UK DEATHCORE SHOWCASE MANCHESTER 17th 2024: Osiah, Draconian Reign, Beyond Extinction, Existentialist and To Obey A Tyrant. – Review

The UK deathcore scene in Manchester bared witnessed an electrifying showcase that reverberated through the core of the genre, featuring a lineup that could only be described as a brutal symphony of destruction. I was unsure what to expect in terms of a turn out as it was a Tuesday evening, it seemed a slow start but quickly picked up with the venue having a very busy buzzing atmosphere.

Osiah (4 piece deathcore band from the north east of england), the headliners, delivered a performance that was both a technical marvel and a visceral experience, their sound a relentless assault that left the crowd in awe. Osiah  delivered a symphony of destruction that could wake the old gods. It seems they’ve not only shattered eardrums whilst blowing the absolute roof off Rebellion but expectations too, proving that the only thing more relentless than their riffs is their rise to the top of the UK metal scene. A well and truly earned feat of strength.

Draconian Reign’s (5 piece Dark Symphonic Deathcore from Nottingham, UK), the setlist was a masterclass in precision, their intricate riffs and thunderous breakdowns showcasing the band’s undeniable dexterity, grit, and pure energy. It’s like Beethoven met a metal band and decided to throw the most epic concert in the deepest depths of hell… and dragged it further down below than you could imagine. After having to unfortunately pull out of previous shows due to illness it was great to see these guys back on the tour and doing what they do best, pure dark symphonic deathcore.

Beyond Extinction (4 piece from London, UK), brought raw energy to the stage, their youthful vigor translating into a set that was both aggressive and refreshingly dynamic. The performance was like a birthday party where the cake is made of guitar riffs and the candles scream in death growls and everyone likes cake, right? RIGHT? I mean it sure sounds like a great sort of cake to have, sign me up for one for my birthday – please.

Existentialist’s (5-piece Blackened Death Metal band hailing from the depths of Essex, UK), performance was a philosophical journey set to the tune of deathcore, their lyrical depth matched only by their musical intensity. With a name like ‘Existentialist,’ you’d expect a bunch of philosophers with guitars, pondering the meaning of life through their riffs. Instead, they deliver a sound so intense it could make Nietzsche headbang in his grave (for those who aren’t familiar, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was a German classical scholar, philosopher, and critic of culture, who became one of the most influential of all modern thinkers!). I managed to catch up with the guys in the beer garden between performances, unluckily they had no gossip to share (boo! Where’s the drama boys?!!?!?) but were super friendly and really showed the true embodiment of the metal community, it’s great to see they didn’t bring the standard Essexs cold shoulder during a light-hearted chat. Remember, if you ever need a new band logo – look into the trees, they will unmask a new direction for you!

To Obey A Tyrant (4 piece from Bournemouth, UK), destroyed the stage with a display of sheer power, their commanding presence and ruthless sound cementing their status as titans of the scene. Their set shook the foundations of Manchester with their bone-crushing riffs and apocalyptic breakdowns. It’s rumored that the seismic activity from the concert was so intense, local seismologists are considering adding a new category to the Richter scale.

The performances were a testament to the vitality and diversity of the UK deathcore scene. Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a mosaic of sound that represented the genre’s range and depth. The technical skill on display was staggering, with each musician pushing the boundaries of their instrument and sheer talent. The vocal performances ranged from guttural growls to piercing screams, a showcase of the human voice’s potential to convey emotion and power. It definitely a showcase that should not be missed and also a statement of cultural defiance.

The production of the event was top-notch, with sound and lighting that complemented the intensity of the performances. It was definitely not suitable for those with photosensitive epilepsy. Was it a neurological surprise? It’s a yes from me.

The venue itself became a crucible of sound, the acoustics amplifying the bands’ music to create an immersive experience. Was it hot? Hell yes. Was it sweaty? … Also yes. The crowd was an integral part of the event, their energy feeding the bands and vice versa, creating a feedback loop of excitement and adrenaline.

All in all, the UK deathcore showcase was a monumental event that highlighted the genre’s strength and the talent within it with all bands delivering a phenomenal performance. I highly recommend checking out all the bands featured on this showcase. The bands delivered performances that were both technically impressive and emotionally resonant and got the crowd riled up. It was a night that will be remembered not just for the music, but for the statement it made about the culture surrounding deathcore. I have been into the deathcore scene from the likes of Hull Metal Fest (2007) and Ghostfest and this showcase felt just as good if not better than what I experienced back in the day, it was a sheer overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. The showcase was a clear indicator that the UK deathcore scene is thriving, innovative, and unapologetically bold.

 

You can find the music of all bands featured in this showcase on Spotify (links below):

Osiah
Draconian Rage
Beyond Extinction
Existentialist
To Obey A Tyrant

If you haven’t even considered attending this showcase yet, there is still time. You can catch UK DEATHCORE SHOWCASE: Osiah, Draconian Reign, Beyond Extinction, Existentialist and To Obey A Tyrant at the following venues and dates.