Live Review : Gama Bomb + Raised By Owls @ Rebellion, Manchester on April 20th 2025

Fittingly for Easter Sunday, Jesus has decided to make his long-anticipated return at tonight’s show. Gama Bomb vocalist, Philly Byrne, deadpans with surprise “Oh you're back, you should see what's being said about you and also what they are doing in your name and by the way after the show can we have a quick word about what's happening to kiddies in Ireland”. However, when “Jesus” gets on stage to dry-hump Philly during ‘Give Me Leather’ it becomes clear that he is a costumed imposter as opposed to the actual second coming. What it does show, though, is the sense of fun around this evening's proceedings. There is a general air of irreverence, as Sam from openers Raised by Owls eloquently puts it, metal is just angry panto.

Live Review : Skies Turn Black + Andromedous + Sundown Marathon + Bad Heritage @ The Outpost, Liverpool on April 10th 2025

It’s not often that you get to go to a gig with a heads or tails nature. On this particular tour, co-headliners Skies Turn Black and Andromedous are just that though. They are flipping who is last up at various venues on the tour, and tonight that distinction goes to Skies Turn Black, but Andromedous are hot on their heels. The thing is, what you have here are two bands at total opposite ends of the Metal spectrum. On the one hand, a melodic power metal band with strong hints of AOR, on the other an aggressive electrocore outfit with masks and a rhythm section in a box.

Live Review : Straight For The Sun + Neon Oracle + Viral Strain + Sanque @ The Outpost, Liverpool on April 4th 2025

Liverpool city centre on Grand National Day – are we mad? Well yes and no, most of the pubs are full of arseholes which makes Outpost something of a refreshing return to sanity after the madness of the streets outside. Part of the fun of being a part of ROCKFLESH is that we cover anything and everything rock and metal. That means that whilst colleagues are out watching the likes of Skunk Anansie or The Darkness this week, tonight I am in the tiniest of tiny back-room venues doing something that we all like best – reviewing the bands of the future so that they can be on your radar too.

Live Review : God Complex + Bodyweb + Long Goodbye + Witcheater @ Rough Trade, Liverpool on March 10th 2025

Monday nights in March aren’t renowned for offering up brutally heavy hardcore-laced metal gigs, but thanks to the awesome independent Liverpool promoter No Play, Merseyside’s very own God Complex are the treat tonight. This being their comeback show, it’s a long overdue special occasion at that! They’re accompanied by an exciting support bill, and it’s all brought to us at the intimate yet polished Rough Trade venue.

Live Review : Rivers Of Nihil + Cynic + Beyond Creation + Dååth @ Club Academy, Manchester on March 8th 2025

Never has a tour title been so fitting and accurate in its description. Aggressive progressive ‘25 brings together four of the scene leaders in pushing the envelope of death metal. Dååth, Beyond Creation, Cynic and nominal headliners Rivers of Nihil, in their own unique ways each retain that brutish aggression that gives Death Metal its potent uncompromising force, but each band splices it with a spellbindingly intricate slice of progressive opulence. Basically, this is victory parade for the innovators that have evolved Death Metal into the complex and undefinable beast that it is today.

Live Review : Vukovi + Unpeople + Artio @ O2 Ritz, Manchester on March 8th 2025

Vukovi have been working hard in the music industry for fifteen or so years, but if feels like their time has finally come with 2022’s ‘Nula’ and now January’s release ‘My God Has Got a Gun’. Their live shows have always been stunningly dynamic and enthusiastic, and they have an ever better array of slamming tracks to deliver on the bigger stages as headliners now.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Matt Fraser10 March 2025O2 RitzVUKOVI, Unpeople, Artio, O2 Ritz, Manchester, 2025, Live Review, Matt Fraser, Ryan HicksonComment

Live Review : Vower + Profiler @ Star & Garter, Manchester on February 8th 2025

Vower are almost what you’d call a supergroup of sorts forged from the ashes of acclaimed underground bands Toska, Black Peaks, and Palm Reader. When we saw them perform at RADAR Festival last year quality on display was immediately evident to see, and true to form their live performance then was a masterclass in sonic precision and commanding stage presence. It was exactly the kind of seamless execution you’d anticipate from musicians of their collective calibre.

