CONCERT REVIEW: Northlane - Novelists - Ten56 Live at O2 Ritz Manchester

It is with hot anticipation that Australian metalcore icons Northlane once again grace these UK shores. On their long journey up the band have gathered together a grouping of incredible acts to bring along with them as Ten56 and Novelists round out this whirlwind of a lineup.

To kick off tonight we have French outfit Ten56 whose down and dirty strain of Metalcore is a pummeling start to the proceedings. Heavy and laced with breakdowns galore it’s an impressive showing and a strong start to the evening that quickly gets the crowd moving. Both the guitars and bass section sound huge and frontman Aaron Matts is a force of nature, commanding more energy, more movement from the crowd, encouraging all to get involved with calls to ‘get the fuck up’ as well as a women’s only mosh pit to ensure everyone is included in the fun.

Shortly into the set Matts takes a moment to introduce a special guest to the stage in the form of former Novelists vocalist Mattéo Gelsomino as the duo launch into the band’s latest single “ICU” the heavy rapping sections of which really lean nicely into that nu-metal infusion that the band play with so well.

By the time Ten56 relinquish their grip on a now thoroughly warmed up crowd it’s time for fellow countrymen Novelists to take to the stage. After a short intro and with the band’s name quite literally emblazoned in lights behind her, vocalist Camille Contreras takes centre stage, drawing us in with a gorgeously soaring rendition of the opening phrase to “Lost Cause” before very effectively flipping the heavy switch. Guitarists Danel and Durand’s playful antics on stage add to the good vibes with a couple displays of showmanship, lending a hand to play one half of each other’s guitar.

This month marks roughly a year since Contreras was announced as the band’s new vocalist and the group seem as tight as ever having adapted themselves and their sound to gel perfectly with Contreras’ soaring vocal abilities. The crowd are clearly loving every second of this set and we cant disagree, it’s a very impressive display from the five piece.

Excitement is high as Northlane take to the stage. The electronic elements the band have experimented with in their music over their last couple releases are represented in an array of video screens bathing the group in a cyberpunk-esque LED glow with members decked out in electronic looking gizmos rounding out the look.

Sonically the band sound on top form and set opener “Carbonized” sees the crowd break into full sing-a-long mode from the word go which they rarely let up for the remainder of the show. Frontman Marcus Bridge is in constant motion throughout the set, flowing back and forth on stage clearly vibing strongly with the energy in the room. The simultaneously heavy and catchiness of the group’s Metalcore foundation mixes seamlessly with the injection of Djent, Electronic and other experimental elements.