The Devil Wears Prada // Kingdom of Giants // Ocean Grove // Senna // Live Review // Stylus // Leeds
I saw The Devil Wears Prada for the first time last year. At the time, they were supporting at this same venue, on a stacked line up, and I remember being livid that I couldn’t join in and sing along. So, I got home – binged their discography and wondered why I hadn’t listened sooner. When I say I’ve been waiting for this day since last year when they announced they would be returning this time on a headliner tour – you betcha ass I was counting down the days.
Senna, the German metal blend band, opened for the night—a rocky start as the sound cut off during the first track, some sort of tech issue. The band pulled through, carrying on the rest of the set with confidence and stability. The vocalist was great, moving all about the stage and interacting with the audience despite the venue hiccup. It happens, and it’s always telling how the band recovers.
It’s not my first time seeing Senna. I managed to catch them the first time back in Sheffield maybe 1 or 2 years ago, now supporting Being as an Ocean. I remember thinking the name was unfortunate in the UK due to the laxative brand, but even back then, I remember being impressed with their melodies. The band blew me away even then, and I have only gotten better.
They are a great support, I don’t think I saw one head not moving. At least, of the crowd that turned up. The venue was probably only half full, which is a shame. I understand mid-week gigs and just wanting to catch the headliner, but so many amazing support bands don’t get the recognition when the set is skipped. You could have missed out on your next favourite band.
Ocean Grove is an Australian nu metalcore band that has been kicking about for a while. They find themselves here in the UK, and not a minute too soon. The crowd loved them. The confidence they bring to a stage is impressive. All eyes are on them, receiving and reciprocating the energy. The crowd was on their feet and shouting to the stage enthusiastically.
The vocals are covered by two members. Similar to bands like While She Sleeps, with one on guitar and the other on bouncing duties. The vocalists comfortably switch between guitar and vocals or just vocals. The synergy is great to see. The main vocalist was just a treat to watch. He would be jumping around the stage with a height I’ve only dreamed of achieving from a jump on the spot.
It’s hard not to fall in love with them. I always find myself being drawn to the metal bands that blend rap and harsh and soft vocals. It just makes for an amazing gig that has you bouncing. The band commented how it isn’t their first time in the UK and won’t be their last. I hope not- cause I need to binge their discography, so I know the words next time and can get involved.
Kingdom of Giants is the main support for this UK run. The American band already has a fanbase in the UK. I could hear the crowd singing along, and the vocalist would confidently pass off his mic to the crowd. The crowd vibed so hard that I could see the security at the barrier start to peer over for any surfers for the first time that night.
The vocalist has great, harsh vocals. Those that sound as if his chords are being ripped out. Nasty. Dirty. Grotesque. The highest compliments one could give for harsh vocals. He commanded the crowd with ease, even telling the pit, “You have 30 seconds to decide what you’re gonna do when this drops.” Almost challenging them to go as hard as they can.
Going hard has its perks at a metal gig, until the vocalist has to pause after the song to ask, “Everyone alright out there? Did someone get hurt?” but luckily, it was just a false alarm. The band got back into their 40-minute set and had the crowd back in their grasp. The crowd formed a circle pit upon command. Honestly, it looked hella fun. I’d join in if I didn’t have gear with me, with everyone laughing as they circled around.
The Devil Wears Prada made their entrance with an atmospheric drone. One by one, the members made their appearance, leading to an uproar from the crowd. The band were quick to demand a circle pit during the second song, “Watchtower”. The audience is more than willing to oblige.
The American band has a strong fanbase within the UK. A given, considering their lengthy career. I remember seeing the band last year supporting at this same venue, and I could tell even then that a big portion of the crowd was here for them. Those people, and then some, have turned up tonight. The vocalist asked, “Who saw us here with landmarks?” And about 90% of the hands went up in the pit.
During “Broken”, we had our first crowd surfers, and it was like a torrential downpour of more. One after the other, it never ended. The crowd went wild for this banger. And how can they not? Have you heard that chorus? Even after all the carnage, the vocalist made sure to say “thank you.” After. Each. Song. It always warms my heart when my bands do that, I can’t lie.
About 3/4 through the set, I had to double take. The guitarist/vocalist left the stage. Went to the bar. Ordered a drink. Then he walked around the balcony, mingling among fans. Bear in mind that the music is still happening. I kept having to look back to the stage, wondering, “Wait, is that him?” Bro just went and got a drink, AND THEN I looked at the stage; there’s a guest vocalist. The guest let out the most guttural roars I’ve heard in a while before going back to manning the merch stand.
The Devil Wears Prada is always a joy to watch. The way the audience screams the lyrics back to the band with such passion makes you want to be involved. All the bands on this lineup are such a treat to see live. Whenever I see the names of all the bands pop up on a tour now, I’ll be there fighting my way to get a press pass. This tour will continue for a few more dates, and then The Devil Wears Prada will be embarking on a North American tour in the spring.
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