The venue is still very much waiting to fill up as Dragged Under take to the stage. They were special guests for comeback Brixton show, and that impressive showing sees them taken on this full tour. The energy on the barrier is immediately electric despite the small crowd, and as they launch into opener ‘Instability’ and the early attendees erupt into a frenzy of head nodding and pumping fists. Frontman Tony Cappocchi stalks the stage like a caged animal, his voice soaring above the crunching guitars and thundering drums.

This is a brutal opener showcasing Cappocchi's vocals with his powerful screams and soaring clean vocals hitting every note with precision and control. His ability to effortlessly transition between different vocal styles is a testament to his range as a vocalist. Fans of A Day To Remember and Beartooth will love these guys – with their mashup of punky rock, metal elements and catchy, anthemic choruses.

The band races through their set, each song a perfect fusion of punk energy and metal power. The guitarists trade slashing riffs, while bassist Hans Hessburg and drummer Kalen Anderson lay down a foundation of heavy groove. A highlight of the set is ‘Chelsea’, delivering a blistering catchy punk rock explosion. As the band takes their final bows and exits the stage, the now growing crowd lingers, buzzing with adrenaline from what they’ve just managed to catch.

Main support Senses Fail bring all the post-hardcore, pop-punk and emo vibes you could wish for. They have the high poppy vocals and catchy melodic hooks which have served them well for years now. The deceptively nuanced and intricate guitar work of Gavin Caswell and Jason Milbank is on full display throughout the set, and is only bettered by their on point backing vocal harmonies.

Frontman Buddy Nielsen is a force to be reckoned with, his powerful vocals and enormously charismatic stage presence commanding everyone’s attention. ‘Wolves at the Door’ showcases Nielsen's vocals with his powerful screams and soaring clean vocals.

The precision and accuracy with which the band play is a testament to their skill and professionalism. The band's energy never wavers throughout the entire set, and the crowd feeds off of it, moshing with wild abandon. They close with ‘Bite to Break Skin’, but manage to bring a smile to everyone’s face by throwing in a mashup of ‘Chop Suey’, ‘Down With the Sickness’, ‘Break Stuff’ and ‘Bulls on Parade’ into the middle of it. Great fun and a perfect support band for this line-up.

The O2 Ritz has filled up and is pulsing with energy as The Ghost Inside take the stage, each member locked in and ready to deliver what will turn out to be an unforgettable performance. The band wastes no time and launches into ‘Avalanche,’ the crowd erupting into a frenzy of moshing and headbanging.

The rhythm section of drummer Andrew Tkaczyk and bassist Jim Riley lays down a thunderous foundation that drives the songs forward with relentless momentum. Tkaczyk in particular is a force to be reckoned with, his double bass blasts and intricate fills showcasing his impressive technical skills, and Jim happily exchanges footy banter with the crowd while technical issues are seen to early on. Meanwhile, guitarists Zach Johnson and Chris Davis trade blistering riffs and intricate harmonies, seamlessly weaving together complex melodies and crushing breakdowns. Johnson's leads in particular are a highlight, as he pulls off lightning-fast runs and soaring solos with ease.

Vocalist Jonathan Vigil proves that he's more than just a charismatic frontman though; he's a master of his craft. His vocal range is impressive, from guttural screams to clean singing, and he knows exactly how to use his voice to convey the emotional weight of the lyrics. What's especially impressive about their technical musicianship is how effortlessly they blend different styles and genres. Songs like ‘Dark Horse’ feature intricate guitar work and complex rhythms that draw from both metal and hardcore punk, while others such as ‘The Outcast’ showcase the band's ability to craft anthemic choruses that are as catchy as they are heavy.

As the show goes on, it becomes clear that The Ghost Inside aren't just a band, but a community. Throughout the set, the band keep thanking the crowd for sticking with them through everything whilst also welcoming new fans, and emotions are running high both on and off stage. Their music may be heavy and intense, but there's an underlying message of hope and perseverance that resonates with the crowd. The story of their personal and collective recovery after the tragic bus crash that nearly took their lives is well known. In a world that can often feel dark and overwhelming, this band is a beacon of light, reminding us to keep pushing forward, no matter what. As the final notes of encore closer "Engine 45" ring out, the band takes their bows and leaves the stage, the crowd left buzzing with adrenaline and inspiration. It's clear that The Ghost Inside are more than just a band; they're a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the stage.

 Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
The Ghost Inside, Senses Fail, Dragged Under