Live Review : Paganfest @ O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester on January 18th 2025

Metal, the music that we love, comes in many forms. Some of them link seamlessly together, others tend to stand alone in powerful glory. One of the weirdest subgenres is probably folk metal, which itself varies wildly in content as “folk” has a different meaning in different countries of the world. Tonight, Paganfest in Manchester brings together an unforgettable night of music and unbridled energy performed by an eclectic mix of folk metal bands and enthusiasts from all corners of the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere that resonates through every chord and drumbeat.

Live Review : Graphic Nature + Feed The Rhino + Grove Street @ Rebellion, Manchester on December 21st 2024

Sometimes the bit before Christmas is actually better than Christmas itself, and when a gig showcasing three of the UK’s best genre-blending metal bands is offered up the weekend before the big day you can’t help but think you’ve been given your presents early. Rapidly rising nu-metal modern metal deathcore champions Graphic Nature have brought to Manchester the superb crossover melodic thrash of Grove Street and the triumphant return of the angular hardcore rock metal giants Feed The Rhino.

Live Review : Evergrey + Klogr + Inner Vitriol @ Rebellion, Manchester on December 16th 2024

The golden rule of music journalism is to remember that no matter who the act is and no matter how lowly the circumstances that you are covering them in, for someone somewhere they are their favourite band ever. Evergrey svengali Tom Englund is the first to admit that tonight’s showing is rather disappointing. “Next time we come you bring your wives, your girlfriends, your boyfriends, your drug dealers, your lawyers, bring anyone” he deadpans during the set. However, despite the attendance being at a level where everybody needs to keep their coats on (including a fellow with a remarkably multicoloured jacket that captures Tom's eyes), the atmosphere is exceptionally buoyant and scintillatingly succulent. This is because for those who have made it out to central Manchester on a cold Monday night, Evergrey are either their favourite band or at the very least making great swipes at holding that accolade.

Live Review : Alcest + Svalbard + Doodseskader @ Academy 2, Manchester on December 12th 2024

And here we are, yet another intriguing package tour bringing together three bands that exist within this genre but are doing decidedly different and inventive things within its conventions. Alcest, Svalbard and Doodseskader all distinctly exist within our world, but all feel duty-bound to stretch and contort its conservative confines. The former act as headliner for this jaunt, and even though they last dropped anchor in this very room just over 12 months ago, this distinctly unconventional cavalcade draws a mighty impressive crowd for a Wednesday night this close to Christmas.

Live Review : Future Palace + Our Promise + Seven Blood @ Rebellion, Manchester on December 5th 2024

Future Palace are riding high across Europe with the surge in popularity for genre-mashing female vocal-led modern pop metal bands. They’ve been touring hard for a long time now, and find their way to Manchester for only the second time and first headlining. It’s a cold, wet and nasty night, but that doesn’t stop the crowd from getting along to Rebellion for the sold-out show for not one but three up-and-coming German bands.

Live Review : Dying Fetus + Chelsea Grin + Despised Icon + Vitriol @ Academy 2, Manchester on December 4th 2024

On a wet and windy Wednesday night, the unassuming Student’s Union bar at the Manchester 2 is flooded with devoted death metal fans embarking on a peculiar pilgrimage. Positioned in a dimly lit room tucked away up a staircase and around a forgotten corner; Dying Fetus lead the charge on this unruly bill, with Salt Lake City’s Chelsea Grin, deathcore collective Despised Icon, and opener Vitriol. Before the show, the PA system pulsates out strictly cheesy dance and disco, the bass reverberating, tantalising the crowd with what’s to come. The excitement is infectious; a legion of black shirts emblazoned with scrawled, hard-to-decipher names, the echoes of the genre’s underbelly, dancing to Darude’s ‘Sandstorm’, a fitting prelude to the chaos about to unfold.

Live Review : Fit For An Autopsy + Sylosis + Darkest Hour + Heriot @ O2 Ritz, Manchester on November 26th 2024

On paper the billing for this evening’s show feels distinctly skew-whiff. Fit For An Autopsy are on a quite impressive upward trajectory. They have broken free from the confines and the preconceptions of Deathcore and have cemented themselves a berth in the one-to-watch category. Pairing them as a co-headliner with Sylosis on the face of it feels mismatched because, well Sylosis have been around forever without ever really making their mark. It's hard to imagine a British metal scene without Sylosis plugging away in its lower echelons trying to make a name for themselves. Don't get us wrong, we at ROCKFLESH Towers love Sylosis, it's just that we've never ever envisaged them as being of a Ritz headliner status. Add to all that the fact that the much-fancied media darlings Heriot are sat slap bang at the bottom of the bill and the whole structure feels a little, odd.

