LIVE REVIEW: Betraying The Martyrs @ The Bread Shed, Manchester

Nearly a year on from their release of third album The Resilient on Sumerian Records, French deathcore outfit BETRAYING THE MARTYRS embarked on a full European headlining tour with support from instrumental metallers MODERN DAY BABYLON and FROM SORROW TO SERENITY. We went to see them in Manchester at The Bread Shed to see the madness unfold.

Following three short sets from a variety of local warm-up acts, FROM SORROW TO SERENITY mounted the small stage to a worryingly stale and sparse room. Whether this was down to a misjudgement of venue, the fact it was a Monday night or the adverse weather, this did not seem to quell their enthusiasm. Jumping off the amps, building up the crowd and giving it their all in general, they showed a real passion for their music despite the inactive response. With huge, pummelling breakdowns, and technical lead guitar riffs throughout, FROM SORROW TO SERENITY seem to be a contender for being the next big thing on the UK metalcore scene. Unfortunately, the day did not favour them this time.

Rating: 6/10

A curious choice of support among Sumerian, MODERN DAY BABYLON, brought the tech-djent-instrumental vibes to The Resilient Tour. A three-piece of one guitarist, one bassist and one drummer, it was interesting to see how they were received in a crowd of metalcore and deathcore fans. However, the room ended up having as many people in it as there would be that night, and feet were tapping all round. Their mix was absolutely fantastic, with a huge, rich, studio-faithful sound that was a delight to listen to. The technical prowess of the band members instilled wonder in many, and their half-hour set seemed to fly by. A special mention is required for the drummer, Petr Hataš, who absolutely knocked it out of the park with his technical ability and passion in the performance. A seriously top-notch instrumental performance.

Rating: 8/10

It wasn’t long before the headliners, BETRAYING THE MARTYRS, took to the stage. Strangely enough, the room seemed less full than it was for the main support. Very unfortunately, assuredly due to adverse circumstances, the gig had visibly undersold. However, this did not phase the Parisians, with vocalist Aaron Matts announcing ‘tonight is about quality, not quantity’. It seemed that the group of fans left in the room took this to heart, and what followed was an hour of raucous fun. The bassist and guitarists took advantage, on several occasions, of their wireless equipment, and ran around among the crowd inciting mini walls of death and circle pits. In terms of their musical performance, the band consistently nailed every song, new and old, with the enthusiasm of those such as pianist and clean vocalist Victor Guillet, who seemed to have jumped from every raised surface in the room by the end of the set. With huge, punchy breakdowns and great hooks, there’s no doubt that BETRAYING THE MARTYRS are a band at the top of their live game now – here’s to hoping their next show in Manchester has a better turnout.

Rating: 8/10