LIVE REVIEW: While She Sleeps, Currents, THROWN, Resolve, O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester, 07/12/2024
Nothing could deter metalcore fans from flocking to the O2 Victoria Warehouse on a night of relentless stormy winds and rain. The evening boasted an impressive line-up featuring Resolve, THROWN, Currents, and headliners While She Sleeps. From emotionally charged melodies to ferocious breakdowns, each band delivered unforgettable performances, showcasing the genre’s dynamic range and unyielding passion.
The night began with Resolve, the metalcore band from Lyon, France, who captivated the crowd with their explosive opener Human. The track, also the title of their 2023 album, was an intense dive into themes of vulnerability and self-awareness, underscored by cinematic sounds and pounding percussion. This immediately intrigued the audience and set the tone for the rest of the evening. The set exploded with Bloodlust, a track defined by its fierce guitar riff intro and relentless energy. Frontman Anthony Diliberto proved to be an electrifying presence on stage, commanding attention with his intense vocals and animated movements, particularly during the crushing breakdown. The band then shifted gears with Death Awaits, blending haunting melodies with emotionally driven heaviness, accentuated by visceral “bleghs” that added texture and grit to the performance.
Resolve’s newer tracks, like the incendiary Molotov, showcased their versatility with punchy rhythms and anthem-like choruses that fired up the crowd. Sandman introduced a dreamlike quality without losing its raw edge, while Smile juxtaposed bright instrumentals with sombre, poignant lyrics. The band concluded with Older Days, a reverb-soaked closer that beautifully balanced melancholy with catharsis. The song contains reverb, ambient synth layers, pounding drums, and sensory-hitting vocals that scratch and satisfy the brain, leaving the audience both reflective and exhilarated.
Following Resolve, Sweden’s THROWN brought an explosive energy that elevated the night. The rising stars of the metalcore scene combined crushing riffs with nu-metal influences, creating a unique sonic identity. From the first notes of Guilt, the band captured the crowd’s attention with sharp, visceral aggression. Dramatic red and blue lighting enveloped the stage, adding to the intensity of their performance. Guitarists Johan Liljeblad and Andreas Malm delivered punishing riffs and complex breakdowns that turned the floor into a chaotic mosh pit. Vocalist Marcus Lundqvist was magnetic, his powerful screams driving tracks like On the Verge to standout status. With its potent grooves and hardcore-meets-nu-metal fusion, this song had the audience two-stepping and thrashing with fervour. Each song ended abruptly, heightening the rawness and audacity of their set. Smoke-filled air and relentless energy made their performance a visceral experience, ensuring their enigmatic presence lingered long after their final note.
Connecticut’s Currents provided an emotionally charged set, weaving progressive elements into their dynamic metalcore. Opening with Never There, the band demonstrated their knack for atmospheric tension, seamlessly combining soaring melodies with driving rhythms. Monsters stood out as a raw and emotive highlight, pairing crushing guitar riffs with heartfelt lyrics. The interplay between melodic passages and brutal breakdowns kept the audience captivated. Midway through their performance, vocalist Brian Wille paused to express gratitude, exclaiming, “You’re all awesome,” before diving into Living in Tragedy. This crowd favourite turned the venue into a frenzy, with waves of crowd surfers energized by the ferocious pace and hefty breakdowns.
A softer moment arrived with Better Days, offering a reprieve from the intensity and uplifting fans with its anthemic feel. Over And Over brought a more subdued yet resonant atmosphere, its repetitive themes underscoring the persistence of overcoming hardship. Currents ended their performance on a high note with Guide Us Home, a powerful closer that left the crowd with a sense of redemption and hope.
The anticipation in the O2 Victoria Warehouse reached a fever pitch as While She Sleeps took the stage, bringing their trademark blend of energy, emotion, and connection. Hailing from Sheffield and with a career spanning over seventeen years, the band has cemented themselves as a powerhouse in modern metalcore. Known for their bold artistic choices and relentless touring, While She Sleeps’ ethos of unity and perseverance resonated throughout their performance.
Opening with the explosive LEAVE ME ALONE, the band wasted no time igniting the crowd. Sean Long’s electrifying guitar intro and Adam Savage’s ferocious drumming created a sonic storm, perfectly matched by Lawrence Taylor’s commanding presence. Embodying the themes of frustration and defiance, Taylor encouraged the audience to raise their middle fingers in unison during the chorus, creating a powerful moment of collective rebellion. Crowd surfers immediately sprang into action, adding to the palpable chaos.
The momentum only built further with ANTI-SOCIAL. As the audience clapped in perfect synchronicity, the groovy rhythm and sharp lyrical critique of societal norms turned the venue into a roaring anthem of defiance. With its catchy chorus and biting message, this track became a rallying cry for the fans, solidifying its place as a live show staple.
A standout moment of the set came with RAINBOWS, one of the band’s more experimental tracks. Taylor commanded the crowd to open the pit, leading to a whirlwind of moshing and wild energy. The unpredictable atmosphere was amplified when a drink was flung into the air, a chaotic act that perfectly captured the mayhem of the moment. The intensity reached a fever pitch during SELF HELL. This track had the audience throwing up devil horns and moshing in joyful camaraderie. The guttural ‘bleghs’ during the breakdown sent fans into a frenzy, showcasing the band’s ability to channel raw emotion into their music.
Midway through the set, SYSTEMATIC pushed the limit of the band and audience. Taylor, visibly sweating, shed his jacket to prepare for the relentless energy of the song. Flashing lights paired with the unrelenting instrumentals created a visceral experience, immersing fans in the chaos of the performance. In a rare quieter moment, Taylor paused to check in with the audience, asking, “Are you alive out here?” The crowd responded with an electrifying wave of applause, which rippled from the back of the venue to the front, reaffirming the strong connection between the band and their fans.
A unique highlight of the evening was during DOWN, where Currents’ Brian Wille stepped in to fill the vocal role originally performed by Malevolence’s Alex Taylor. This unexpected collaboration added a fresh and personal touch to the show, leaving fans ecstatic at the rare moment of musical crossover.
As the set reached its emotional peak, TO THE FLOWERS brought a reflective and vulnerable tone. The song, addressing grief and loss, was accompanied by pink and green lighting that bathed the stage in an emotional glow. Taylor held flowers aloft, symbolising remembrance and love, before throwing them into the crowd. It was a poignant moment that united everyone in shared emotions, underscoring the band’s ability to balance intensity with heartfelt expression.
The band closed the show with SLEEPS SOCIETY, a track that embodies their ethos of unity and empowerment. With its soaring choruses and electrifying energy, the song left the audience exhilarated and inspired. Fans chanted along, their voices echoing the sentiment that they are more than just listeners, they are an integral part of the community While She Sleeps has built.
The night at the O2 Victoria Warehouse was more than a concert; it was a celebration of connection, resilience, and raw emotion. Resolve, THROWN, Currents, and While She Sleeps each brought their unique style, but it was the headliners who turned the evening into a defining moment for fans. From explosive anthems to reflective ballads, While She Sleeps delivered a performance that showcased their growth, passion, and unbreakable bond with their audience.
As the storm raged outside, inside the venue, the energy and unity of the night created a different kind of storm. This was not just a metalcore show; it was a testament to the power of music to bring people together, even in the harshest conditions.
