“Even through the darkest days, this fire burns, always.”
Words & Photos by Joe Steven Hart – contact photographer directly before any use.
Decapitated
Kicking off the night just 45 minutes after doors, Decapitated immediately proved why they were an impressive opener. Delivering a sound that was unbelievably heavy, they were arguably the most technical band on the bill. The vocalist set an excellent tone, actively encouraging the crowd to engage with the entire group by highlighting guitar solos and interacting with his bandmates. A technically brilliant and engaging start to the massive night.
Fit For An Autopsy
Fit For An Autopsy are now arguably one of the best live acts going. They’ve toured these islands many a time, across almost every venue you can think of, and with that have perfected their live performance. While much like during Decapitated the venue was filling up still, there is still that portion of the crowd who absolutely shout along to many of the lyrics they have pencilled over the years. Another exemplary performance by Fit For An Autopsy, who will always have a home in the United Kingdom.
Hatebreed
For a significant portion of the audience, Hatebreed was the main event. Judging by the sea of merch and the pre-show buzz, this hardcore original was easily the night’s biggest draw, and they delivered in full. Walking out to the unexpected singalong starter, Kiss’s “I Was Made For Loving You”, Hatrebeed instantly energized the room. Their setlist was a masterclass in balance, offering something for everyone by diving deep into their catalog, including gems from their 1997 debut, Satisfaction Is The Death Of Desire. Adding to the spectacle, Hatebreed somehow boasted the evening’s most memorable production with a massive, inflatable Satan towering behind the drummer. Coupled with a recent, more intimate club show earlier in the week, their powerful performance left fans wondering and hoping, for a major festival slot this summer at the likes of Outbreak perhaps.
Killswitch Engage
Killlswitch Engage stepped up to the difficult challenge of creating a setlist from their extensive catalogue, which spans several eras and vocalists, by landing on a perfect mix of tracks. While their latest material got an airing, the crowd was undeniably there for their favourites, and the band delivered a solid selection of hits. Though the dedicated fans were “into it” throughout, the energy in the arena noticeably surged as the set finished on an unstoppable run of fan anthems, including “This Fire“, “My Curse“, “The End of Heartache” and “My Last Serenade“. Adding a signature dose of comedy to the metal mayhem, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz kept spirits high by sporting an “I’m With Stupid” t-shirt with the sleeves cut off, and a minimalist sweatband simply labelled: “BEER“. All in all this was a sensational metal stadium tour with no disappointments anywhere on the line up.