LIVE REVIEW: Born Of Osiris @ Academy 3, Manchester
As 2026 kicked off with an extraordinary quadruple deathcore bill topped by BORN OF OSIRIS that unveiled the diversity in extreme music, each of the four bands that performed was entrenched in what spectators recognised, yet their individual approaches vastly differed. It was akin to witnessing four unique interpretations of the same play at Manchester Academy 3, so to speak. A shared core bound the forces, yet the manifestations all bands exhibited were notably divergent for the start of the year.
LARCENIA ROE, emerging from the vibrant landscape of North Carolina, delivered an unapologetic set that transfixed the Mancunian audience. Their sound, a visceral amalgamation of ferocious energy and elemental rawness, took the deathcore genre into their creative. Unlike their touring counterparts, who emphasised technical dexterity, the four-piece fully immersed themselves in a style that paid homage to the unrestrained brutality of early deathcore. With piercing, almost otherworldly screams resonating through the venue, they crafted an unsettling yet electrifying atmosphere that enveloped the cold night, leaving an indelible impression on all who witnessed it.
Rating: 7/10
AVERSIONS CROWN offered a more refined sonic journey than one might expect upon first impression. Their self-defined progressive deathcore style included considerably more than simply functioning as a stage for new artists. Despite its intense potency, the sound also showcases considerable depth and complexity, leading to a profoundly layered auditory journey. The gravity of their sound was both imposing and carefully arranged, presenting deathcore with distinctly defined limits and outstanding technical skill. The impressive guitar work, propelled by genuine passion, further enhances this experience. In the end, AVERSIONS CROWN revealed intricate aesthetic qualities in their musical arrangements.
Rating: 8/10
Originating from Slovenia, WITHIN DESTRUCTION presented a singular taxonomical challenge. Their artistic development moved through the complex areas of modern metal, distinguished by prevalent Japanese aesthetic inspirations, especially in their newest album, ANIMETAL. Frontman Rok Rupnik and the group, having performed as a trio for a considerable duration, had ultimately incorporated a bassist, leading to an auditory experience that was both broad and completely immersive for the listener. Throughout the course of the night’s show, multiple moments occurred where their musical style took on a very specific nu-metal quality, reminiscent of the early days of the genre. These musicians genuinely enjoyed themselves on stage, showing a complete disregard for the traditional boundaries or sub-genre divisions that often plagued the metal scene. Rather than concern themselves with purist reactions, they fearlessly integrated diverse electronic textures and synthesised samples with ease.
Rating: 8/10
When it comes to technicalities above sonic comprehension, BORN OF OSIRIS demonstrated a remarkable talent for creating brief, complex songs, performing sixteen technical metal compositions in just over an hour. Each song on the setlist was a dense backdrop of ambition and innovation, challenging Manchester to keep pace with their intricate musical narratives. This was a performance of top-tier musicianship that successfully dismantled any lingering stereotypes of metal being unrefined. The stage production was as deliberate as the music itself. Featuring illuminated vanity steps with band members, guitarists Nick Rossi and Travis Montgomery, alongside bassist Dan Marinaro, frequently utilised these platforms. While their elevated positions occasionally obscured vocalist Ronnie Canizaro, the trade-off was a stunning view of their rapid-fire fretwork. Watching the synchronised movement of their hands through the shifting lights added a layer of visceral intensity to the show’s practical demands.
The set was relentlessly quick-paced, prioritising musical density over stage banter. Early in the night, the band leaned heavily into their latest material from Through Shadows. The complex title track and Inverno, where Nick’s solo was emotional and precise, elevating their craft to new intellectual heights. Next, they performed notable tracks from 2011’s The Discovery, including Regenerate, Recreate, Devastate, and Singularity, some played live for the first time since release. This part of the set highlighted creative strength and intense energy. The crowd’s call for an encore unexpectedly ended the set. During the encore, they performed Machine from Tomorrow We Die Alive that brought so much cheer to the room and allowed the evening to speak on how modern and accessible their brand of heavy music can be.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here:
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