First up this evening are Kvelertak with their debut self titled album just out and they have a pretty good reason to want to impress. Front man Erlend Hjelvik looks like a big grizzly bear and the punky/metal musical mix, catchy songs and energetic and compelling show keep the small but growing crowd happy.

Next up are Gaza from Salt Lake City, Utah. Combining quite a few musical styles and competing with an outrageous onstage hum the show is different both in musical content and the style of delivery. Both the frontman Jon Parkin and guitarist Mike Mason wobble around the stage like they are perpetually about to fall over (finally ending up on the floor at the end of the set!). The music requires your attention though, more growers than instant gratification and this is a bit difficult for live work. Stonkingly heavy though with ‘He is Never Coming Back’, the highlight of the set.

Hot on their heels are Kylesa. Sporting two drummers, it's no surprise that the songs that make best use of this dual attack impress the most. This extra dimension really lifts the band up a notch and gives them a real uniqueness. Coupled with strong song writing and precise delivery, Kylesa still really impress. ‘Scapegoat’ being a gem of a song which sees the now full venue really come alive. No shortage of energy on the stage either... Top marks.

If Kylesa are the appetizer, there's no doubting that Converge are the main meal. Jacon Bannon paces impatiently at the back of the stage, really looking like a caged animal desperate to get out before Converge burst onto the stage with set opener ‘Concubine’. Having a huge backlog to choose from is a bonus as Converge mix it up quite nicely with ‘Heartache’ and ‘Hellbound’ moving to ‘Homewrecker’, effortlessly covering the best part of a decade. Bannon complains about the quality of the stage diving which prompts a small flurry of audacious spins and jumps from the divers. The temperature continues to rise, sweat starts to flow. Converge are in their element in this atmosphere, the venue is not too large, still very personal and in your face. The set closes with ‘Wishing Well’ and ‘Damages’, both from the Axe to Fall album of 2009. There is no doubting Converge have arrived to take their place in hardcore history...

Graham Hilling
photos: Graham Hilling