The O2 Academy in Glasgow was packed to the rafters with metalheads buzzing with anticipation. With a powerhouse lineup featuring Decapitated, Fit For An Autopsy, Hatebreed, and headliners Killswitch Engage, the atmosphere was electric long before the first note sounded. Each band promised a different brand of heaviness, and the crowd was more than ready for a night of unrelenting brutality.
Polish death metal juggernauts Decapitated opened the evening in ferocious style. Their set was a whirlwind of technical riffs and pulverizing blast beats, with “Spheres of Madness” drawing some of the earliest pits of the night. The band’s precision was matched only by their intensity, and the crowd responded in kind, banging heads and raising horns. Decapitated’s sound was razor-sharp, every instrument cutting through the mix, giving their brutal set a special level of clarity. Here’s hoping that a follow-up to their 2022 album Cancer Culture will be coming our way sooner rather than later!
Next up, New Jersey’s Fit For An Autopsy wasted no time in dialling up the energy. Their crushing breakdowns and guttural vocals on tracks like “Far From Heaven” and “Sea of Tragic Beasts” shook the foundations of the venue. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with each member feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm. The sound quality remained pristine, amplifying the weight of every breakdown and groove. Standout moments included the anthemic “Pandora,” which had the audience roaring along, and a circle pit that seemed to swallow half the floor.
Although I’ve never counted myself among Hatebreed’s most ardent fans, often finding their brand of hardcore too repetitive for my tastes, I have to admit that their performance in Glasgow was impossible to ignore. From the moment Jamey Jasta strode onto the stage, the energy in the O2 Academy was positively electric. Even as someone who doesn’t connect deeply with their music, I was swept up by the sheer force of their presence and the precision of their delivery.
The set was a ferocious onslaught from start to finish, packed with fan favourites and undeniable anthems. “Destroy Everything” had the crowd erupting into chaos, fists punching the air in time with every thunderous breakdown. “Perseverance” followed, its relentless riffs and rallying chorus turning the floor into a swirling sea of bodies. They kept the momentum rolling with tracks like “Live For This,” galvanizing the crowd to shout every word right back at them, and “I Will Be Heard,” which brought a wave of unity and collective power over the venue. I may not be a convert to Hatebreed’s discography, but there’s no denying their command of the stage and their uncanny ability to whip a crowd into a frenzy.
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The lights dimmed, and Killswitch Engage took the stage to a deafening roar. From the opening notes of “Strength of the Mind,” the band delivered a masterclass in melodic metalcore, balancing crushing heaviness with soaring choruses. The setlist was a fan’s dream, weaving together newer tracks like “Aftermath” and “Broken Glass” with classics such as “Fixation on the Darkness” and “Rose of Sharyn.” The sound quality was impeccable, showcasing the band’s intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythms.
Midway through “My Curse,” the show came to an abrupt halt when vocalist Jesse Leach noticed a fan had been injured near the front. Leach immediately stopped the band and called for medics, addressing the crowd with genuine concern and ensuring the fan received attention. The audience responded with respect, staying calm until the injured fan (who had dislocated their knee) was assisted out of the venue. It was a powerful reminder of the sense of community at metal shows; intense, but always looking out for one another.
For the final song, “My Last Serenade,” the energy reached its peak. In a scene that will live on in Glasgow metal lore, Jesse was hoisted onto the shoulders of the legendary Pit Troll and traversed the crowd, drawing cheers and laughter from both band and audience. The performance ended in a triumphant crescendo, with Killswitch Engage leaving every ounce of energy on the stage.
This concert was everything metal fans crave; brutality, camaraderie, and moments that transcend music. Each band brought their own flavour of heaviness, with tight performances and pristine sound. The night’s highlights, from Decapitated’s technical mastery to the unforgettable Pit Troll ride, made for an experience that will echo in Glasgow’s metal scene for years to come.
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Photos by Gareth Nicol
