but not just any kind—it's hardcore thrash with a molten intensity that can melt steel. The relentless assault continues and bodies collide, limbs flail, and the energy in the room is explosive. Kublai Khan TX's music is a cathartic release, a primal scream that unites us all.

Headliners Counterparts unleash their sonic onslaught upon the eager crowd. And let me tell you, my friends, this is not your average hardcore show. Like a ferociously emotional beast unleashed, they charge forward with a sound that's akin to a delicious union of Touche Amore and SeeYouSpaceCowboy. But there's more to it, with a hint of Stick to Your Guns in there and the unmistakable influence of Comeback Kid. However, Counterparts take these elements and infuse them with their own unique angularity, the trademark production of the masterful Will Putney translated perfectly into their live sound and delivery.

In their infinite wisdom, they have crafted their setlist with such nuance and deliberate song sculpture that it demands our unwavering attention. They've created moments of respite, allowing us to catch our breath and soak in the intricacies of their music. Frontman Brendan Murphy, a beacon of intensity, controls the stage with a presence that cannot be ignored. His guttural and heartfelt screams cut through the air, resonating deep within our souls. The band, a well-oiled machine, executes every intricate guitar riff and bone-crushing breakdown with surgical precision. It's a sight to behold. Counterparts, with their raw and unapologetic delivery, have once again proven why they stand at the forefront of modern hardcore music.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Counterparts, Kublai Khan, Paleface, Dying Wish