By Josh Bicknell
A night of crushing riffs, chaotic energy and genre-bending supports… what more could you ask for at The Devil Wears Prada’s first ÜK headline tour in 11 years?
Kicking off the show was SENNA, a band I had only heard a few songs from before their set. Their unique blend of progressive metalcore, featuring poppy choruses, intricate guitar leads, and occasional yet impactful low screams, exemplified in their song ‘High Note,’ did a fantastic job warming up the crowd. Notably, a couple of die-hard fans had arrived early despite the band’s timely opening slot, and SENNA’s performance set a fun and bouncy atmosphere as concertgoers filed into the venue, grabbed drinks from the bar, and prepared for an unforgettable night that showcased the diversity of modern metal.
Up next was Ocean Grove, whose unpredictable ‘Oddworld’ madness had everyone in Manchester’s Club Academy bouncing from start to finish. Opening with ‘FLY AWAY,’ Melbourne’s own quickly demonstrated that they cannot be put in a box. This track blends rap verses with screams over ’90s-style nu-metal riffs and disc scratches. Their unique style immediately connected with the crowd in a live setting. With their outfits and stage presence, it became clear that their set would feel nostalgic and fresh, drawing influence from the past while adding a modern twist.
Despite settling into their sound with their latest record, ‘Oddworld‘, Ocean Grove ensured that their setlist included fan favourites from previous releases, such as ‘Junkie$’ and ‘Stratosphere Love’. Both tracks resonated wonderfully with the audience, seamlessly integrating into their recently refined aesthetic. Other memorable moments from their set included vocalist Dale Tanner switching roles with bassist Brent “Twiggy” Hunter for a song, as well as impressive drum solos from Sam Bassal. This dynamic and exhilarating performance made them the standout band of the night, especially impressive given the limited duration of their opening set and the fact that they joined this tour on very short notice.
Bridging the gap between the unpredictability of Ocean Grove and the electronic elements of The Devil Wears Prada, the synth-driven sextet Kingdom Of Giants took the stage. Fresh off the release of their EP, ‘Bleeding Star’, they launched into their set with its opening track, ‘Asphalt.’ This song’s catchy grooves and shrieking high screams were even more impactful in a live setting, ensuring that the lively atmosphere cultivated by both SENNA and Ocean Grove was not lost.
Their setlist also featured tracks from their 2020 album, ‘Passenger’, such as ‘Wayfinder’ and ‘Night Shift.’ These songs, featuring more melodic choruses and electronic elements, alternated seamlessly with tracks from ‘Bleeding Star’, creating a cohesive set that showcased Kingdom Of Giants’ impressive range. Their performance included unbelievably heavy breakdowns and intimate flashlight-waving moments, leaving the crowd perfectly primed for the night’s headliner.
After one final changeover, the crowd eagerly anticipating The Devil Wears Prada’s headline set, it wasn’t long before the lights faded to black, and once again a small army of musicians stormed onto the stage.
Tearing into their set, the American six-piece opened with ‘Mammoth,’ ‘Watchtower’ and ‘Danger: Wildman’, quickly demonstrating the defining feature of their performance. As album cycles come and go, most bands that have been on the road as long as The Devil Wears Prada tend to forget the deeper cuts. However, within the first three songs, they had already covered material from three different albums, and by the end of the set, they had touched on tracks from eight separate releases. This is a testament to the quality of their music. Despite being active for nearly 20 years, they continue to showcase their oldest tracks, proving their lasting relevance.
However, this is not to say that Ohio’s own are no longer innovating. Their latest two albums, ‘The Act’ and ‘Colour Decay’, lean heavily into electronic elements and synths. One of the ways they’ve managed to keep their live show so exciting is by fully embracing this shift, particularly around the midpoint of their set. After playing one of their recent singles, ‘Ritual,’ and the first half of their latest single, ‘Reasons,’ they switch it up with a cover of the track they recently collaborated on with Excision. This unexpected moment of chaos and surprise pushes the boundaries of what a metal show can be while keeping the fun, energetic vibe of the opening acts alive.
Maintaining this energy through to the end, vocalist Jeremy DePoyster shared some fun interactions with the crowd, joking about forgetting the lyrics to ‘Noise’ before making his way through the audience to grab a drink from the bar. Moments like these show that there are many ways to command the stage, and not every band needs a massive production or edgy attire. Sometimes, a carefree attitude and a pint in hand are all it takes to connect with the crowd.
As the guitar static of ‘Hey John, What’s Your Name Again?’ reverberated around the room, and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ thanked the Manchester crowd one last time before making their exit, there was a sense of satisfaction in the air. With it being over a decade since their last ÜK headline tour, fans had some serious catching up to do with regards to their live show, and their diverse, comprehensive setlist gave fans new and old that chance.
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