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| Bleed From Within at Manchester Academy 2 (iPhone). |
The Scots were up first and they did not disappoint. Bleed From Within is currently still out in support of their 2013 album Uprising so they played several songs off it including the title track, "Uprising", "Colony", "I Am Oblivion", and "It Lives In Me". The quintet played one song from their 2010 effort Empire, which was "Last of Our Kind". Scott Kennedy has some of the best vocals in the game, even post-haircut, as he is able to flawlessly recreate what is heard on the recordings and with tremendous energy. BFW is, by far, one of the best live bands out there and they have a ton of respect for their fans, taking the time to interact with them after the show. Ali Richardson is a monster on drums and Goonzi (guitarist) pieces together some really groovy riffs. Definitely a must see band if, and when they are in your area, which if you are an American hopefully comes soon as both times I have seen them were in Manchester (w/ Rise to Remain 2011). The band deserves a shot at a transatlantic tour.
Sylosis were the main support to DevilDriver. I had listened to them prior on a few occasions, but never delved deep into their discography. Therefore, I cannot list any of the songs they played, yet I can say the quartet was very energetic towards a crowd that craved their music. Guitarist, Josh Middleton, who also doubles as lead vocalist, can seriously shred and he demonstrated that with several sweeping lines. BFW's Ali Richardson filled in on drums for the absent Rob Callard. I am not sure if this is due to Sylosis' RV accident whilst touring the States or not... Ali did fill in brilliantly as he is a technically solid drummer. He just makes it look so easy.
The night of course livened up in the pit for the headliner, DevilDriver. They are a 5-piece band hailing from Santa Barbara, CA (something strange about me seeing loads of American bands in England...). I listened to Fury of Our Maker's Hand back in high school and really dug their sound. Like Bleed From Within, they are quite groovy and their drums are poppy. Since then, I have listened to The Last Kind Words and Pray For Villains. Vocalist Dez Fafara has such a unique style. It is half growl, half back of the throat, and half clean. It is very hard to describe, but it fits their style so well. DevilDriver played songs such as "I Could Care Less", "Hold Back the Day", "Clouds Over California", and "Sail". The California outfit played a strong 45 minute set that was relentless.
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| DevilDriver entertain the crowd at Academy 2 (iPhone). |
Overall, a very solid bill for only having three bands, but Bleed From Within stole the show for me again as they continue to push forward a new era of metal out of Britain that trends in its own direction.
The venue: I had never been to Academy 2, which sits above the UofM Student Union, but it had a terrific sound. It is similar to upstairs at Sound Control without the fear of feeling like you are going to fall through the floor. In comparison with the other venues I have been to in Manchester, Moho Live and The Roadhouse, Academy 2 felt more open, less confined.
Show-going tip: Make sure you note which band member plays what instrument if you plan to tell them nice set so you don't mistake the guitarist for the drummer, or vice versa. Some poor chap told Goonzi, the guitarist from Bleed From Within, that he was a sick drummer. Oops!
