Emmure + Winds Of Plague + War From A Harlots Mouth + iwrestledabearonce + Visions @ Birmingham Academy2, 2nd May 2011
First up tonight are the tech metallers of Visions; but it’s an early set and cold crowd, they really have
their work cut out for them. Unfortunately the sound for these guys is very muddy, and despite hands moving as fast as lightening over the frets, there’s nothing but a low rumble and the pounding drums to be heard.
The singer does a reasonable job of getting people a little more hyped up between songs, but his voice just isn’t powerful enough to cut through. A good scream and nice clean vocals as well, but it’s all a little. This combined with the lack of movement on the stage meant they just didn’t cut it tonight.
iwrestledabearonce are next on, with an unfortunate announcement, Krysta, their lead singer is sick tonight and unable to perform, which leads to a few boo’s from the crowd. Guitarist (and partner of Krysta) Steven tells those booing “F**k you, F**k your family, kill yourself” which gets a big cheer, it seemed exactly what they needed to get the crowd on side for their instrumental set. Despite the lack of vocals the band perform an excellent set, their spas-tech metalcore is so varied that it is never dull. Use of electronics and unusual guitar effects add to the overall texture, and the chats between songs are surprisingly charismatic as well. For one song they introduce Austin Carlisle (from Of Mice & Men who are supporting Asking Alexandria in Birmingham tomorrow night) as a guest vocalist. For OM&M fans this is quite a treat.
The set ends with a “Pantera cover, called ‘Smells Like Kevin Bacon'” which sets the pit off at last and is a great finish to a surprisingly good instrument set.
War From A Harlots Mouth take a much more traditional route with their metalcore, while it’s much more based in the hardcore side of the scene, the band still throw out so brilliant metal riffs. It all seems a little tame after the craziness of iwabo but they certain get the pit going fast. The chugging brutality working the crowd well, and the energy onstage matches that of the audience. It’s a relentless set, but the band do mix up their music enough to keep it from getting boring. While it never stops being heavy, tempo changes and technical guitar riffs break up the set. It’s a good solid set but only a warm up of what’s to come.
There’s a good buzz about Winds of Plague before they hit the stage, the people down the front are already trying to nudge their way forward. Once the band hit the stage it all breaks open, with a big energetic pit opening up from the first chord. Again it’s hardcore with a metal edge, although this time the triggered drums and keys make it that much more death metal in style. The vocalist has a very hoarse shout, but it works well with the music. His impressive presence really takes command of the stage so when he tells the audience to circle, they do it. The movement on stage is impressive, with all guitarists jumping about with boundless energy. The energy isn’t matched by the female keyboard player, who’s head banging would look more appropriate at a Megadeth show. The crowd love it though, keeping the pit going throughout the set.
When Emmure finally hit the stage, despite the long night, the crowd goes insane. There’s plenty of people outside of the pit dancing or jumping along, and there’s a great atmosphere between everyone present.
Emmures blend of metal and hardcore provides great songs that seem to be written to mosh to. It’s less experimental than some of the previous bands, but the songs are intelligently written and capture the interest well. The lead vocalist again has a very powerful control of the stage, not because of his size this time though, but thanks to his incredible and indomitable voice. It seems as though the bass drum is triggered again, as the level of bass at this point in the night is very high, and from parts of the venue each beat felt like a punch to the chest. The weight of this is compounded by the thundering bass to create an audio battering. Something the band I’m sure would be glad to be achieving, their constant and aggressive sound being compared to an assault.
NOTE: When going to shows at the Academy2, make sure you stand near the middle, the sound quality off to the sides can be terrible.
Review – Ben Duff
Photos – Steve Gerrard