Distant start the show and immediately slam the early eager punters with their relentless Dutch deathcore sound. Their approach is delightfully brutal, seamlessly blending the most savage elements of tonight’s headliners with others such as Whitechapel and Thy Art is Murder, with the added gritty hardcore undertones reminiscent of Malevolence. The combination results in a sonic assault that is both viciously jagged, courtesy of razor-sharp guitars, and relentlessly intense, thanks to thundering bass tones that reverberate through the audience's chests alongside palpable drumbeats. Frontman Alan Grnja commands the stage with a full range of wicked death vocals that gnaw away at the listener's psyche in all the right ways. Unquestionably, Distant dominate the stage with an evident sense of enjoyment, effortlessly rousing the audience from any misconception of the heaviness of this bill.

Local heroes Ingested are next on and settle straight into their well trusted slam-deathcore. Frontman Jason Evans commands the stage as the master of ceremonies, establishing an immediate connection with the fervent crowd, no doubt containing more than a few longtime fans in the already packed venue. The anticipation in the pit is palpable as the band dives into their trademark brutal slam death metal. Evans showcases his continually evolving vocal prowess, seamlessly blending traditional death metal growls with a hardcore edge, delivering a performance that is both intense and captivating. 

The local maestros of brutality present a brand of death metal that exudes a refreshing vibrancy, steering clear of unnecessary adherence to tradition, and deliver a live show with an energy that is both invigorating and contemporary. Ingested’s take on the sub-genre is irresistibly catchy, prompting involuntary head nods from even those lurking down the back by the plentiful merch stand, and witnessing the love for their live show is a testament to their ability.

Rivers of Nihil unleash an unyielding wave of distorted intensity right from the opening notes, a sonic barrage that persists relentlessly throughout their performance. The experience is a symphony of raw power, seamlessly transitioning between the guttural depths of death metal, the hardcore-infused clarity of clean vocals, and the atmospheric stylings reminiscent of Deftones and Gojira on select tracks. Adam Biggs, now at the forefront of vocal duties as well as on guitar, has seamlessly inherited the mantle of ferocity and vocal prowess. Yet, a discernible shift is evident without the charismatic presence and showmanship that Jake Dieffenbach once brought to the forefront. 

Nevertheless, the drumming commands attention with its intensity and precision, while the guitars and bass contribute to a technical marvel, hitting every note with impeccable accuracy. The band seems to be in a phase of adaptation with their revised lineup, a transition that echoes in their performance. Despite this, the inherent strength of their compositions cannot be overstated, and they continue to wield an arsenal of superbly crafted songs, showcasing their undeniable musicality.

Headliners Lorna Shore hit us straight off with their deliciously brutal onslaught of New Jersey deathcore. Their explosive rise since the addition of Will Ramos as permanent vocalist has been phenomenal and deserved. Will serves as the dynamic focal point of the band, effortlessly steering the performance with his distinctive blonde curly undercut hair, engaging in enthusiastic moshing. His vocal range is nothing short of impressive, delivering a captivating blend of guttural growls, high-end screams, jaw-dropping pig squeals, and even animalistic snorting. Lorna Shore, as a unit, exudes a robust and tightly woven sound, executing a professionally slick set infused with both passion and technical prowess. 

The meticulous balance in sound mixing is noteworthy, with the backing keys asserting themselves audibly yet seamlessly blending, particularly in harmony with the guitar. Speaking of which, Adam De Micco shines on lead guitar, showcasing a mesmerizing combination of intricacy and power. The band's compositions are a rollercoaster for the senses, keeping listeners on their toes with rapid, chaotic segments juxtaposed against sparse and weighty slower passages. The songs unfold as sonic journeys, featuring anthemic guitars and blast-beats that seamlessly transition into chaotic and growling verses, followed by stompy half-tempo beats that lead into impactful breakdowns. 

Lorna Shore's performance is a testament to their musical prowess, leaving an indelible mark with a fusion of energy, technicality, and a captivating array of sonic textures. A band such as this will likely always remain fairly niche, but they have shown tonight they can become successful in their own right, and there’s no doubt the sky’s the limit for these talented guys.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Lorna Shore, Rivers Of Nihil, Ingested, Distant