Thanks to the chaos on the M56 I only arrived at Manchester Academy in time to catch the end of Architects’ set; the only UK representatives on this years Never Say Die Tour.
The guys wooed the crowd with their blend of technical Metalcore and Math Metal, showcasing tracks from their most recent studio album 'Ruin', and previewing songs from their new record 'Hollow Crown', which is set to surface in January next year.
The five Brighton lads leapt around the stage as though they had drunk a little too much Red Bull, only pausing to flick their long hair out of their faces. Fair enough I’m standing there not actually understanding a word of what they’re ‘singing’ - and I use that term lightly - but the crowd lap it up with ferocity anyway.
Singer Sam Carter looks young enough to still be in school and even has to elevate himself on a silver box to be able to look out over the crowd and the red and green disco lighting makes him look like a little gremlin careering about the stage and it’s pretty hard to believe that such a powerful sound comes out of a guy with skinnier jeans than myself!
Just as I’m starting to enjoy gazing at the crowd surfers who are hurtling towards me it’s time for them to leave, but not before they remind us that they're back on the road in January 2009 with melodic Hardcore icons Misery Signals, to coincide with the release of their sexy new record.
After a short wee and beer break it was back to check out the dual vocal Deathcore band, Despised Icon who hail from Montreal, Canada who once again brought their furious dual vocal led Deathcore assault to the UK. Opening with 'Furtive Monologue', they proceeded to pummel the crowd, with little complaint, for the best part of half an hour with their signature cocktail of breakdowns, squeals and blast beats all over the shop.
Vocalist Alex Erian interacted perfectly with the crowd during the set, climbing onto the barrier during 'A Fractured Hand', getting those lucky enough to get so close to the action to join in on the gang chant of 'I failed you once again, yet you're still all I have'.
Closing with 'In The Arms Of Perdition', the opening track from their latest record 'The Ills Of Modern Man', the French-Canadians brought their set to a close with a fierce breakdown, to the delight of the 'Hardcore' contingent of the crowd.
After 20 minutes of sweat (and probably some blood in the pit) they closed with In The Arms Of Perdition which brought their set to a end with a hefty breakdown, to the delight of the crowd.
Massachusetts' fivesome Unearth, fresh from the release of their fourth studio album 'The March' last month, took to the stage with their Hardcore tinged Thrash Metal.
Frontman Trevor Phipps commanded the room from word go as they opened with their Mosh-pit classic 'Endless', before cracking out a blend of new material and classics from their back-catalogue, including 'This Lying World', 'Giles' and 'Sanctity Of Brothers' as the floor went ballistic.
Before introducing their final song of the night, Phipps informed the crowd that they'd be back in the UK in February for a headline tour in support of their new record, and judging by the reception, I'm guessing there will be a lot of familiar faces there.
Simply put, Unearth are probably the tightest live band you'll see around at the moment, and it's great to see they're finally getting the recognition they deserve so much after spending years in the shadows of fellow Metalcore creators Killswitch Engage.
Then the moment these kids have been waiting for; metallic Hardcore pace-setters Parkway Drive - who played the same tour twelve months ago warming up for Comeback Kid - find themselves headlining this years far grander version tour after a very successful 2008, which they owe mostly to the success of their second studio effort 'Horizons'.
The set didn't get off to the best of starts as vocalist Winston's microphone sporadically cut out throughout opening track 'Boneyards', but went from strength to strength thrashing out classics from both of their studio records, including 'Gimmie a D', 'Carrion' and closing with firm fan favourite 'Romance is Dead', with circle pits galore and a hell of a lot of lot of topless people and waving arms.
It's great to see bands like Parkway Drive playing the music they play without the hairspray and excessive tattoos and piercing, which will defend them from any potential dismissal from fans of 'True metal', and it's great to see the rising market for this brand of Metal and Hardcore, as the sold out Manchester Academy Two empties.
All I can say is that if there is going to be a 2009 leg of the Never Say Die tour, then they have set themselves high standards. It will take a lot of hard work to bring together another collection of seven bands this strong from this field of alternative music together. Can it be done? We'll see.
FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison & Joe Ivers.
Photography - Daniel Cameron
Check out out incredible gallery of photos from the night here