Live Review: Every Time I Die, Comeback Kid, Knocked Loose & Higher Power - O2 Institute, Birmingham - 27/11/2017
With such an overwhelming reputation in the UK, Buffalo metalcore favourites Every Time I Die were always going to cause havoc on their lengthy European tour, and with supports as solid as Higher Power, Knocked Loose & Comeback Kid, we were all definitely in for a treat.
Taking the opening slot were Leeds hardcore kids Higher Power. Despite traffic swallowing up their set, I managed to catch the 5 piece a few weeks previous on the Nottingham leg of the tour. Opening for such a prestigious set of acts was always going to be a big job, but with a Turnstile-esque vibe, these guys nailed it. Energy levels were high throughout, showcasing their modern take on the classic two step sound. These guys are the perfect representation of UK hardcore in bloom, with a few hundred turning out early to get involved.
Kentucky hardcore favourites Knocked Loose demand everyone’s attention from the off, screeching their way into first hit Oblivions Peak. Their style of music was never meant for a room this size, however the entire floor is very much alive. With fists flying, the 5 piece slam through their set, initiating breakdowns at every opportunity. It seems that this new breed of hardcore is thriving, with every single person in the room either nodding their head or throwing punches. Showcasing singles from their debut album goes down a treat with this crowd, with fans surfing and climbing throughout the set. With a low end as heavy as theirs, singles such as All My Friends were always destined to pack a punch. A solid set from the thriving newcomers.
After providing inarguably my favourite performance of the year back in February, Canadian hardcore legends Comeback Kid were always going to smash it. Coming out to a packed out Institute, the quintet explode into first hit False Idols Fall. Recent release Outsider is showcased to the fullest, with singles Absolute & Somewhere, Somehow providing moshers with the riffs to tear the institute apart. Their 45 minute set is held at breakneck pace throughout, with Neufeld orchestrating circle pits every time he finishes a verse. Despite Outsider proving extremely popular, older hits from their six album strong discography send the crowd into madness. Should Know Better & Do Yourself a Favour go down a treat, but it was always going to be Wake The Dead. Those last few minutes were by far the highlight of the night. Fans piling over the top of each other for a chance with the mic topped off an incredibly impressive set. Long live Comeback Kid.
As the room reaches near capacity, Every Time I Die were sure to impress. Opening with No Son of Mine perfectly showcased the sheer madness and energy that goes into this band. Frontman Keith Buckley is the powerhouse of the group, nailing his vocal range despite an extensive European tour resting on his shoulders. Their irrefutable stage presence has their fans going wild, with guitarist Jordan Buckley literally going insane, even whilst sporting a broken foot. Fan favourite The Coin Has a Say initiates pits left right and centre, with slower anthem It Remembers enforcing a full crowd sing along. The sound throughout their set is utterly ferocious, especially when showcasing older, heavier hits such as Romeo a Go-Go, which comes as a treat to the die-hards in the crowd. Closing hit Fear & Trembling is the epitome of metalcore; fans both new and old go insane to the delight of Buckley. A truly incredible line-up, with 4 solid performances enforcing the sheer power of both old and new hardcore.
Photography by Sarah Maiden and Review by Cait Briggs