Intervals: progressive sensation from Canada. Originally known to be an instrumental progressive band until recently adopting the voice of Mike Semensky to deliver a whole new interpretation to the songs that have created them this dedicated fan base. Moreover, how impressive it is to see they achieved such a transition without spoiling what made Intervals, Intervals in the first place: Aaron Marshall's unique and rocognisible style of writing, with interesting phrasing and 'intervals' (pun intended..), has very much so created his own sound. Also being the first act on, it was inspiring to see such a level of appreciation and dedication from the fans as they were on early and the queue stretched to the other side of Camden Market... with their new album set to be released March 4th and on a potent high with 'Emphemeral', Intervals succeeded in impressing the London crowd on their first visit to the isle and left us wanting more and definitely expectant of a future appearance...!
Metallers from London Town, The Safety Fire, were next on the bill. Crazed on an overload of energy throughout their whole set that fueled the crowd to do go crazy themselves. Impressive lead vocals both clean and scream was a definite prominent appeal for me, awesome frontman whilst retaining a sense of humbleness towards the crowd, which might have been why they accepted a wedding proposal to take place during their set from a couple of fans? Who knows... but overall! The performance was a filled with juicy solos and memorable, chunky riffs. Job well done chaps!
Now onto Tesseract. Tesseract never cease to impress me and leave me in awe with their technical, rhymic and performance skills. The captivation and attention their songs demanded was inspiring and evident during their instrumental passages when the crowd's eye's would fixate on the stage unblinking. I never feel it too necessary to say this but Tesseract are definitely one of the few bands I prefer to see live than listen to at home. Ashe O'Hara is one heck of a frontman, the voice on that man! On top of this euphoric experience were the chunk-grooves, never failing to snap the crowd out of their mesmirised state straight into a headbang frenzy initiated by such songs as 'Nocturne' and 'Concealing Fate Part Two - Deception'.
Protest The Hero to put the icing on the cake of metal goodness. They brought onto the stage a great sense of fun-loving and energy all glee-faced and in the moment. Apparently a contagious condition as the crowd really absorbed it and gave the lead singer a run for his money when they would drown out the sound from the stage with their incessant chanting. 'Clarity' was a particular highlight of mine, inspired by Star Trek revealed Rody Walker, which in my opinion can only make a song better. Other highlights to their set was the versatility of the vocals produced by Rody, amazing vocal acrobatics and range within cleans and screams as well as the lea guitarists winding, melodic solos throughout the performance.
All the while, graced with the presence from John Browne, Olly Steele and Mike Malyan of the mighty Monuments. An awesome all-round experience, not just the result of fine musician work but an example of the loyal and committed fanbase that the metal world is proud for having
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