Despite being informed that the band would be onstage at 7.00 pm, I can see the queue is going around the corner as I approach. So, of course, I go for a beer across the road until I see no one outside the venue and then make my way in. Unsurprisingly it's packed as I enter, but us ROCKFLESH folks are a determined bunch and I squeeze through and up to the bar and merch. We've talked about merch prices a lot as a website, and £30 a tee tonight is very decent, but £70 for a fairly simple and plain orange rucksack is... interesting. In any case, there aren't any support bands tonight, so the sold-out venue is solely for Japanese rock band Man With A Mission (MWAM). I've not been in Rebellion since they did their most recent upgrades, and there's a screen now up by the merch/bar at the back affording a sold out crow the chance hear and see the band (although without the screen you could see the stage better from where I am). Also, it’s no photos tonight by us or anyone tonight, and although it's declared as bad luck I have a suspicion it's actually because they're filming the gig.

Gradually one by one they take to the stage to the instrumental and scratching intro. In case you don't know this band, they all wear giant wolf heads. Yes, you read that right. Well, all of them except one black-clad doll mask wearing performer. Even at this early stage of the intro you get their funky punky rock metal vibes in masses. They’re best likened to a Japanese cosplay Zebrahead. Fans of Grand Theft Audio, Billy Talent, Boss Hog, and even Primus, should definitely check them out. They play with so many different styles, genres and influences, with every chorus a sing-a-long joy. Lots of people will be familiar with the style of melodies used if they love their anime - in fact the band recently collaborated on the start and end themes for TV anime ‘Demon Slayer’. MWAM’s song writing is spot on, with catchy melodies layering over the chaotic drums, distorted jangling riffs and even some djing/sampling. The vocals of every style are on point throughout, and is well showcased by their change-up cover of ‘Thunderstruck’, which goes down a treat. The crowd are loving every second, and ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ has the crowd singing every woah-note of the Thirty Seconds to Mars style song.

There's then a drum and dj segment followed by a short film halfway through which, while unique and different, definitely breaks the flow and momentum of the gig. Maybe it's to allow them some time to breathe outside of the masks? Lord knows they need it! An acoustic song follows, and for those dedicated fans it appears to be a treat, but for the rest of the crowd you can sense they are losing touch with the set. Have they lost their connection completely? Nope, because everyone is back with it when ‘Raise Your Flag’ kicks off. It really is such a great song, and is followed by the storming ‘Hey Now’ (very Zebrahead), complete with an everyone-sit-down section, and ‘Dead End in Tokyo’ (totally Billy Talent). They finish with ‘Fly Again (Hero's anthem)’, with the whole venue doing the obligatory hands waving side-to-side on the chorus, before an encore of ‘Into the Deep’ and ‘Kizuna no Kiseki’ (the afore mentioned ‘Demon Slayer’ theme). The room is full, hot and sweaty until the very end, and they could've easily sold out a bigger venue - if they'd have added support then a room at the Academy would’ve been an easy sell. With that thought, don't leave it so long next time MWAM!