Live Review : LANDMVRKS + The Devil Wears Prada + Like Moths To Flames + Guilt Trip @ O2 Ritz, Manchester on May 12th 2024

LANDMVRKS blew us away when we saw them live for the first time headlining Rebellion in 2022. Tonight, they step-up to the O2 Ritz and bring with them a stellar undercard as well. The night is a wonderful example of the best melodic metal-hardcore from across the world, with heavy riffs, classic hardcore vocals and anthemic melodies a plenty. 

Guilt Trip take to the stage fairly early on this Sunday evening, but don’t let that stymie their energy. They immediately pummel the crowd square in the face with their delicious blend of hardcore thrash-metal. Being on Malevolence’s label is no surprise, and they really fully channel the spirit of Biohazard. The hometown heroes lay down driving thrash guitars with plenty of pinched harmonics, while the bass thunders and the vocals belt away. Florent from Landmvrks comes on to add his vocals to guest vocals.  Throughout there’s a crazy mad circle pit and hardcore dancing as the crowd lap up every second.

Like Moths to Flames are next on, and deliver an equally powerful set. The force behind their performance is palpable, and fans of Bleed From Within and Polaris will find plenty to enjoy with these guys. ‘Kintsugi’ showcases their vocals perfectly, with a harsh slant to even the cleans which keeps the intensity up. Like Moths to Flames haven’t been here since 2016, and they’re making up for lost time by prowling the stage and engaging directly with the crowd frequently. It may be two guitars and no bass, but there’s no loss of depth or power at any point. In short, it’s a stellar performance from a very slick band.

Main support comes from The Devil Wears Prada, and they waste no time getting into their stride. The Devil Wears Prada are a band that you feel have never had the impact they deserve. They mash together elements of hardcore, metal and melodic punk to create a musical beast that should appeal to Every Time I Die and Pierce The Veil fans equally. As I’ve noted before, the interesting part is that rather than the entire band mixing those elements, you almost feel that each member brings a very distinct genre and style to the overall sound. There are dischordant guitar riffs and surprising changes in direction from one guitar, and then driving melodic metal from the other. The drums are pounding and intense metal, with hardcore harsh vocals layered against almost pop-punk cleans. They’re also engaging all the way through, and at one point guitarist/singer Jeremy DePoyster goes offstage and right to the back at the bar while playing – getting a pint before going behind the sound desk area. Genuinely an entertaining passage. They are fluid and primal in their delivery, which is exciting and enthusing, and needless to say the crowd absolutely love every second - a must see band live.

Last time we covered LANDMVRKS they were on their first UK headline tour Rebellion. Fast forward to tonight and you feel they starting to hit the heights we predicted back then. Once again the set tonight from start to finish is a perfect masterclass in melodic, passionate, furiously aggressive yet dynamically musical hardcore metal. The Marseille band are brilliant and professionally perform a slew of perfectly written songs. They really are the real deal. The giant V backdrop, lit up and crazily vibing different colours is only a focal point when they’re not playing a track as they’re that captivating. It goes off in the pit throughout, and the four members not found behind the drum kit make full use of the stage bounding, punching and kicking along to the beat as much as they can. Like Malevolence they meld together so many different elements of hardcore punk and metalcore, but add in hooks and melody. Every song is delivered tightly and expertly, with ‘Death’ being a standout track demonstrating not only the full repertoire of the band but also the connection they have between themselves and the crowd.

Florent Salfati fronts the band brilliantly with his vocals bang on throughout – clean, guttural, screaming and hardcore are all superb in every song. But it’s the cohesive gelling of the band both in their songwriting and performance that takes them to another level. The anthemic yet razor-sharp ‘Scars’ and hardcore ripper ‘Rainfall’ get the crowd jumping and singing in equal measure. LANDMVRKS have taken another step to melodic hardcore domination – jump on for the ride.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
LANDMVRKS, The Devil Wears Prada, Like Moths To Flames, Guilt Trip