LIVE REVIEW: Bury Tomorrow, Make Them Suffer, Thornhill, As Everything Unfolds, Manchester Academy, 23/11/2024
Photo Credit: Jack Geddes (22nd November – Barrowlands Glasgow)
Manchester Academy 1 was alive with the kind of energy that only a packed metal show can produce. The night saw four dynamic bands from different corners of the world come together for an unforgettable evening. Each band brought their unique style to the stage, blending aggression, melody, and technical prowess in a way that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the night:
The night opened with As Everything Unfolds, a post-hardcore and alternative metal band from the UK. Known for their dynamic instrumentals, aggressive yet melodic sound, and emotionally charged lyrics, the band was a perfect choice to get the energy flowing. From the start, lead vocalist Charlie Rolfe’s ability to seamlessly transition from clean singing to guttural unclean screams captivated the audience. Her vocal range was matched by the band’s tight, polished performance. The stage setup was simple but effective, with purple lighting washing over the venue, setting an atmospheric mood for their opening track. “Alright, let’s get some movement going!” Rolfe shouted as the drums kicked in, followed by a shredding guitar solo. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, and the energy only increased as bassist George Hunt and keyboardist Jon Cassidy pumped up the pit. Red lighting took over for the heavier tracks, amplifying the intensity of their performance.
One of the standout moments came during Ultraviolet from their debut album. The reverberating guitar tones created a dreamy atmosphere that contrasted nicely with the powerful, unclean vocals. The band’s connection with the crowd was evident, especially during Felt Like Home, where hands were raised, and the audience sang along in unison. Despite the difficult circumstances the band had faced in recent months, particularly the loss of their drummer, Jamie Gowers, they expressed immense gratitude for being able to perform, creating an emotional and heart-warming atmosphere.
Next up was Thornhill, a progressive metalcore band from Melbourne, Australia, known for their atmospheric and emotive approach to the genre. The anticipation was palpable as the crowd cheered and gave a collective “woo” as Thornhill prepared to take the stage. Their set kicked off with Raw a high-energy opener that perfectly set the tone for the night. Lead vocalist Jacob Charlton’s commanding presence was immediately felt, his voice balancing between explosive force and emotional depth. As the song progressed, it was clear that Thornhill’s sound was a mix of hard-hitting metalcore and atmospheric elements, allowing them to create complex, layered compositions that draw the listener in.
The crowd started to intensify with the new track nerv, which had a distinct 90s and early 2000s nu-metal vibe, blending old-school influences with a modern twist. It was an instant hit with the crowd, with the energy continuing to build throughout the set. One of the most notable moments came with Lily & the Moon which was heavy on the drums and featured haunting, almost ethereal vocals that contrasted with the aggressive undertones. This track was a perfect example of how Thornhill masterfully blends beauty with heaviness, creating a soundscape that felt both haunting and beautiful.
As the set progressed, Thornhill increased the intensity with tracks like Coven, which showcased their darker, more brooding side. The band’s ability to move seamlessly between aggressive and atmospheric sounds kept the crowd engaged and excited. The crowd’s passion continued to rise during Casanova, a groovy and infectious number that kept the momentum up despite some brief technical hiccups. The crowd kept the energy going, and Thornhill’s set clearly indicated their growing popularity and musical prowess. Their set was a sonic journey, leading to their closing track, Obsession, where intricate layers of sound and raw emotion left a profound impact on the crowd. Their influences, particularly Deftones, were evident in their unique blend of heaviness and melody. They’re a band to keep an eye on, as their future musical creations are bound to be captivating.
Make Them Suffer, an Australian metalcore band, brought the heaviness to the stage next with their energetic, eruptive set and infectious energy. Known for their blend of brutal deathcore breakdowns, melodic clean vocals, and symphonic atmospheric elements, the band immediately launched into the well-known track Ghost Of Me. Alex Reade’s clean, melodic vocals were a standout, contrasting perfectly with the heavier, guttural tones that dominated much of the band’s sound. The energy in the room was off the charts, with crowd surfers making their way across the venue. The band’s interaction with the audience was a key element of their performance, as vocalist Sean Harmanis teased the crowd, by shouting, “You guys are keeping us alive!”, the audience, in return, responded with enthusiastic moshing and shouting.
Tracks like Epitaph and Oscillator got heads banging and bodies moving, while Erase Me showcased Reade’s ability to switch between clean and more aggressive vocal styles, adding an extra dynamic layer to their performance. The crowd was wild, and the pit was absolutely chaotic, with Harmanis urging the audience to jump and create a metalcore party atmosphere. Despite the madness, the band kept the performance tight, delivering incredible breakdowns that sent the crowd into a frenzy. A particularly memorable moment occurred when Harmanis lost his hat while headbanging, only for it to be retrieved by a crowd surfer, showing just how unpredictable and wild the energy was throughout the set. The band closed their performance with Doomswitch leaving the crowd exhilarated with insane guitar riffs and a powerful ending.
Finally, it was time for the headliner, Bury Tomorrow, a British metalcore band from Southampton. The venue erupted as the band took the stage, and the crowds energy was through the roof. Fans had been chanting the band’s name long before they even began, and it was clear from the first note that this was going to be an intense set. Bury Tomorrow’s stage presence was unmatched. The band was constantly moving around, engaging with the crowd in a way that made everyone feel like part of the show. Vocalist Daniel Winter-Bates, donning a bulletproof vest, led the charge, delivering a commanding performance throughout. The audience was already on fire as Winter-Bates shouted, “I want to see the whole room spinning!” a call for a massive circle pit that the crowd eagerly obliged.
The bands set included a mix of fan favourites like Earthbound, where the crowd moshed passionately, and darker, more atmospheric moments like DEATH (Ever Colder), where the stage production created a haunting visual to match the tracks introspective themes. The crowd sang along, the energy building with every song. One of the most emotional moments came with the new track, What If I Burn, where the bands emotional charge created a more introspective atmosphere, even as the crowd continued to rock out. The setlist pulled from multiple albums, showcasing the bands growth over the years and giving fans a taste of new material and classic hits.
Bury Tomorrow closed their set with Choke, one of their most anthemic tracks. The crowds response was electric, with emotionally charged lyrics resonating through the venue. The performance ended on a triumphant note, leaving the crowd chanting for more even after the final note rang out.
From the opening notes of As Everything Unfolds to the final roar of Bury Tomorrow, this was a night of unparalleled ferocity and energy. Each band brought something unique to the stage, but all shared a passion and connection with their audience that made this concert one for the books. Whether it was the dynamic melodies of As Everything Unfolds, the progressive, atmospheric sound of Thornhill, the chaotic energy of Make Them Suffer, or the electrifying presence of Bury Tomorrow, this show was a true testament to the power of live music and the vibrant metal community.
Written By: Zena Morris
