Ex-I Killed The Prom Queen vocalist and hardcore scene celebrity Michael Crafter’s latest project, Confession opened proceedings to a full house. Playing an unoriginal, yet well executed style of melodic mosh metal, the quintet entertained with songs from their recently released debut EP Can’t Live, Can’t Breathe.
Unfortunately, the negativity of Vincent Bennett, vocalist for Massachusetts band The Acacia Strain was slightly more of a talking point than the band’s musical capabilities. At one point Bennett stating, “Love is fake, the only true emotion is hate…”, in between delivering one of the night’s stand out performances.
Blending the poppiest of melodies, with the grunts and growls of death metal, is where it’s at for A Day To Remember. A cover of Kelly Clarkson’s hit single ‘Since You Been Gone’ was an interesting inclusion, in an overly lengthy performance.
Fellow Americans Suicide Silence has spent the last seven years finding their feet, after releasing their maiden full length The Cleansing last year. With a line up containing no original members and an entourage of 19 ex-members, the Orlando based visitors rounded out the night’s support acts.
The well travelled Parkway Drive seemed pleased to be back in Newcastle. The young quintet from Byron Bay, employed an offering of songs from 2005’s Killing With A Smile and 2007’s Horizons, including “Boneyards”, “Gimme a D” and “Smoke Em If You Got Em”. Sing-a-long favourite “Romance is Dead” finalised a flawless, well rehearsed set. Keep your eyes peeled for the DVD Parkway Drive will be releasing early next year, containing footage from this tour.
Review by Nathaniel Try
Photography by Sarah-Kate Harris
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