Photo Credit: Nel Cummings
Embarking on their debut headline tour across the UK, Bristol based grunge-nu-metal band SPLIT CHAIN take on new cities and independent venues, alongside local support acts each night getting the opportunity to perform with one of the UK’s most exciting newcomers.
Grantham quartet HEAD CLOUD kicked off the show to an already packed out venue. Their blend of palatable vocals and melodic hardcore sound. 2024 single ‘Reflections‘ served as the best received track on from their slot, elevating the night with a positive start. The more aggressive DUSTHOUSE followed on from the opener. The local hardcore band stepped it up a notch as their metallic full throttle performance generated movement from the crowd right from the off. As the steel city outfit throw in electronic elements to liven the room up before unleashing gut wrenching breakdowns that once again created high energy both on and off stage.
Tour support MERCURY were a perfect addition to the line-up, setting-up the main event with their similar sound but with their own twist. The more subdued vocals blending into heavy riffs was a welcome approach that had the Sheffield crowd head banging throughout. Their track ‘Take 14‘ was a beautiful instrumental that bridged their set perfectly, ‘Gradient‘ continued the ferocity the increase the energy in the room.
Kicking things into gear, SPLIT CHAIN‘s steel city debut was off to a flier from the get go. Blending a mixture of nu-metal, shoegaze, emo and hardcore into one is a mash-up that the band have honed and thrived upon. Cowles continued to encourage the audience to get more involved, begging for stage dives and mosh pits to unfold during the bands set. The much heavier material saw the frontman’s wishes granted, as the energy on stage was unmatched. Adding to the ferocious sound that SPLIT CHAIN deliver, Cowles picked up the third guitar to give the songs that extra punch, creating a trio of almighty riffs. New songs from the bands upcoming debut album featured on the night, with ‘I’m Not Dying to Be Here‘ and ‘bored. tired. torn‘ building up the excitement for further new material.
The Sheffield crowd’s energy did not dwindle one bit on the night, as the Deftones inspired ‘Future’ was a much more subdued approach before a slap in the face explosion came towards the end of the track. The bands back drop was a real throwback to the 90’s with vintage TV’s flickering during the performance, fitting nicely with their gloomy lighting and sound to really set the scene. Their debut single ‘Get Inside‘ still remains a clear favourite amongst their fan base, as the crowd consistently chimed in on the chorus. It is evident that SPLIT CHAIN‘s rise is quickly exceeding expectations, but they are really taking it in their stride.
Taped Magazine 