It was time to dip my toe into the world of rap-infused Heavy Metal. With elements of Hardcore Metal and Trap Metal, this is something that has been bubbling under the surface for a long while now, and it was well worth it.
Dropout Kings – Hacktivist – Recall The Remains
The Flapper, Birmingham – 4 July 2024
Words And Photography: Andy Shaw
Dropout Kings
Dropout Kings from Phoenix, Arizona, are one of the finest exponents of this genre, combining rap, Hardcore Metal, and Trap Metal. The crowd were already in a state of frenzied excitement, and when the guys came on, the roof nearly blew off The Flapper.
Kicking off with Going Rogue, Bad Day, then PitUp and Hakai, Eddie Wellz, rap vocals and Adam Ramey, lead vocals, were in blistering form. The moshpit was going crazy.
Rob Sebastian on guitar and Joe Lana Jr. on drums were a brilliant foil for the intensity of the vocals and rapping.
Tracks such as Glitchgang, I Ain’t Depressed and Vacuum Cleaner were as intense as they were brilliant, the fusion of Metal and rap working brilliantly.
Dropout Kings ended their set with Dark Energy, Hey Uh and Virus with The Flapper having witnessed a truly amazing night.
If you were in any doubt as to the validity of this genre of music, then it was really dismissed tonight. If you get the chance to experience it live, grab it with both hands.
Hacktivist
Hacktivist, a grime/Metal outfit from Milton Keynes, are usually backed by Richard Hawking on drums. But due to car problems, he was unable to make it. However, Rapper/vocalists Jermaine ‘J’ Hurley and JJ Olifent decided to play anyway, and I am glad they did.
Dubbing the night JJ & J The Pineapple Pizza No Meat Feast set, they kicked off with Re-Programmed. With a high-energy Metal track to back them, the two guys went for it, and the crowd went crazy.
With Armoured Core next, followed by Lifeform 2021, the guys were absolutely in top form and, at times, were literally swinging off the ceiling and driving the crowd into a frenzy.
The smashing beats, coupled with the rap and growls from J & JJ made this an awesome set. Finishing with Crooks and Criminals then Paris, it was a short and sweet set but the guys put everything they had into it and the energy was intense both on stage and in the crowd.
Recall The Remains
First up were Recall The Remains, who have been on the verge of breaking through for a while now. Again, tonight, it is easy to see why they are so highly regarded.
Kicking off with Lifetake they were quickly into their stride and a packed Flapper were already loving what they were seeing. Then into The Night Will Bleed followed by Darker Path.
This was a really strong start with frontman Jacob Collins, a striking figure with a stunning vocal range from clean to growls. First Inversion, Fairfield, then Deadlines with Zach Bowden on guitar and vocals, the perfect foil for Collins. 
With Jordan Barnes on bass, Elliot Rowe on guitar, and Anthony Morris on drums, they are a really tight-knit unit that provides some brilliant entertainment.
Finishing with Empty Woods, Our Hell and Brothers Until Betrayal, this was a great start to the evening. Recall The Remains deserve to have a very successful 2024 and beyond.
