LIVE FROM THE PIT: Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed, Fit For An Autopsy and Decapitated

Hailing from Massachusetts, one of the veterans of metalcore, Killswitch Engage grace the OVO Wembley Arena for one of their biggest headline shows to date. Bringing Decapitated, Fit For An Autopsy and Hatebreed with them, making for a seriously strong metalcore line-up, with plenty of pits, screams and fun to be had. 

First up, Decapitated took to the stage bathed in thick smoke and mood lighting; the singer belted out one giant scream as the band ignited into an insane opening song; certainly owning the space of the mighty arena. It’s safe to say they had heads bopping with their style and talent; though not very unique in their approach to metalcore, the vocalists strength of unclean vocals and the bands consistency in the song playing make for very good promise in the future, maybe this is a band to keep an eye on. 

Following on, Fit For An Autopsy upped the ante, with a crazy energy that emanated through the arena; this band definitely began the pits and made sure the audience were warmed up, and the energy was absolutely reciprocated, creating a really cool atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the show. It’s safe to say this band are loud, they are proud and they are unapologetically metalcore; top tier screams, breakdowns, and composition from these guys. 

Next up, a clear underdog favourite for the crowd, Hatebreed came out with their massive inflatable demon as a backdrop and an undeniable energy that the audience absolutely lapped up. The pit grew tenfold, the sound got turned up and Hatebreed did NOT stop moving as long as they had breath; completely complimenting their music, it honestly felt like being punched in the face over and over again in the best way possible. 

With lots of steam shooting out from the stage; mad breakdowns, walls of death and even more inflatables with them throwing out Hatebreed beach balls, these guys made for an incredible set. 

Finally, Killswitch Engage came to the stage and impressive doesn’t do them justice; they had an insane production, impeccable timings and Jesse Leach’s vocals were perfect, the screams and notes were hit perfectly capturing the bands more melodic tunes for this audience to soak up.  

Not only that, they brought together setlist covering not only their new album but a whole range of their hits include a 5 song run at the end of the set that would make any Killswitch Engage fan go crazy, ‘In Due Time’ opened up this streak, followed by ‘This Fire’ which was so graciously accompanied by CM Punk visuals in the background to appease all the very many wrestling fans in attendance. ‘My Curse’ was next, bringing with it raw unfiltered energy from the crowd, who were eating the performance up. followed by ‘The End Of Heartache’ and ending on the brutal ‘My Last Serenade’, which closed off the epic night and made the band a staple arena act.  

Words and Photos: Ben Blisset