Titans of Metal Of Mice & Men take on the Electric Ballroom

Gore.

Gore. … what a band to open a gig! You could tell they’re a band on the verge of a breakthrough from the smiles and looks of awe on the crowd’s faces. What a treat for arriving early in the evening. The best part was how much you could tell the band were enjoying the energy just as much, with singer Hayley Roughton remarking at one point, “crowdsurfers? For us?!” They definitely made some new, deserved fans that Thursday night in Camden.

GHØSTKID

Next up, German metalcore group GHØSTKID. Bringing a distinctively spooky look (and one of the coolest drum kits I’ve seen) their performance had elements of performance art that held people entranced from the first song to their last. The vocals of Sebastian “Sushi” Bielsa (formerly of Electric Callboy), varying between all-out power and seductive smoothness, provided the main sonic focal poin,t but Kira Kyoto’s flourishing drum fills also stood out, making the announcement it was his first show with the band all the more impressive. Definitely a group to check out if you haven’t already.

Of Mice & Men

Suitably hyped up by two excellent acts, the crowd’s anticipation is now palpable as the stage techs get ready for the legends Of Mice & Men. When moshpits are breaking out to the playlist between acts, you get a sense of what’s to come… Opening with the titular track of their latest offering, Another Miracle, they wasted no time bringing the energy up before going straight into a double bill of their classics: Feels Like Forever and Would You Still Be There. The riffs kept coming throughout the set, bringing in crowdsurfers with the sheer tidal force of their hefty catalogue.

After three excellent acts, everyone in the Ballroom knew they’d witnessed something special. I’m sure it won’t be the last time we see any of these bands in the iconic North London venue.

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