Paleface Swiss – The New Century Hall, Manchester, 28th Feb 2025 Gig Review

On Friday, February 28th, I had the exhilarating experience of attending a live show headlined by Paleface Swiss, with The Acacia Strain as the main support at The New Century Hall, Manchester. Despite missing the opening act due to some Uber mishaps, the performances I did catch more than compensated for the rocky start.​

 

The Acacia Strain: A Two-Decade Powerhouse

The Acacia Strain, hailing from Chicopee, Massachusetts, has been a formidable presence in the metal scene since their formation in 2001. Known for their bone-crushing rhythm section and a unique blend of hardcore punk, noise, death metal, and doom metal, they’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy music. Their set that night was a testament to their enduring legacy.​

 

From the moment they took the stage, the energy was palpable. Each track was delivered with precision and intensity, resonating deeply with long-time fans like myself. Having followed their journey for over two decades, witnessing their live performance for the first time was nothing short of monumental. Their ability to seamlessly blend older hits with newer material showcased their evolution while staying true to their roots.​

Knotfest

 

Paleface Swiss: The New Titans of Deathcore

Emerging from Zurich, Switzerland, Paleface Swiss has rapidly ascended in the deathcore scene since their inception in 2017. Their music, characterized by slamming beatdown elements and aggressive riffs, has garnered them a dedicated following. Their latest album, “Cursed,” released on January 3, 2025, has been met with widespread acclaim.​

 

As someone relatively new to their discography, I was eager to see what the buzz was about. From the first note, it was evident that Paleface Swiss commanded the stage with authority. Their performance was a relentless onslaught of heavy breakdowns and guttural vocals, each song building upon the last to create an atmosphere of controlled chaos. The crowd’s reaction was electric, with mosh pits forming and fans screaming along to every lyric. By the end of their set, I was so impressed that I couldn’t resist purchasing one of their vinyl records from the merch stand—a testament to their impactful performance.​

 

Final Thoughts

Despite the initial hiccup of missing the opening band, the combined forces of The Acacia Strain and Paleface Swiss made the evening unforgettable. The Acacia Strain delivered a performance that honored their legacy, while Paleface Swiss proved that the future of deathcore is in capable hands. For fans of heavy music, catching these bands live is an experience not to be missed.​