LIVE REVIEW: Stray From The Path @ The Mash House, Edinburgh
A triumphant return for the International hardcore pioneers. They say you should never mix politics and music, but STRAY FROM THE PATH have never been a band to stick to rules and with very good reason – they are the exception tonight.
Every single body packed tightly into the intimate Mash House here in Edinburgh this evening is buzzing, the excitement built to the point of being fully tangible thanks to supports UK-based GUILT TRIP and US-based VATICAN warming the place up quite literally and delivering full-frontal assault headliner level sets and promising to have made some new fans ahead of the next time we’re treated to seeing them return.
A hometown show of sorts for Scotland-based drummer Craig Reynolds, the screams are perhaps more piercing than any of the other UK shows when STRAY FROM THE PATH finally take to the stage, the support for their local hero evident from the first beat. No time is wasted, as the intro from this year’s brutal full-length Euthanasia builds, the crowd begin flying towards the barrier to meet frontman Drew Dijorio, stage abandoned and ready there to catch them throughout. This is a hardcore show for the ages, and tonight as ever there is barely any separation between the band and their rabid fans; blazing and screaming their way through huge hits Guillotine, rousing Fortune Teller and set highlight III, and crowd favourite Badge And A Bullet.
Although a 13 song set may feel like a short one given over a decade in the game, they ensure that the energy is through this sweat-covered roof throughout, favouring an all-killer approach, and certainly throw everything they have into every beat to a thunderous and celebrated show which feels impactful and liberating in equal measure. Everyone here is on the same wavelength, and freedom to express societal injustices and release all pent up frustrations as a collective has always been where this legendary band thrives. By the point that climax First World Problem Child hits, there isn’t a soul in sight who isn’t battered, dishevelled and adorning the biggest smile they can muster.
A truly standout time period for a band who are continually evolving, STRAY FROM THE PATH are on a collision course straight to the top and certainly one that’s exciting as hell to see. Catch them when they return in March 2023 supporting BEARTOOTH on their upcoming UK tour.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Edinburgh from Chelsea Cochrane here:
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