It’s an early start and we’re treated to Liverpool's Cut Short. The first thing that strikes you is the satisfyingly angular, stabby, quality of the guitars. They play with melodies that are layered over a backdrop of excellent almost scattery jazz-infused drums. It makes me think they’re trying to strike a delicate balance between the prog and tech-metal, but still need to hit on the perfect mix. The intricate guitar work fully supports this ambitious attempt, and their musicianship is solid and individual performances truly engaging. I guess in trying to find that unique sonic identity, Cut Short are carving a path that's undeniably admirable. However, the next step is to ensure that their songs don't fall into a repetitive pattern. Find that knack for delivering killer hooks, and they’ll keep this ride alive and thriving.

Next, we turn our attention to the ever-impressive Forager. Their sound is an intriguing amalgamation of punk, grunge, and nu-techy-metal, resulting in an awesome experience. This mix of genres has become increasingly more common among emerging bands, featuring post-punk and grunge-infused vocals, a lively punk hardcore rhythm, and a touch of heavy technical elements. Forager’s sound exudes a funky essence, infusing punk and grunge with an abundance of raw energy and that nu-metal swagger. 

They have to contend with breaking a low E guitar string not once but twice, yet the band handle the mishap with unwavering confidence, keeping the show on track seamlessly. A nod to the likes of Limp Bizkit underscores their playful approach to music, adding an element of fun to their performance. Their performance has tonnes of charisma, reminiscent of the swagger and intensity akin to bands like Don Broco and especially ‘Thug Workout’, with their nu-metal/nu-grunge infusion adding a layer of diversity, also occasionally reminiscent of the distinctive sound of Taproot. They close with the brilliant ‘192’ (and ode to the infamous bus route) and leaves the audience pumped and grinning.

Main support comes from TheCityIsOurs, a band that occupies a unique space somewhere between Normandie and InVisions. As always, they deliver an electrifying performance that's both precise and fun from start to finish. With each member of the band possessing a masterful command of the stage, it's safe to say they still collectively sport the most impressive trousers in the metal scene! Frontman Oli Duncanson, who channels the iconic Freddy Mercury with his moustache, white vest, and a bright shirt, exudes an undeniable charm and charisma. His dirty vocals set the stage on fire from the very start, while the second song injects a fantastic funky vibe that keeps the audience grooving. 

Though the venue may not be packed to the brim, the crowd is fully immersed and engaged in the experience. While the gentler segments and cleans might not be everyone's cup of tea, TheCityIsOurs' heavier songs bear a striking resemblance to Where Oceans Burn, with other more alternative rock portions bringing to mind Lower than Atlantis and Mallory Knox. Fans of likes of Novelists and The Amity Affliction will find plenty to interest them here, and the performance truly shines when they venture into unclean sections and heavy riffs. As the set progresses, you get the feeling that they have a desire to emulate the energy and style of Electric Callboy and I can imagine that transformation could happen sooner rather than later.

The venue, which had momentarily seemed devoid of life, suddenly teems with energy as Heart Of A Coward take the stage with a workmanlike purpose, radiating genuine confidence that electrifies the atmosphere. As always, they explode into their set like a juggernaut, assaulting our senses with a sonic onslaught. Their heavily processed guitars and bass become instruments of aggression, akin to thrashing barbed wire and brutal futuristic sledgehammers. The unmistakable blend of high-gain, low-pitch guitars layered over pounding drums sets the tone. Kaan, ever the showman, expertly hurls stage invaders back into the crowd. Their sound, robust and meaty, particularly impresses due to the quality of the PA system, an exceptional feature that distinguishes them from other bands. 

The older songs, tried and true, continue to shine the brightest. Their performance exudes an unmistakable heaviness, and "Decay" is a note-perfect demonstration of their prowess. Throughout their performance, there's a reassuring coherence, with the rendition of "Hollow" showcasing the remarkable strength of Kaan’s live voice, even after a demanding tour, and underscores his ownership of both the band's back-catalogue and new material. They’re now a very polished and slick band, never wavering from their signature style. The djenty guitar sound, transitioning seamlessly into soaring half-tempo melodies, remains their distinctive trademark, proving that Heart Of A Coward are as iconic as ever. The classic closing track, ‘Deadweight’, is devoured by the crowd, leaving them yearning for more.