Scar The Martyr, Manchester 14.12.13

As with most supergroups, Scar The Martyr would always be hit-and-miss. This was the second supergroup I've seen, after Axewound, and there is most certainly a visible trend of people going simply to see the members that make up the band. 

However, it most certainly doesn't mean that the content being played wasn't inadequate, or at least dance-worthy.

With great support sets from 'The Hell', they chants of 'Joey' really brought to light who the majority of the people in the 200 > venue were there to see, and Joey Jordison (who happened to leave Slipknot the night previous to the gig) proved why his reputation deserves to be one of the highest for his profession.

Playing their self-titled album in full,  Scar The Martyr were alright, not bad, not brilliant. Normally you could render comparatives from previous concerts a band plays, but as this was their first UK tour and literally their second show in the country- little was known on what to expect from them.

Nevertheless though, I can confidently speak on behalf of the crowd in Manchester when I say they have our repeat purchase confirmed have they happened to be touring again. Great band, great idea, possibly bright future ahead- watch out!

Papa Roach, Manchester, 05.12.13

Straight back from throat surgery, Jacoby brings the 'Silence Is The Enemy' tour. Quite possiby the perfect way to celebrate his voice being better than ever, that, and the fact Papa Roach entered its 20th year in 2013. The fans knew they were in for a treat.

Texan band American Fangs, who are making their UK debut, kicked off the show, met with an excited response from the crowd. As the band fed rock song after rock song to Manchester, American Fangs, who is obviously heavily influenced by Papa Roach in their music, came to an end. Their closure met by a thunderous, welcoming roar.

Middle Class Rut started slow, however, and compared to their predecessor, weren't as energetic. It was evidently shown by the crowd response, where the method of stop and stare was more popular than the alternative of dancing along. I couldn't help but feel that maybe the positioning of the starter bands could've been different, and maybe a better crowd response would've been gained from this. However, the band delivered a smooth, rock groove which has to be appreciated.

Then the lights went down, the imminent arrival of Papa Roach made the crowd produce a deafening roar.

Sending the crowd into a crazed frezy from the off, Papa Roach hit the stage. picking songs from there huge catalogue of fan-favourites, it's safe to say they picked well. Each song was met with an equal, estatic reaction and this was displayed through how the crowd acted, and they were insanely enthusiastic.

Jacoby is most certainly a natural performer, shaking the hand of every crowd-surfer who was being hauled off to the side by security, whilst jumping around, persuading the crowd to follow suit. It leaves the viewer to wonder where he gets all his energy from, as it's seemingly unlimited.

Bodies climbed others, vocals were sore, mosh pits were seemingly never-ending and the whole place was bouncing furiously from front to back. It was a fantastic sight to see a band enjoy themselves as much as the crowd did too.

Papa Roach are definitely a band that'll always be welcome back to the UK, not that their presence will ever really leave in the first place.

Avenged Sevenfold, Manchester, 30.11.13

The self proclaimed 'leaders of this eras heavy metal scene' proved quite simply why they aren't wrong. Upon returning to the UK after almost 3 years away and even smashing the no.1 spot in the charts here, the anticipation couldn't be higher and the fans couldn't be more excited.

The supporting acts, I thought, were brilliant for their role- warming the crowd up for the band that comes on next. Swedish metallers, Avatar, who replaced Device (as their lead singer, David Draiman, was looking after his newly born child) were good, especially for a band most of the crowd hadn't heard of, producing songs of a Rob Zombie/Rammstein-esque fashion.

Then they came. Jumping straight into 'Under And Over It', the ear-deafening chant of 'Death Punch' from the crowd let you know how warm the welcome was for arguably the hottest band going at this moment- Five Finger Death Punch. The first example of crowd participation was evident here, and how could it not be? Ivan Moody's charisma could get even the most antisocial person crowd-surfing or singing at the top of their lungs. This continued throughout their set, even through the first half of 'Far From Home', where the soft, melodic side to 5FDP didn't stop fans from lifting up their lighters, phones and singing along enthusiastically. Utter brilliance from a band who could easily have headlined the evening.

Getting straight to the point, the headliners got off to an explosive start, literally. The opening to 'Shepherd Of Fire' had pyrotechnics and explosives set to erupt in-sync with the music, immediately setting a theatrical theme to the show, which would remain throughout.

Although it may be argued that the Californian quintet didn't play their 'greatest hits', they astounded all regardless. Primarily focusing on songs from their new album (as it was the 'Hail To The King' tour) they didn't refrain from skipping back through the eras, treating the crowd to songs from Nightmare, concluding the show with songs from Waking The Fallen.

The newly-crowned Download 2014 headliners are bigger, better and more unstoppable than they've ever been before. As Matt Shadows said, they're carrying the torch for heavy metal, and it's hard to see an end to their reign in sight.