LIVE FROM THE PIT: Solence, Dreamstate and Written By Wolves

There are some shows that are just as unforgettable for bands as they are to the attending public, and this was the mutual feeling shared by Swedish electronic metalcore act SOLENCE and the packed Manchester academy 3 that showed up for a party unlike no other, with a show of non-stop, raw, energy and infectious, rhythm infused metalcore.

The Swedish heroes did not come alone, as support came from one of the most exciting up and coming international bands WRITTEN BY WOLVES, as well as British metalcore four-piece DREAMSTATE. This behemoth of a lineup delivered in almost every aspect, kicking off this bank holiday weekend with one of the biggest parties anywhere in the country. 

The evening kicked off with the trio known as WRITTEN BY WOLVES, who, hailing from New Zealand, are playing some of their biggest shows of their career. It is this passion that was clearly oozing out of each member. Vocalist Michael Murphy was having the time of his life onstage whilst simultaneously singing his heart out. An alternative music concert is about bringing people together, and all throughout the set, Murphy kept bringing this up, pointing out how happy it made him seeing so many youngsters at the show.

Creating a moment these children will never forget. In terms of musical ability, Genius was the song that truly kicked off the party atmosphere in the room as technicolour stage lights filled the entire venue ensuring that everyone got the chance to rave and mess around. This got the crowd engaged on a complete other level. Not just for the remainder of WRITTEN BY WOLVES, but also for the remainder of the night that was still to come. 

A brief wait later, and DREAMSTATE took to the stage. Instead of an extravagant introduction, the Brits decided to go all guns blazing by demanding the crowd to move, before ripping into Bloom. What is noticeable right from the offset of this performance is just how exceptional each member is at producing harsh vocals. As they stole the show throughout this performance, and matched with the constant energy, this set proved to be another triumph with the Mancunian crowd. Frontwoman Jessie Powell wins the crowd over with her charisma, and just like with what came before, each member of the band seemed to be thrilled to be onstage and created unforgettable memories for those in attendance.

Once DREAMSTATE got offstage, another short wait commenced. What came after this wait, however, was a set that is sure to go down as one of the biggest parties of the entire year. 

After the ABBA classic Dancing Queen blasted through the venue PA system, a futuristic sounding voice welcomed us all to the “SOLENCE experience.” A term which frontman Markus Videsäter referred to throughout this spectacular headline set. Once the band got onstage to an ovation that blew the roof off of the third academy, the four-piece ripped into the title track of their latest studio album Angels Calling.

Following this, the band had the crowd at the palm of their hands and kept everyone there until the end of the performance. Blackout, All Of The Pain Must Go and their world-class cover of the IMAGINE DRAGONS track Warriors were all executed to absolute perfection.

Words: Itay Gilad

Photos: Robert Hall