By Daniel Tsourekas
Following a streak of hardcore shows over the past month, the Star and Garter welcomed metalcore upcomers Lake Malice for a night of catchy choruses, experimental breakdowns and many moshpits. Following their exceptional Vended support slot and Radar Festival 2023 performance, a debut ÜK headline tour was bound to happen, considering their sudden rise in popularity over the past few months. And as the crowed queues in numbers waiting for the Star and Garter doors to open, this rising talent’s road to success becomes even more clear.
Originally the support acts consisted of Bobby Wolfgang (FKA Strange Bones), and Artio, but with the prior not being able to perform on the day, the pressure falls on the one remaining support act to warm up the crowd for the headline act.
The electronica-infused alt-rock four piece Artio take to the stage following the recent release of their debut album Babyface, and they have all the confidence in their stage presence to carry the show as the only support act of the night. With an entertaining medley of catchy choruses, electric riffs and breakdowns, tight coordination and fantastic vocal performances, Artio further prove their worth and are ones to watch at this year’s Slam Dunk Festival.
Lake Malice have provided Manchester two explosive performances the past year, and their headliner makes no exception. Opening with ‘Black Turbine’, the energy is raised to 11 as guitarist Blake Cornwall already starts jumping off the stage and running rampant while being able to perform without fault. Lead vocalist Alice Guala seamlessly transitions from melodic singing to brutal screams within split seconds and it is quite fascinating how both members are able to stay so active throughout the whole night while giving an 100 per cent performance.
It only took two songs for the moshpits to start, and following the debut of an unreleased song, their set continues with powerhouse after powerhouse the likes of ‘Creepers’ and ‘Power Game’. The band’s appreciation of the packed out room is visible in each song performed, and Blake even joins a circle pit during a pre-breakdown. As one more unreleased song is debuted, they save the best for last with fan favourite ‘Mitsuko’, a highlight of the night in terms of vocal performance, ‘Stop The Party’ and ‘Blossom’.
It is safe to say that Lake Malice will be a household name very soon, their dedication and love for the art alongside the electronic undertones, Drum and Bass sequences and live drum pad additions keep the genre fresh and unparalleled. Expect their next time in Manchester to be in a much bigger venue.
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