Well, what can I say…

With three massive names in the metalcore genre on the bill, a beautifully set up venue and the night’s anticipation ahead, there was not much left to be sought after. On Wednesday the 17th of January, Bury Tomorrow, We Came as Romans and Kingdom of Giants stepped foot into one of Newcastle’s local venues to deliver a show that many had been waiting eagerly for.

First on the bill we had the incredible Kingdom of Giants, a band hailing from the sunny Northern California, these guys blew the roof off the place. Forming in and around 2010 these guys provide a beautifully pieced melodic metalcore sound provided by frontman Dana Willax, guitarists Red Martin and Max Bremer, keyboardist Julian Perez and drummer Truman Berlin. The brotherhood of these giants meld perfectly together to create that raw, powerful sound that we know and love. Personally, it was my first time seeing them live, and my only regret was that the set list wasn’t long enough!

Next up we had the famous We Came as Romans, driving in from Detroit, Michigan. If you don’t know about this band, let me fill you in. Founded in around 2005 these guys have been on the road for nearly 20 years, showing that their love for each other and their experience is second to none. With the tragic loss of Kyle Pavone in 2018 the band decided to continue trying to hold their feet firm on the ground, a decision not taken lightly. Thankfully the bond that they have held strong and with Dave Stephens taking over the vocals role, they haven’t lost that special touch that the people know and love. Lou cotton and Joshua Moore on guitars are a match made in heaven, with perfectly balance tones supported by none other than bassist Andy Glass. Drummer David Puckett also knows how to blow out a rib cage or two with bass-fueled double kicks and timed precision to accompany the rest of the band to a knockout show. If you have not witnessed the awe-inspiring intensity of this band yet, what the hell are you waiting for?!

Finally, we have the much anticipated Bury Tomorrow. With the raging screams from the crowd, you don’t really need an introduction, it was time to get in and get the photos taken. Straight on stage and blasting face melting riffs and deep powerful screams, they leave fans in a state of shock. Shock on how a band can roll up on stage and absolutely obliterate the entire venue with music which they have nailed down with over 15 years of experience! Frontman Daniel Winter-Bates never fails to disappoint with vocals that never seem to waver. Supported by the mighty Kristin Dawson and Ed Hartwell on guitars, brother David Winter-Bates on bass, Adam Jackson on drums and Tom Pendergast supplying beautiful symphonic keyboards and cleans which meld beautifully, this band has blown me away every single time I have seen them play. Usually I enjoy being snap bang in the centre of the pits, so I know the savagery and emotion that the band can bring to every show they play.