Live Review : The Ghost Inside + Gideon + Boundaries @ O2 Ritz, Manchester on October 12th 2024

There’s a notable and eager queue outside the venue as they patiently wait for the doors to open on The Ghost Inside headlining in Manchester once again. The whole bill tonight is a mixture of variations on hardcore and metalcore, and for each band there are elements that set them apart from their peers stylistically and visually.

The night begins with Connecticut’s Boundaries taking the stage, unleashing an auditory assault on a crowd brimming with anticipation. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hardcore show—this band bring an intensity that feels almost primal, a raw energy that surges through the room like a living, breathing force. With every beat, the band channels their fury, creating a sound that is both chaotic and deeply emotional. The comparison to Touche Amore and SeeYouSpaceCowboy is easy to make, given the unrelenting passion and jagged unpredictability of their sound. But it doesn’t end there. Within their music, there’s also a pulse of Stick to Your Guns' anthemic drive and the relentless momentum of Comeback Kid. It’s this mixture of influences, combined with Boundaries’ own visceral edge, that transforms their set into something that demands your full attention.

As Boundaries rips through their set, there’s a noticeable complexity in the way they’ve structured their performance. Their songs aren’t just relentless walls of sound; they’ve carefully crafted moments that offer brief reprieves, allowing the crowd to catch its breath. These moments of tension and release only add to the emotional weight of their music, drawing the audience in deeper. The nuances in their delivery are subtle yet powerful, showcasing a band that’s not just playing hard—they’re playing smart.

Next come Gideon as main support, and they don’t disappoint. Hailing from Alabama, these guys waste no time bringing their blend of 90s hardcore punk into the modern era. It’s a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh, a nod to the past while still feeling entirely current. Their earlier roots in melodic hardcore occasionally break through, but for the most part, Gideon leans hard into the more brutal elements of their sound. There’s a clear influence from bands like Madball and Lionheart, and the crowd responds to this aggression with immediate enthusiasm.

Tyler Riley’s guitar tone is a standout—thick, crunchy, and dripping with power, but also delivering intensity in its precision. Meanwhile, frontman Daniel McWhorter prowls the stage like a predator, his eyes scanning the crowd as if daring them to keep up with the band’s relentless energy. His vocals are raw and unpolished in the best way possible, cutting through the mix with a bark that feels both urgent and unyielding. Visually, the band embodies a tough, rugged aesthetic—equal parts broad-shouldered Southern grit (complete with cowboy hat) and hardcore swagger. The mix of melodic hardcore and metalcore they deliver is perfectly balanced, allowing them to switch from crushing breakdowns to more melodic, groove-laden moments without missing a beat. It’s the kind of set that gets the entire room moving, with heads banging and fists in the air from start to finish.

By the time The Ghost Inside finally takes the stage, the anticipation in the room has reached a fever pitch. The cheers are deafening as they launch into ‘Death Grip’ and ‘Earn It,’ instantly filling the venue with their signature blend of hardcore toughness and melodic metalcore sensibilities. The band’s rhythm section is a driving force—drummer Andrew Tkaczyk and bassist Jim Riley lock in together to create a thunderous, propulsive backbone for the songs. Tkaczyk, in particular, is a standout, his double bass work and intricate fills adding layers of complexity to the otherwise straightforward heaviness of the music.

Guitarists Zach Johnson and Chris Davis deliver a masterclass in how to blend melody and brutality. Their riffing is tight and precise, their harmonies soaring one moment and crushing the next. Johnson’s lead work is especially impressive, his lightning-fast solos adding a melodic flair that contrasts beautifully with the band’s heavier sections.

Then there’s Jonathan Vigil, the band’s charismatic frontman. His vocal range is as versatile as his stage presence is commanding, moving seamlessly between guttural screams and clean, emotive singing. He knows how to use his voice to bring the band’s lyrics to life, conveying a sense of urgency and emotion that hits hard with every word. Tracks in turn showcase the band’s ability to blend the technicality of metal with the raw intensity of hardcore, while the next moment giving the audience a chance to join in on massive, anthemic choruses.

But beyond the music, what sets The Ghost Inside apart is their connection with their fans. Throughout the set, they express their gratitude for the support they’ve received, especially in light of their recovery from the tragic bus accident that nearly ended their lives. It’s now always a life affirming, positive and emotional night watching The Ghost Inside, with both the band and the crowd feeding off each other’s energy. By the time the final notes of ‘Engine 45’ ring out, the room is buzzing with adrenaline and emotion. The Ghost Inside aren’t just a band—they’re a symbol of resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always hope. Their performance is a testament to the power of music to bring people together, to heal, and to inspire.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
The Ghost Inside + Gideon + Boundaries