LIVE REVIEW: InVisions @ Rock City, Nottingham

Mother Nature can be a cruel mistress, and she’s certainly making life infinitely difficult for folks of the journalistic persuasion this week. With plunging temperatures and most of the country resembling a frozen wasteland, gig commutes have become more akin to arctic expeditions than simple motorway hops. The mere sight of hallowed venue Rock City is one to behold, but as it turns out the basement offers little respite from the sub-zero exterior, so the coats remain on. Mercifully, the gruelling conditions have failed in dissuading punters to turn out, and if anyone can force the mercury to turn up then its metalcore mob INVISIONS. With Midlands-based supports THE FIVE HUNDRED, A HUNDRED CROWNS and DEAD ON ARRIVAL all in attendance, it’s very much a local affair. And all three bands are determined to show just how hard, fast and heavy Nottingham can go tonight.

An early slot has resulted in lower spectator numbers, so kudos to Derbyshire’s DEAD ON ARRIVAL who step up to deliver thirty minutes of hard-hitting energy. The young four-piece’s musical style encompasses modern metal’s unbridled aggression (drawing from influences like ASKING ALEXANDRIA and BRING ME THE HORIZON) underpinned by clean vocals that gleam with melodic rock sheen. The set is a mixture of material from debut album From The Ashes and current EP Chasing Tides; pit-worthy tracks like Corrupted World seethe with distorted guitars and pummelling drums as lead vocalist Jack Dughan’s introspective wail reverberates around the venue. Towering basslines sit alongside lyrics that rage against the machine addressing themes like betrayal and dysfunction, whilst the intricate structure of Ashes showcases the band’s song writing capabilities. They may sing about guilt-ridden torment, but DEAD ON ARRIVAL no longer have reason to hide in the shadows.

Rating: 7/10

Distorted Sound had the pleasure of sharing A HUNDRED CROWNS’ potent fusion of post-hardcore and metalcore earlier this year via our Introducing section, so the opportunity to witness the energetic show this quartet have become synonymous for is too good to pass up. Coming into view amongst an escalating crescendo of both hair-raising atmospherics and appreciative bellows, the stage is set for carnage. Sadly, the earworm hooks and melodic heft upon which breakout single The Highs are built upon are drowned out by sound issues making for a lukewarm start to the set. Thankfully, the technical gremlins are short-lived, and time grooves by in a seamless blend of expansive melodies, thunderous riffs and irrepressible energy – the exhilarating stomp of Amber Rooms making this performance feel like that of an established act than a newcomer yet to release their debut EP. With a sound that continues to refine itself, A HUNDRED CROWNS have the ability and promise to set 2018 on fire.

Rating: 8/10

The ability to stand alone as a memorable act within an over-saturated genre is no easy feat, but THE FIVE HUNDRED’s compelling combination of abrasive panache and searing melodicism cements their credibility. And tonight on Rock City’s compact basement stage, they’re greeted like returning heroes. Frontman John Eley is a swirl of hair and righteous fury; veering between fiery roars and anthemic cleans captivating an ever-expanding audience whilst the entire (and always technically proficient) rhythm section look equally overjoyed surveying the packed room. The Nottingham/Gibraltarian wrecking machine hold everyone’s attention by juxtaposing old and new songs; plunging headfirst into a beguiling salvo of Reclusive and Smoke and Mirrors before fan favourite Come Closer sates any cravings for euphoric misanthropy. But it’s the engrossing intensity of brand-new cut Bleed Red – pulsating with intoxicating riffs and soaring melodies – which has both the visceral and emotional propensity to ensure its future status as a setlist staple. Based on tonight’s performance, only a fool would bet against THE FIVE HUNDRED bidding a long-awaited farewell to their “unsigned” status.

Rating: 8/10

Less than two years ago, York’s INVISIONS were hitting up local venues and preparing to unleash beautifully brash debut Never Nothing upon the masses. In the short time since, the quartet have been championed by Kerrang! Radio’s Alex Baker and secured high-profile runs alongside the likes of BLESS THE FALL, SLAVES and OUR HOLLOW, OUR HOME. Their unshakable confidence has kept pace, and as the weighty groove and full-throttle attack of bonafide banger Turn Up explodes with all the strength of a nuclear bomb, they couldn’t look more at home. Nail-gargling growls and crunching guitars segue into synth-drenched beats lending an unmistakable air of menace. Wide-eyed vocalist Ben Ville saunters about the stage overseeing the mayhem beneath him as melodic calm wrestles with vitriol-drenched darkness; The Haunting’s bloodcurdling screams and call-to-arms choruses elicit word-for-word singalongs whilst the welcome inclusion of new song Parasite emanates with combative energy hitting another level of intensity fully capable of tearing everybody’s faces off. Not even a visibly depleted crowd (with many congregating around the nearby merch stands) towards the set’s conclusion can eclipse the rampant chaos that INVISIONS unleashed upon Nottingham tonight.

Rating: 8/10              

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Nottingham from Andy Tatt here: