The Happy Soul were aptly named, as they exuded a chilled-out happiness on stage at Club Academy in Manchester. With a psychedelic backdrop of them looking happy and smiley to add emphasis to their live feel. Not much movement on the cramped stage and not much banter they very much let their music do the talking, they seemed too busy smiling to be honest.
Heading up to Club Academy, for the first time in a number of years and I had forgotten how cramped the stage was. The seating around the venue though is a welcome change from most of the other academy venues, it is the most intimate of them, although down in the bowels of the building the phone signal was non-existent.
I think it’s fair to say that there is nothing unexciting about the prospect of seeing Municipal Waste and Toxic Holocaust perform under the roof of a sweaty club on a Friday night. Through their consistently solid releases and even better live reputation, these highly regarded acts in equal parts reignited interest in the possibilities of what modern thrash metal could truly offer. With Municipal Waste’s image and sound playing heavily into nostalgia for 80’s crossover acts such as D.R.I. and Suicidal Tendencies, Ryan Waste and the boys reminded us, for better or for worse, just how blistering the genre could be during an era where metalcore dominated the loud rock mainstream when they dropped The Art of Partying back in 2007.Continue reading
This show was a sell out, and you can understand why with such an amazing, nostalgic line up . The atmosphere at the venue was super charged from the beginning with everyone turning up to support their favourite bands, old and new.
Wolfbourne where the 1st band to kick off the show with a bang and they certainly did not disappoint. Based out of Vancouver, BC the band consist of the members Chris Witoski – Vocals , Lanning Kann – Guitar, Brett Nussbaum – Bass and Robbie Sheldrick – Drums . The hard rock, grungy metal edge this band possesses is truly mesmerising.
Wolfbourne share similarities to Soundgarden, Iggy Pop David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails in my opinion. In both the intense drum and bass groove to the fast-paced, punk style they share within the creative genius of the music they create and share. The energy of this band on stage combined with the majestic beard that Chris has is something to be seen for yourself. I don’t think I have been to a concert where the first act to open up the event has so much rare power.
If you have not heard of Wolfbourne yet – I seriously recommend you follow them and purchase the latest album titled In the beginning. The band will be touring to support the album throughout 2014 and all of 2015.
(HED) P.E. is one of the bands that a lot of fans came to witness in all their splendour and glory.
“The name (Hed) p.e. is a name that the lead singer ( Jahred ) came up with which basically means our consciousness is connected to the planet and the planet is evolving, therefore, we as her children evolve with her. The “p.e.” originally was defined as PLANETARY EVOLUTION, and sometimes morphs to PLANET EARTH and back, but both carry the same message, the (Hed) is the symbol for consciousness. WE ARE ON THE MOTHERSHIP!”
The band believe it or not have been on the alternative music scene for 20 years, since 1994. It wasn’t until 2000 when the bands most recognised album titled BROKE catapulted Jahred and the band into the mainstream and solidified them as a mainstay in the rock and metal community. I love the Fusion that the long-standing punk rock heritage with G-Funk-inflected hip-hop.
We first encountered (Hed) p.e, when Jahred walked on stage in full army camouflage gear and a full face mask – the scene was very surreal at first. The music had dark undertones and almost a riot feeling in the air. There were a few bewildered looks of people’s faces, with the intense stage presence.
The amount of energy when ‘Bloodfire’ started playing though, it set everyone back when they first heard the track, pits were being ripped open. To show the support for the amazing and euphoric feeling we all had.
Constant requests where being screamed to the band for their favourite tracks to be played – As soon as the first cords of ‘Renegade’ and ‘Bartender’ where heard the place erupted into a mass frenzy.
The combined enthusiasm of Jahred jumping into the crowd. His with his unique stage performance really set them out from he other bands . Everyone’s hands fist pumping into the air. Showing full respect the epic-ness of the song.
Having survived severe addictions, countless tours, the major label minefield, and the death of guitarist Bryan Ottoson, American Head charge have resurrected! They have returned to create new music and decimate crowds across the globe.
Following the 2007 deactivation of the band the (near) classic line-up of vocalist Cameron Heacock, bassist Chad Hanks, keyboard player Justin Fowler, drummer Chris Emery and guitarist Karma Cheema is back! To solidify their return they’ve added guitarist Ted Hallows to round out the line-up.
They burst our ear drums with the outstanding quality of tracks they performed. Cameron’s interaction with the fans was astonishing, high-fiving the front line, talking in between tracks, forming a bond with everyone. I think it puts a personal spin on attending a concert.
The heavy industrial rock sound of this stunning band filled the auditorium with passion and power. I absolutely loved the set they gave for this tour.
When they started to play ‘DND’ , all hell broke loose , with their fans embracing in the ambiance of the song being performed live .
The building nearly took off when Soil entered on stage, the sound of the up roar and applause from the crowd brought tetanus to your ears.
It just proves how well the band are received. Even after 18 years after being created, following trials and tribulations, they still have it. In fact, they never lost the ability in the first place.
The sure passion returning vocalist Ryan McCombs has, with his almost God like presence on the stage. He just draws you in to the lyrics. It certainly does take you back to your teens (because I am old). Listening to the bands albums and tracks. It is almost like a time machine, the smells, and what part of your life you where at.
There was so much respect for the band; fans were ecstatic seeing them live again with the return of Ryan as lead singer. The crowd loved the energetic sound of the flawless sound system at Club Academy that night. It makes you feel that you are a part of the show, an intimate gathering with your idols. Rather than huge outdoor festivals that can be impersonal.
And yes they played ‘Halo’ – by demand . Probably one of the most recognised tracks from the bands discography.
American Head Charge on Facebook
WORDS: EMMA WILSON
PHOTOS: LUKE DENHAM PHOTOGRAPHY