LIVE FROM THE PIT: TSS and Pave

Modern metal is an ever-evolving genre, and it’s bands like TSS that are helping to expand the horizons of what is truly metal in this fast-paced world. TSS bring together elements from Rap, emo, synth wave, neo metal and even phonk, blending them all with modern metal and creating something entirely unique. They've been in the scene since 2016 and have had the chance to open for ASKING ALEXANDRIA back in 2018 and been signed to Fearless Records, joining a bunch of other great alternative artists. 

The French band also brings influence from popular genres such as K-pop, having multiple vocalists and incredible style with a clear aesthetic that they stick to through and through. This unique strategy has given them an, although small, cult following, with fans keen to be near the front and to make it to as many shows as they can. It's no secret that in many places there are links within the fandoms when it comes to metal and K-pop, but you truly see it come to life in their crowd. 

The End of Time tour marks their first-ever headline tour as well as their first-ever headline show in London! As the crowd gathered, a range of band shirts could be spotted from all different genres, people of all genders and ages with all different styles, gathered to rock out to one band. Fans had already secured their barricade spots from the moment the doors opened and spanned to a few rows back, with people bagging a good spot even with such a small venue, 600 capacity. 

The lights dimmed, and the crowd broke into cheers as PAVÉ took to the stage, the female-fronted metalcore band hailing from Manchester had already caught the eyes of many, even having a feature with Radio 1 on BBC Introducing. Some fans were in the crowd already sporting their merch and ready with open ears the moment their set started. 

Right from the start, the band had an impressive stage presence with all 4 of them moving around and interacting with one another and the crowd. As time went on, you could see them loosening up and getting used to the stage. The crowd invited them brilliantl,y despite most likely not knowing them, they received many cheers for each song. 

Lead vocalist ALANYA was the main gem on the stage; her vocals were loud with very little distortion so if there were any mistakes they'd be heard, but there were none to take note of. She had incredibly stable vocals, always staying on pitch while dancing and jumping with the music, very impressive to see for a band with such little experience. 

PAVÈ gave it their all, and the crowd helped them along the way from singing lyrics they knew, to clapping along to even opening up a few mosh pits. 

After their set, the latecomers made their way into the venue, filling out the gaps and getting their spots for the main act. Having a sing-along with the preshow playlist that included bangers from bands DAYSEEKER, ARCHITECTS and KNOCKEDLOOSE. 

The lights went down and an overwhelming G note played from the stage, playing Welcome to the Black Parade to warm up the crowd, which got everyone singing along before their instrumental build-up started and the lights went down. The music began to build, and the lights flashed faster and faster, building the adrenaline of everyone in the room before the band came out onto the stage one by one, each receiving a cheer of their own. 

They opened with one of their biggest singles released in 2023, Would You Be My Therapy. You could instantly feel the excitement in the room as fans started singing even the French lyrics! The band were dressed in modern punk outfits with large shoulder pads, cropped leather jackets and various studs in all places possible, truly looking the part. 

TSS have two vocalists who they utilise live, giving each their moments to shine whilst the other can prepare or layer the vocals, giving a great texture to the live tracks. JOHN FINE handles all the brutal raps as well as the tame and soothing vocals, while MATTHIEU KIRBY brings the strong and high-pitched melodies as well as the screams. Varying between pig squeals, fry screams and raw melodic screams, his voice handles it all perfectly, impressive and unsuspecting from his exterior charms. 

JOHN had the whole crowd chanting in French to assist with one of his raps, the mic being clean and showing off his precise pronunciation of every syllable. One part of the show saw a short technical difficulty, which drummer HUGO PEIX decided to fill with a freestyle drum solo. Fans erupted in applause as the music finally kicked back in and the band restarted as if nothing ever happened. 

Mosh pits continued to open up and widen without a word of instruction from the band. They continued to play their hits such as Fatasize, KILLING ME and Notes in the dark; from their latest album END OF TIME, which the tour is named after. 

KILLING ME got a particularly loud response with most fans in the room singing every word as loud as they could. The band asked the crowd to open with one more circle pit for the last song, which spanned both sides of the room. It was amazing to see how the group have cultivated a loyal and passionate audience over here in London, despite any language barriers and not being able to come to the UK often.

The last track they gifted was Something In The Way, which got huge screams from the crowd despite being released in June of this year. It's not often you see such recent tracks getting the loud reactions rather than their older songs that perhaps people have had more time to fall in love with, a great sign of good music and a fanbase thirsty for more.

The lights show, along with the music, was very well put together, the kind that can be imagined even in bigger venues and still be impressive. A first-ever headline show in London, but you wouldn't even think it, the band owned the stage, unwavering in their talent and confidence. 

We hope to see TSS return to London to play even bigger venues and spread their noise. 

Words: Amy Smyth