Photo Credit: Press

On a crisp autumn night, the O2 Ritz in Manchester, a venue steeped in musical history, came alive with the thunderous sounds of Swedish metalcore. The air was electric, filled with anticipation as fans eagerly gathered for an unforgettable evening of live music featuring three incredible bands: ALLT, AVIANA, and IMMINENCE. Each band showcased its unique flavour, contributing to a night filled with intense energy and emotion, and together, they created a memorable experience for fans of heavy music in the dynamic and diverse world of metal.    

The night kicked off with ALLT, a progressive metalcore band hailing from Sweden, whose performance was a unique sonic assault. Right from the first note, the band demonstrated their signature style, marked by intense and dynamic drumming that set the pace for the evening. Their complex song structures unfolded seamlessly, showcasing their musicianship and the intricate layering of sound. Lead vocalist Robin Malmgren captivated the audience with his guttural growls and high-pitched screams, adding emotional depth to each performance. The band’s aggressive breakdowns hit hard, a testament to their latest album, From The New World. The reverb-laden guitars melded perfectly, creating a sound that resonated as powerfully live as on their recordings. Fans were quick to respond, with mosh pits opening up as Malmgren encouraged the crowd to “move to the music.” His playful interaction included blowing a kiss to his guitarist. The standout moment came with ‘The Orphan Breed’, a track that ignited the audience. At the same time, they ended on a high note with the powerful closer ‘Paralysed‘. The energy never dipped, and Malmgren hinted at greater things to come with an exciting speech about their upcoming headline tour next year.   

Next up was AVIANA, a Swedish metalcore band that skilfully crafted a stage with a darker ambience. Whose theatrical entrance immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. The stage was cloaked in darkness, with only the sound of drums echoing through the venue, building suspense until red lighting revealed the masked drummer. The rest of the band also masked, apart from the vocalist and unleashed their new track, ‘Delirium’, a hard-hitting, fast-paced assault filled with sharp breakdowns and electronic elements. Joel Holmqvist led the charge with low, guttural screams, his commanding stage presence driving the crowd into a frenzy. The guitarist on the right side of the stage was particularly animated, feeding off the energy and constantly moving as the breakdowns hit hard. Tracks like ‘My Worst Enemy‘ intensified the energy, with blue lighting adding a chilling effect. The interlude was particularly electrifying, where the band prompted the audience to crouch low, only to spring back up together, synchronised to the beat drop. During ‘Rage‘, Holmqvist’s aggression was palpable, and red lighting mirrored the anger in his voice. When they played their fan-favourite ‘Anomaly‘, the audience was in sync with the band’s every move, their emotional connection unmistakable. They ended with ‘Obsession‘, leaving Manchester stunned by the ferocity of their set, the eerie outro perfectly closing their chaotic performance.  

IMMINENCE, from Sweden, closed the night with a performance that seamlessly blended heavy metal with orchestral and symphonic elements. The atmosphere was electric from the moment they took the stage, shrouded in darkness and suspense. The music was accompanied by pulsating visuals that gave the venue an almost church-like ambience, adding to the intense mood. Vocalist Eddie Berg made a dramatic entrance, cloaked in black, which heightened the theatricality of the show. The band opened with ‘Head in High Water‘, starting slow and haunting before unleashing a powerful fusion of crushing guitars and orchestral layers. Berg’s range was impressive, shifting effortlessly between raw, visceral screams and ethereal, haunting vocals. The addition of violin to their sound added a delicate, emotional element that set Imminence apart from other metalcore bands. As the performance went on, the crowd became increasingly captivated by the band’s storytelling. The band delivered a standout performance of ‘Death by 1000 Cuts’, a track that blends brutal screams with soaring melodies, capturing themes of struggle and resilience. The audience passionately sang along, creating a unified energy that filled the venue. The visual spectacle intensified as figures dressed in black cloaks joined the stage, carrying lanterns that flickered like something out of a ritual. This theatrical element deepened the performance, as Berg appeared to interact silently with these shadowy figures, adding layers of meaning to the show. IMMINENCE closed with ‘The Black‘, leaving the audience breathless as Berg’s piercing screams and haunting melodies intertwined with the violin’s sound. The final scream into the violin created a chilling effect, lingering in the air long after the music stopped. The band bowed to the crowd, thanking them for their energy and making the night truly unforgettable.  

The night at the O2 Ritz was a vibrant celebration of progressive metal, showcasing the unique sounds of ALLT, Aviana, and Imminence. ALLT opened the show with their dynamic aggression, followed by Aviana, whose electronic-infused intensity captivated the audience. Imminence closed the night with their distinctive orchestral metalcore, leaving a lasting impression.  

Each band contributed something special, creating a memorable experience filled with passion, energy, and incredible performances. The audience embarked on a journey through various layers of metalcore, experiencing ALLT‘s technical prowess, AVIANA‘s punishing rhythms, and IMMINENCE‘s haunting symphonic melodies. This remarkable blend of styles ensured a night that fans would remember.