IN FLAMES
VEXED/DEFECTS
In Flames: nautically challenged
THEKLA, BRISTOL
Gothenburg’s melodeath pioneers warm up in the west
THEKLA IS ONE of Bristol’s most beloved venues – not least because it’s a converted cargo boat – but its stage limitations are exposed from the moment DEFECTS frontman Tony Maue abandons any hope of performing on it and spends the set conducting his business from the floor. A new band from London comprised of members from the likes of The Raven Age, Shvpes and She Must Burn, this is only their second-ever show, but they have a lot of promise. With a sound reminiscent of early Killswitch Engage, the tracks End Of Days and Dream Awake are warmly received and the audience size easily triples during their set. VEXED, meanwhile, are on their first proper tour for three years and on the back of their excellent Culling Culture debut record from last year. Benefitting from a rousing sound and a receptive audience, they continue to show why they’re one of the best breakthrough bands of the decade thus far, delivering a bruising half hour of nu metal-inspired deathcore that finishes on the ever-excellent Fake. For the record, they do manage to all fit on stage… just.