Opening tonight are New Jersey’s Sentinels, who take to the stage with a bang, the energy in the room equally immediately electric. Sentinels are simply awesome tonight. Their music off the scale, with drumming and guitars that are so technically stunning, it is hard for some of the crowd to keep up. It’s brutal, experimental, extreme and chaotic – like a sped-up Gojira on steroids, with that added touch of higher tempo and intricacy making it even more enjoyable and intense. One thing that really stands out is how much the band has matured with their performance since I saw they supporting Fit For An Autopsy. Yes, it’s the same amount of plentiful finger tapping, but now it’s done with such precision, control and panache that it’s almost hypnotic. Clearly Sentinels have been honing their craft, and the results are nothing short of brilliant. Kenny Stroh storms across the front of the stage, bellowing into the microphone, the deadvectors singer filling in for Josh Hardiman on vocal duties for this tour. However, while his performance is powerful and has some great guttural dynamics, it isn't quite as unique and distinctive as Josh’s vocals. That unmistakable Sentinels character is clear and present through the the rest of the band though, and as the band drive through their set, I’m reminded how much influence from The Locust and The Dali Thundering Concept I can feel in their sound. They demonstrate a perfect mix of chaos and control, and the crowd are in the palm of their hand by the finish. This band beginning to live up to their potential - a chaotic delight that is impossible not to get caught up in.

Sentinels at the Club Academy in Manchester on March 13th 2023

I saw Invent Animate fairly recently as part of the Impericon Never Say Die! Tour in the same venue as tonight. They put on a much better show on this occasion, and the crowd are very much behind them from the off. They still have plenty of early Northlane in their vibe, with the forever flowing guitar riffs, post-hardcore strained clean vocals, and more brutal metalcore vocals thrown-in as well. The music is expansive and gives the crowd a chance to go on a journey between sparse melodic segments colliding with angular jarring guitar jabs. There’s that experimental, technical theme running through their sound like all the bands tonight. It’s fair to say the band's catalogue is a mixed bag, with some moments that leave you wanting more and others that just don't quite hit the mark. Equally, the strained clean vocals can sometimes feel a little out of reach, and there are both moments of brilliance and other times when it feels like he’s struggling to hit the notes. The brutal, dirty vocals are great throughout though, and they add a sense of urgency and aggression to the music that elevates the sound perfectly. The die-hard fans love every second without stop, and the rest of us have certainly enjoyed the ride.

Invent, Animate at the Club Academy in Manchester on March 13th

Silent Planet bring their unique brand of post-hardcore tech-metal all the way from California to the stage, and let me tell you, it’s a performance that leaves me, Johann and the whole crowd absolutely buzzing. From start to finish, this band is a non-stop assault on the senses, delivering groovy riffs, emotive vocals, and an epic feel that makes it clear they belong on even bigger stages. Bassist Thomas Freckleton is a standout performer, with vocal cleans that are always on point throughout the entire set. But the entire band is a delight to behold ply their trade, and in frontman Garrett Russell they have an absolute beast, with crazy good harsh vocals that move into delicious post-hardcore crooning and have the audience completely hooked. At times, the band almost make me think of them as a tech-metal Touche Amore. And that’s what it is, what really sets Silent Planet apart is the emotive quality of their music. The vocals are incredibly powerful, and the band clearly puts their heart and soul into every note. It’s impossible not to be moved by their performance, which has an almost transcendent quality to it. If you're a fan of either post-hardcore or tech-metal with an emotive edge, this is a band you absolutely need to see.

Silent Planet at the Club Academy in Manchester on March 13th 20

And so to our headliners, Alabama’s ERRA. They take to the stage to rapturous applause, and deliver a performance that is nothing short of stunning. From the moment they launched into their first song, it’s clear that this band is professional and keyed-in to every aspect of their sound. They clearly know every aspect inside out, yet still deliver every note with passion and enthusiasm, and that’s what makes them so good live. The energy in the room is palpable as the crowd is transported into a world of musical excellence! ERRA's sound is reminiscent of bands like Polaris, Betraying The Martyrs and Novelists, and are just as good. Musically, ERRA is a phenomenal band, and they're masters of their craft, demonstrating it in every song they play. The vocals from both JT Cavey and Jesse Cash are totally on point throughout, with every note delivered flawlessly. The band have a great balance between the instruments, both in the song writing and live sound mix, which makes for a truly dynamic performance. The guitars are particularly noteworthy, and it's easy to see the Thrice influence on them. But make no mistake, ERRA have their own unique sound, one that is both captivating and unforgettable. The setlist is a perfect mix of material, with each song performed with incredible precision and passion, and the crowd is absolutely wild having the time of their lives. They're certainly one of the most talented bands in the scene right now, and I hope their star rises further and higher soon.