LIVE FROM THE PIT: Allegaeon, Gorod and Defects
It’s not often that a death metal band hailing from Colorado visits the UK, even less so when it’s The 1865 stage in Southampton where ALLEGAEON decide to start their UK tour. The metal community of Southampton were ready for a night of headbanging with the US band, alongside French rockers GOROD and UK metal risers DEFECTS.
Opening up the night were DEFECTS. A band that ingrained deeply cathartic lyrics and themes throughout their songs were the perfect openers for the night. Vocalist Tony Maue delivers deep growls contrasted by a wide vocal range throughout each song. Encouraging the audience to fully participate before diving into Signs, from the upcoming album Artificial Icons, the band shout for the audience to wake up and move throughout soaring vocals and tight instrumentals.
It can be hard to be an opening band, however DEFECTS took it in their stride and whipped up the audience demanding movement before heavy breakdowns in a precise way that feels both intentional and like they have been doing this for decades. By the time they hit All For Nothing, the audience were thoroughly warmed up ready for the rest of the night ahead.
Next to the stage were GOROD. Hailing from Bordeaux, France, this old school technical death metal band started their night with 2018 hit Bekheten’s Curse and did not slow down for even a moment. Originally formed in ‘97 they have generations of fans old and young and this was reflected in the sea of t-shirts in the audience.
Filled with huge technical guitar moments, and heavy bass lines, the songs felt cinematic and alive. By the time they played We Are The Sun Gods in the middle of their set, the audience were in awe. Perfectly blended dual vocals with insane screams came from lead vocalist Julien Deyres and guitarist/backing vocalist Mathieu Pascal.
The latest album The Ember Gone may have only been released days before the show, but the audience seemed to know the words and connect with the music, especially through songs Forgiveness and Remains. By the time the band had reached the end of their set, the audience had witnessed huge interludes that focused on the technicality of guitars. A stand out moment of the set was undoubtedly a solo section dedicated to the double necked guitar and skills that were entrancing and beyond impressive. Playing a headline worthy set as main support is no easy feat, but GOROD rose to the occasion.
Finally it was time for the headliners to take to the stage. American death metal legends ALLEGAEON took to their headline slot like pros and delivered nothing but a spectacular performance. With 18 years under their belt as a band it is easy to see how they can command an audience and dominate a stage.
Opening with Threshold Of Perception, vocalist Ezra Haynes was engaging and every part of a frontman that you could ever want from a band. Interacting with the audience, bringing them into the fold, it felt like a party of friends as he screams “let me fucking hear you” to a rapturous cheer.
Featuring songs from their entire back catalogue allowed them to not only show their skillset, but also show how they have refined their craft to something close to perfection. Riffs, breakdowns, and solos were heavy features throughout the set from guitarists Greg Burgess and Michael Stancel alongside bassist Brandon Michael. Adding the distinct drum style of drummer Jeff Saltzman, it truly was a wonderful experience for audience members to see such cohesiveness within a band. Their technicalities within the performance were crafted to perfection throughout songs such a Of Beasts And Worms and The Swarm.
The band managed to capture a moment of pure enjoyment on the faces of everyone in the room, with whole audience singalongs bringing together performers and fans into something rather special. By the time ALLEGAEON reached their last song, Proponent For Sentience III - The Extermination, Haynes declared to the audience that the song was about ChatGPT and “how it’s ruining our fucking lives”. A true warning that the use of AI could lead to the destruction of bands. An important ending to a show that showed the best sides of metal and highlighted that 18 years on, ALLEGAEON are still at the top of their game.
Words and photos: Laura Davies
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