August Burns Red
As I headed into Manchester all seemed pretty normal, that was until I reached the front of the Academy 3 entrance. There was a large crowd of people eagerly awaiting to watch a sold out August Burns Red show, and who could blame them, I have waiting to see these guys live for many months....
First on the lineup was supposed to be Of Mice & Men, but unfortunately they could not make it as their tour bus broke down in France... so opening the show was Blessthefall.
I have seen these guys before and was very excited to see them again, they opened the set with '2.0'/'What's Left Of Me' then 'To Hell And Back', which in my opinion is a great set opener, this is echoed on their album, Witness. Tonight was also an extra special night for Blessthefall as it was guitarist Eric's birthday, to mark this special occasion it was encouraged that the audience participated in some stage diving, the rules where simple..... get on stage, kiss Eric then stage dive, simple as that.
They went on to play two songs from the, His Last Walk, album, 'Guys Like You Make Us Look Bad' and 'Rise Up' catered for fans both new and old before it was time for some more of the bands latest songs 'God Wears Gucci', 'Skinwalkers' and 'Hey Baby, Here's That Song You Wanted'. Blessthefall certainly give it their all when it comes to live shows, their stage presence and energy really shine through, definitely a band to see live!
Now it was time for the main act, August Burns Red. Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania these guys are certainly making a name for themselves, which sees them performing to a sold out show at tonight's gig. You could tell the audience were excited and full of energy for tonight's show, this was evident from the reaction to Matt Greiner as he sound checked his drums....
Playing the opening track, 'Truth Of The Liar' from the album Messengers, certainly got the crowd going. Next was 'Escape Artist', a song never played live before, a special treat for the fans tonight. 'Indonesia' and 'Marianas Trenchsoon' followed, a song they dedicated to the absent Of Mice & Men.
During 'Indonesia' there was a circle pit the width of Academy 3, it was pretty spectacular before it was time for the song the audience had been waiting for 'Back Burner' followed by the last song of the set, 'Redemption'.
Now for the encore, out came Matt Greiner who treated the capacity crowd to a technically brilliant drum solo shortly followed by 'White Washed'. The audience was certainly treated to a great night with 2 exceptional bands, of which none are to be missed in the future.
Words & Photos : Ian Taylor