Manchester Club Academy is already pretty damn busy as we enter the venue soon after doors for the excitingly packed bill of tonight’s Fit for a King headliner. It’s clear to see that there’s a mix of fans for all the bands tonight, even if their takes on the sub-genres target slightly different markers, and the anticipation builds and builds as we wait near the barrier for our opening act of the night.

Australia's reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional core bands gains further credibility with opening act The Gloom in the Corner, a Melbourne-based concept-driven metalcore outfit. This is their first foray onto British soil, and their distinctive blend of influences sets them apart in what is becoming a crowded scene. Frontman Mikey Arthur sounds exactly like Dani Winter-Bates of Bury Tomorrow when he unleashes his harsh guttural vocals. He’s also got loads of charismatic stage presence, seemingly characterised by sporting a big moustache. 

What distinguishes this Melbourne powerhouse is their quirky songwriting, initially evoking progressive elements akin to Haken. The audience is taken on a sonic journey, starting with intricate and unconventional arrangements before plunging into a heavier onslaught. The dynamic progression keeps the audience on their toes, never certain of what to expect next. While parallels to Mushroomhead immediately, The Gloom in the Corner venture into even heavier territories, reminiscent of the aggression found with Within Destruction. A defining moment in their set is the track 'Ronin' a relentless and brutal composition showcasing the band's proficiency in delivering fast-paced, aggressive metalcore. The fusion of speed and brutality in this track leaves an indelible mark, and fans of Void of Vision, and early Northlane or Parkway Drive will find plenty to offer here.

The atmosphere continues to be charged with anticipation as the crowd, tightly packed, eagerly await the arrival of Swedish metallers Thrown. Led by former Grieved vocalist Marcus Lundqvist, the band promise a visceral experience, and from the moment they seize the stage they deliver with unrelenting intensity. Fans of Graphic Nature will loves these guys, and they showcase a sonic assault characterized by deliciously heavy guitars and Slipknot-esque riffs that reverberates through the venue. Ten56 enthusiasts will also find something to scratch their itch, revelling in the band's fusion of hardcore elements and ridiculously down-tuned guitars.

Just when the audience think they have Thrown pegged, a surprising Pitchshifter-style segment injects a dynamic twist into their sound, and it’s that versatility and seamless fusing of elements that is most impressive. Lundqvist's vocals, brimming with anger and self-hatred, serve as a compelling conduit for the band's message, while the catchy yet aggressive vocal rhythms forge a connection with the crowd, immersing them in Thrown's dark and intense musical world. It’s fair to say that I think, in the realms of metalcore and hardcore, Thrown can become a formidable force, leaving a lasting impression on any who witnessed the sheer power of their live performance.

You know it’s a special gig when Emmure are the main support, and they hit hard from the off. As always they smash straight into the face of everyone watching with a groovy, brutal, dazzling showcase of nuanced technical brilliance and unbridled intensity. From the outset, the band unleash a barrage of old-school opening tracks, captivating the packed-out crowd with a relentless sonic assault. The guitars, with their unmistakable Emmure tone and flair, display an impressively ferocious prowess, especially evident in the up-tempo grumble that permeates the venue. 

The intricate balance between bass and guitars adds layers of complexity, creating a formidable wall of sound that envelops the audience. The drumming, executed with a style reminiscent of Jason Bowld, is nothing short of superb, contributing to the overall ferocity of the performance. Enigmatic frontman Frankie Palmeri's stage presence is as commanding as ever – prowling the stage with intent, delivering vocals that retain a raw, aggressive energy throughout. The band's ability to captivate the audience with their heavy sound, coupled with Palmeri's stage craft, make for an unforgettable set. It's a visceral journey into the heart of Emmure’s intense catalogue, and leaves a a massive grin and dripping sweat on the face of all who’ve witnessed tonight’s show.

Fit For A King's ascent in status is unmistakable and shows in their confident headline performance tonight. The band's stage presence is engaging yet visually striking, They navigate seamlessly through diverse metal subgenres, incorporating elements reminiscent of Wage War, Bury Tomorrow and Bleed From Within. The bass player's dynamic stage presence, swinging his bass around his neck, and the inclusion of captivating soloing contribute to the overall spectacle.

The vocals are note perfect for both harsh and clean, but there is an element of wondering how much tonight is layered on tracks unnecessarily. I can’t help but get Jesus-vibes from frontman Ryan Kirby, but it does add a unique touch to their dynamic stage show. Meanwhile, the bass player takes on vocals selectively, and to good effect, and the performance remains a testament to their professionalism and musical prowess. The crowd circle, swirl and mosh to their hearts content, lapping up the metalcore slickness that is dished up to them until curfew hits.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Fit For A King, Emmure, Thrown, The Gloom In The Corner