Lamb Of GodLed by frontman Jens Kidman, whose unique stage mannerisms have amusingly been described by others on social media as being akin to watching an underwater car accident, Meshuggah kicked off the sold out co-headline bill by receiving widespread approval, including pit violence. Locking into a punishing groove tighter than a duck's arse, the Swedish tech-metallers' rhythmically displaced brutality was aided by a multitude of blinding strobe lights pulsating in perfect time with the music, while its members were a whirlwind of synchronised headbanging and sweaty hair.
They largely eschewed chatter in favour of tearing through a 75-minute display, filled with the atonal leads and unorthodox syncopations that have inspired a whole new generation of metallic djentlemen. Although predominantly focusing on recent material resulted in a few audience grumblings, opener Swarm was a neat, slow-burning segue into the appropriately named Combustion, while the likes of Rational Gaze, Do Not Look Down, ferociously multi-faceted Bleed and New Millennium Cyanide Christ were ruthlessly and intricately executed by a band who, after two decades-plus, remain in strikingly hypnotic form. Witnessing Meshuggah perform is like sitting through a Jackie Chan marathon – they do the majority of the work, yet somehow you're the one left feeling exhausted.
It's a simple conclusion to draw that the well-publicised, financially and emotionally draining legal battle endured by Lamb Of God growler Randy Blythe has afforded enhanced perspective and enthusiasm for the privileged position of membership in one of metal's biggest names. Although he's never brimmed with charisma, Blythe's demeanour understandably appeared more spritely than usual. “It was an interesting year; you all know what happened, I'm not gonna preach,” was the extent of remarks on the subject. It was a fitting introduction to Walk With Me In Hell, whereby the floor became a sweltering, elbow-throwing, pogoing mélange several notches in intensity above that which greeted their predecessors. Although sharing equal set time, the vociferous response to the Virginian natives loudly indicated who the majority had paid their hard-earned for.
Now You've Got Something To Die For's mass singalong combined ably with the uproarious reception for Black Label, Laid To Rest, Ruin and 11th Hour. Steel Panther vocalist Michael Starr's cameo delighted the audience, coaxing Blythe to don his bright blue vest during Redneck. Lamb Of God's appeal isn't any great mystery; visceral, groove-laden and unforgiving fare. While offering few surprises – songwriting, setlist or performance-wise - they're crowd-pleasers and there are far worse propositions within the current heavy music climate.
