A bit of Hardcore Metal on a Thursday night in Birmingham was the perfect way to end the week. This proved to be a cathartic release served by Dagger Threat, Ego and Stitched.
Dagger Threat – Ego – Stitched
The Asylum 2, Birmingham – 11 April 2024
Words And Photography: Andy Shaw
Each band showed passion and dedication to their music as they poured their hearts and souls into their performances, delighting The Asylum 2.
Dagger Threat
German Hardcore Metal outfit Dagger Threat gave a performance that was a raw, unapologetic onslaught of energy and aggression. From the moment the band hit the stage, they unleashed a torrent of ferocious riffs, thunderous drums, and guttural vocals that grabbed hold of everyone in attendance and refused to let go.
The intensity of the performance was palpable, each song hitting with the force of a sledgehammer.
Dagger Threat’s stage presence was commanding, with Tim Rogler on vocals leading the line impressively jumping on and off stage, prowling like a caged animal.
Rogler’s primal screams cut through the air like a knife while guitarists Dennis Vogt and Nicolas Hoff shredded with precision and fury. The setlist was a relentless barrage of sonic assault, with highlights including new songs Cut The Cord and Manic, plus a journey through their back catalogue with Crooked Mirror, Coffin Nail and Inner Beast.
Despite the chaos and aggression, there was a sense of camaraderie among the small but perfectly formed audience, who shared a bond forged through the love of Heavy Metal and the cathartic release it provided.
As the final notes of the set echoed into the night, there was a collective sense of satisfaction and exhaustion.
EGO
The main support from this tour was from Ego, a Hardcore Metal band from Leeds, who provided an explosive display of raw power. From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.
When the first notes rang out, it was like a sonic tsunami crashing over the venue. The guitars roared with distortion, the drums pounded with relentless fury, and the vocals tore through the air like a primal scream.
Ego’s performance was characterised by a sense of controlled chaos, with each member of the band executing their role with precision while also unleashing their own individual brand of aggression. The lead vocalist started off-stage.
The setlist was a relentless barrage of heavy-hitting tracks, starting with a track from their new promo, Numb and including Rage, Thicker Than Blood, Bell Tolls and Ego.
A short but very sweet set of brilliant hardcore metal.
Stitched
First up were local Black Country boys in the form of Stitched. What was impressive about their performance was not just their technical skill but also their ability to channel raw emotion into their performance.
Each song felt like a visceral expression of rage, frustration, or defiance, tapping into their primal instincts. The setlist was a carefully curated mix of old classics and new favourites, each track showcasing a different aspect of the band’s sound and style.
Stitched proved that they were capable of delivering a diverse and dynamic performance. A great start to the evening.
