In Flames, Arch Enemy and Soilwork – O2 Academy, Glasgow – 3rd October 2024

4th October 2024 0 By Jon Deaux

Some threesomes can only be dreamt about, sometimes threesomes can become a reality, and this threesome is just that, a wet dream come true.

Soilwork opened proceedings and immediately got the crowd whipped into a frenzy with tracks such as Rise Above The Sentiment and the current track Spirit Of No Return, which certainly got my juices flowing. Being a live bucket list band for myself, I was grinning like a Cheshire cat from the start of their set right til the end. It was a great set and I look forward to seeing them again, hopefully in a headline situation.

Arch Enemy was up next. Opening with Deciever Deciever before launching straight into The World is Yours and House Of Mirrors. This was my first time seeing Arch Enemy with Alissa White-Glutz and she does a stellar job fronting the melodic death act. Michael Amott’s channeling of Michael Schenker with his guitar solo phrasing is still sublime. the addition of Joey Concepcion as the other lead player adds a nice juxtaposition while bassist Sharlee and drummer Daniel pound out the grooves. The highlights for me were the brand new track Liars and Thieves (which got its live debut outing) along with the classics My Apocalypse, Nemesis and the current track Dream Stealer.
, despite the release of some giant Arch Enemy balloons, we’re all here for the second headliner IN FLAMES.

I saw In Flames a couple of years back and they were outstanding. Tonight was a whole different story and a completely different level. Anders is STILL a great frontman and his voice is just as ridiculously good after all these years and to watch Chris Broderick (ex-Megadeth) tear it up just added to the icing that was already on top of the cake.

The Glasgow crowd was LOUD and the circle pits were plenty. The setlist was a great selection of top tracks from Foregone, I, Mask, Come Clarity, and Soundtrack To Your Escape just to name a few. There were many highlights but for me that came via the track I Am Above. Don’t ask me why, but for me it’s the perfect In Flames track and a great start for those unfamiliar.

To have Soilwork, Arch Enemy and In Flames sharing the same stage is about as good as it’s going to get for any Melo-death metal fan. An amazing line-up and all are currently at the top of their game.

The FOH sound was impeccable for all 3 bands and judging by the crowd surfers and the circle pits, there are going to be some very sore bodies (my neck is currently starting to seize as I write this). If anyone has to phone a Glasgow call centre later, don’t worry you probably haven’t dialed a sex line, the person who answered your call was probably at the O2 Academy last night and lost their voice.

A great gig.