Tonight brings us back into Rebellion for a couple of this reviewer’s favourite French experimental metal bands – ten56. and DALI. Sandwiched in between them are Chicago’s VCTMS and Copenhagen’s superb CABAL. Each band brings the heaviness but also their own unique and modern take on metal that should excite as much as it delights.

DALI open tonight’s awesomely stacked bill and what a start. The French maestros, previously known as The Dali Thundering Concept, blend technical and experimental metal with mathcore and djenty precision and flair. Every element of their sound feels distinct, yet somehow cohesive. The band's sound is complex, with elements of different genres sneaking in, but they always return to those same signature DALI characteristics - whether they’re going full throttle with heavy, syncopated riffs or laying groove-based melodies. There’s a perfect balance between aggression and melody that makes their music so damn catchy. The bass pounds with a rumbling presence that sets the vibe for everything while still managing to stand out. Then there’s the sheer speed and power in the blasting drums which are deliciously relentless and electrifying.

Sylvain Connier’s vocals are a fascinating balance of mid-growl harshness and sinister chatting that weaves with the music, creating a raw, intense atmosphere. But it's Léo Natale’s guitar that truly sets them apart, with its signature noodling and biting tone, each riff more intricate than the last. They’re debuting an unreleased track on this tour, and it’s insanely brilliant - bouncy as hell, with a dynamic bassline, jazzy drumming, and that vocal delivery I love. It’s got this aggressive yet melodic tech-metalcore vibe that runs throughout all their new material, and it’s clear that DALI’s approach to songwriting is as intricate as it is artistic. Their blend of technicality, groove, and outright flamboyance is a signature that no one else is quite doing the same way - they're heavy, yes, but in a way that gets you moving, too.

Next up, it’s VCTMS and I’ll be honest - I’m a bit underwhelmed. They’ve got the heavy, aggressive sound you'd expect from a US metalcore band, and they’re definitely pulling influences from acts like Great American Ghost, Boundaries, and Paleface Swiss. But the whole thing feels clinical or even sterile. It’s like watching a well-rehearsed track runner do their post-race interview; you know exactly what they’re going to say. Even if it’s genuine, it just feels predictable and unoriginal. There’s a fair bit of backing track in the mix, including some guitar parts I think and it’s almost like they’re relying on pre-recorded elements to fill in the gaps rather than pulling it all off live.

They’re very competent at what they deliver, with plenty of snarling mid-scooped guitars and mid-to-high harsh vocals, but there’s nothing particularly memorable about the set. No hooks, no standout moments, just one big, constant churn of modern metal heaviness. It’s hard not to think of Emmure but without the vocal dynamism or that nasty, biting guitar tone that makes them so unique. It’s a shame because the band is clearly capable, but right now it just feels like they’re going through the motions.

Next up, it's Danish crew CABAL, and they’re delivering quintessential deathcore with a raw, angsty twist and a modern grounding. They’ve got a heavy, aggressive sound that’s perfect for the line-up tonight, and they’re taking it to another level. Their performance is nothing short of explosive. There’s a raw, passionate energy to their stage presence that totally matches the intensity of their music. They’ve got that groove too, so it’s not just relentless aggression; they throw in a swagger, a rhythmic bounce, that makes the whole experience feel more dynamic. It's like they’ve taken some of that hardcore- dance energy, like The Browning, and blended it seamlessly with the brutality of deathcore. The crowd is absolutely going wild with every breakdown and groove-laden riff.

It's that electronic backing that they bring to their sound which adds a whole new dimension, layering some serious texture over their already vicious, abrasive death vocals. It’s spiky, tech-deathcore at its finest, and the vibe is definitely something like a primitive version of tonight’s headliners jamming with someone like Thy Art Is Murder. CABAL really bring something unique to the stage - they’re fresh, they’re heavy, and they’ve got that perfect balance of chaos and accessibility.

If we're talking raw passion and full-on bludgeoning tech-deathcore heaviness, the award has to go to tonight’s headliners ten56. Led by the charismatic Aaron Matts, his brutal guttural vocals are a massive force in the band's sound. But tonight, it feels like they’ve hit a new higher level as a complete band. ten56. have always been brutal, but there’s something different about their sound now. They have really found their stride with fully formed, realised songs. You can actually feel the songwriting and cohesion bleeding through. It’s not just about pushing boundaries or being a cathartic exercise.

There's a bouncy groove woven throughout the set, making it more than just pure heaviness. Their mix of relentless intensity and crushing tech-deathcore heaviness is unmatched. The way Matts’ brutal vocals layer over their signature technical sound keeps the band innovative and distinct. ‘Earwig’ is a track that shows off everything that makes ten56 so great with its groove, gnarly guitars, crazy noises, and guttural perfection from Matts that makes every note land with power. The variety in their set is also what makes it so compelling. From the two-stepping, arm-swinging, upbeat tracks to the stomping, churning brutal slower ones, they keep you engaged and on your toes.

They still hit hard though - take ‘Diazepam’, for instance, a track that slams and grooves even harder than ever before, with guitar squeals and ferocious growls that leave you feeling like you're right at the edge of chaos. It’s worth mentioning that tonight marks ten56.’s first headline tour in the UK, and Rebellion is packed on a Sunday night showing they deserve the billing. The crowd is absolutely loving it. Their set takes a momentary shift when Matts talks openly about his past struggles with addiction, before delivering a vulnerable rendition of “IO”. It’s a raw, powerful moment which is followed by with closer ‘Boy.’ It’s immense, intense, and superb - they are fresh, unique, and a total force to experience.