Live Review : Bury Tomorrow + Make Them Suffer + Thornhill + As Everything Unfolds @ Academy, Manchester on November 23rd 2024

If this tour was to be given a subtitle it would be ‘The Ascendancy of Metalcore’. You see it is not just sold out; spare tickets are changing hands for silly money and the Academy is heaving from the get go. Whilst many of us feel inclined to sneer at it and give it a verbal kicking where possible, metalcore is not just alive and well, it is slowly but surely becoming the dominant force in our world. Every band on this ticket are treated like royalty by an up-for-it and positively youthful crowd. Very much feels like both ascendancy and ascension, the moment the next generation take full charge.

Live Review : Sólstafir + Oranssi Pazuzu + Hamferð @ Club Academy, Manchester on November 1st 2024

Whilst we in this country might have invented heavy metal, its stewardship has long since drifted north to the frozen plains of Scandinavia. Our Nordic cousins are now the dominant force in moving our beloved genre forward. The Nordic descent tour provides a perfect snapshot of the distinctly interesting and intriguing things our Scandinavian counterparts are doing with metal. Its very much a case of the anthemic (Hamerfo), the insular (Solstafir) and the downright outrageous (Oranssi Panzuzu).

Live Review : Within Temptation + Annisokay @ First Direct Arena, Leeds on November 19th 2024

Within Temptation are now an arena band. Quite an impressive step up in just two years time from supporting Evanescence’s arena tour in 2022 to holding the headliner slot all their own. This Dutch symphonic metal band are known for delivering a concert that feels like an immersive, theatrical journey through mythological realms and the universe itself, blending heart-pounding metal with sweeping orchestral arrangements, and stunning visuals to enthral audiences.

Live Review : Therapy? + Deux Furieuses @ Academy, Manchester on November 14th 2024

Over the years Therapy? have managed to be everything to everybody whilst also simultaneously staying true to themselves. They are the only band to grace the stages at both this country’s premier extreme metal and classic rock festivals (Damnation and Stonedead). By being happy to prostitute themselves wherever anybody would listen they have managed to confound the gatekeepers and cultivate a career that transcends any notion of genre. They are conclusive proof that good songs and a positive attitude trump everything.

Live Review : Kamelot + Ad Infinitum + Blackbriar + Frozen Crown @ O2 Ritz, Manchester on November 3rd 2024

The Ritz is hosting progressive symphonic titans Kamelot tonight, alongside a host of bands promising to deliver an evening of mystic allure. It’s a hefty four band bill, and Frozen Crown took the stage first, and with a formidable presence. Unleashing a torrent of epic soundscapes that seamlessly blended heavy metal with soaring melodies. This Italian power metal band is helmed by lead vocalist, Giada ‘Jade’ Etro, showcasing her range and charisma, effortlessly belting out powerful ethereal high notes, accompanied by virtuoso guitarist turned vocalist Federico Mondelli.

Live Review : Defects + Knife Bride + Profiler @ Rebellion, Manchester on October 31st 2024

The spooky season is here in full effect in this old Mancunian town. For those who are up for a night of haunting melodies there is plenty on offer. Horror metal aficionados Wednesday 13 are plying their wares with a Murderdolls heavy set over in the academy (see review from Chester here). Modern day vampires Creeper are providing the scare jumps at the Ritz and electro pop troubadour John Grant is having a whale of a time with fake blood at new century hall. But we at ROCKFLESH towers have plumped for a ghoultastic evening of thoroughly modern metal here in rebellion with Defects touring their recent album “Modern Error” with the Bloodlines tour and they’ve brought along Knife Bride and Profiler to join in the fun.

Gig Review©Ryan Hickson2 November 2024RebellionDefects, Profiler, Knife Bride, Rebellion, Manchester, 2024, Live Review, Ryan HicksonComment