It’s been a little while since I’ve been to a true hardcore show with a killer lineup to match. Bleed From Within at Mr. Smalls Theater on April 8 reminded me why these shows are at the forefront of the music community and why they’re still worth going to, even if you aren’t familiar with the bands. Whenever I think of a hardcore show at Mr. Smalls, I know I’m always in for a treat. Oftentimes, I’m not familiar with many of the bands on the bill, but the show always ends with me adding their songs to my library immediately after. Bleed From Within’s current tour sets up support that blends with their own crowd while also exposing audiences to someone new. This way, you know you’re going into the show hearing four bands, all with their own talented details. For this show, the lineup took the crowd through Life Cycles from Texas, Great American Ghost from Boston, and Sylosis from Reading in the UK to join our Scottish headliners. Life Cycles kick off the evening with big energy, which is just the thing you want for a show like this. Frontman Jeremy Cuevas encourages the crowd to two-step and start a circle pit, ensuring a connection is established. With the crowd in his trusted hands, the band builds a base out of harmonic guitars, intricate bass lines, and a steady beat behind it all. Plus, any band that takes a moment to say “Fuck ICE” deserves a cheer in my book. Needless to say, by Great American Ghost, the audience is ready to go as this band takes the stage and the crowd fills in the gaps. More on the metal side of things, this band clashes high-pitched screams with strong singing vocals alongside plenty of shredding. Their use of samples and various sound clips lends to their ability to transport you somewhere entirely new. Their energy is infectious, and before you know it, you’re jamming out to songs you may not even know. Shoutout to vocalist Ethan Harrison for his “This Machine Kills Fascists” jacket, reminding us what this community is all about. Sylosis is on a different level of heavy metal bands. It’s easy to tell how well these four guys meld together to create a consistent and astonishing sound. Drummer Ali Richardson dominates those double bass pedals as guitarist Conor Marshall and bassist Ben Thomas keep in time with the brilliant chaos. Josh Middleton, on lead guitar and vocals, holds the whole thing together, keeping the crowd in the palm of his hand as he spins through heavy hitters. The flawless and simple effort these musicians put into each minute of their set sticks out as a sign of how in sync these four are. By the time Bleed From Within takes the stage, the crowd has packed against the barricade, and the middle crew looks ready to split for a Wall of Death at any moment. If you haven’t heard Bleed From Within before, the best way I can describe them is if Bad Omens weren’t afraid to go heavier in the best way possible. The transition from soft to gritty songs goes without a hitch, and the next thing you know, you’re in deep. These guys, especially vocalist Scott Kennedy, look so truly touched to perform for such a crowd. He, as well as his bandmates, bear a grin in musical breakdown and take extra time to fist bump and connect with each audience member.

Ali Richardson also drums for Bleed From Within, so you know those bass drums are thumping away the whole set. With Steven Jones and Craig Gowans on guitar, the two are able to take turns trading back and forth melodies while bassist Davie Provan fills in the gaps with flair. It’s a set that showcases the uniqueness of Scottish metal and closes the night by fulfilling all your wildest hardcore dreams.

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Kylie Thomas

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