A sold-out show at Manchester Academy saw Cryptopsy celebrating three decades of one of the most influential releases in Extreme Metal, None So Vile. Support came from a formidable lineup of Corpse Pile, Inferi and 200 Stab Wounds who helped make this a night to remember.
200 Stab Wounds – Inferi – Corpse Pile
Manchester Academy – 22 January 2026.
Words: Matty Hunter
Photography: thedailyddt at Vision Impact Photography
Opening duties for the night fell to Texas Brutal Death Metal act Corpse Pile, and from the moment they hit the stage just under half an hour after doors opened, it was clear they were not going to be a polite warm-up band.
Formed in Houston in 2019, Corpse Pile do not trade in complexity. Instead, they deliver blunt, hard-hitting music with force and intent.
Their discography sits at the intersection of pure Brutal Death Metal and Hardcore-infused aggression, combining old-school savagery with a modern, punchy edge. Lyrically, their approach is unfiltered and confrontational, steeped in the gore-soaked traditions of the genre while staying visceral throughout.
Despite being the opening band, space on the floor was scarce, and the crowd responded enthusiastically from the outset. Vocalist Jason Frazier was restless throughout, constantly moving across the stage, and you could sense the passion in his vocal delivery.
What stood out most was the substance of Frazier’s between-song commentary and the conviction behind his words. He spoke openly about his views on U.S. politics, authenticity, personal beliefs, and straight-edge values, lending the set a sense of purpose that extended beyond the band’s pure sonic violence.
These moments of direct address added important context to their aggression.
Before closing their set, Corpse Pile thanked the bands following them for bringing them along on the tour and acknowledged the significance of the night. They also noted that this UK and European run marked their first time playing these shores, expressing genuine appreciation for the passion of the crowds.
Wrapping up at 7:25 pm, their ten-song set was powerful and uncompromising, leaving a lasting first impression despite running for just half an hour. If this tour’s set of debut appearances are anything to go by, it is difficult to imagine this being their last visit to the UK and Europe.
Inferi
At 7:35 pm, it was time for Inferi. Formed in 2006 in Nashville, Tennessee, the band have steadily built a reputation as one of the leading forces in melodic and Technical Death Metal, driven by epic songwriting, intricate structures, and precision.
This tour marked Inferi’s first UK appearances since December 2023, when they supported Decapitated, and it was instantly clear they were intent on making the most of the opportunity to perform in front of the rabid crowds here again.
Thematically, Inferi’s material leans heavily into mythology and cosmic or existential concepts. In a live setting, these ideas felt expansive, with the band delivering virtuosic performances without sacrificing atmosphere.
From the outset, the band’s sound was impossible to ignore. Their blend of highly technical riffing, mind-bending melodies, and relentless aggression translated seamlessly to a live setting.
The opening number, The Promethean Kings, set the tone straight away: fast, melodic, and unrelenting. Stevie Boiser’s vocal performance stood out, proving him a compelling frontman throughout the set. His interaction with the audience was constant and genuine, encouraging participation without ever feeling forced.
Introducing new material, he explained, “We are hard at work on our new record, which releases on 10 April. Here’s Rapture Of Deadlight from it,” referencing the forthcoming album Heaven Wept. Despite being released only a few days earlier as a single, the track was met with an enthusiastic response and slotted seamlessly alongside older material.
As the set progressed, the energy continued to build. Boiser repeatedly jumped from the stage to the barrier, engaging directly with fans and radiating an infectious enthusiasm that elevated the band’s performance.
“This always goes way too quick,” Boiser remarked towards the end of the set, clearly disappointed that their time was almost up. It was a sentiment shared by much of the room.
The band closed with Heirs Of The Descent, during which the night’s crowd surfing began. I counted no fewer than thirteen surfers making their way over the barrier during the closer.
In a final display of commitment, Boiser stage-dived into the pit mid-song, continuing to deliver flawless vocals without missing a note. After their 30-minute set, Inferi left the stage to the crowd’s enthusiastic appreciation for the technical, melodic four-piece.
200 Stab Wounds
Just after 8:20 pm, the penultimate band of the night, 200 Stab Wounds, took to the stage, greeted by palpable anticipation from the sold-out crowd.
Their rise within the modern Death Metal scene is impossible to ignore. In their short career, they have become one of the most talked-about names in the genre, and for all the right reasons.
Formed in 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio, their music blends brutal, old-school savagery with a sharp contemporary punch, and their raw, high-energy live performances are renowned. I had been desperate to see 200 Stab Wounds live for several years, having missed them on their last UK visit in 2024.
An ominous darkness filled the stage as the quartet took their positions. When the lights came on, they tore into opener Hands Of Eternity with uncompromising ferocity. Guitarist Raymond MacDonald and drummer Owen Pooley performed topless, setting the tone for a sweat-drenched, no-frills assault.
It was pure headbanging Death Metal, with filthy riffs, tight drumming, and a sound that continues to feel fresh and vital.
After a couple of songs, the band formally introduced themselves. Vocalist Steve Buhl took the mic to thank Cryptopsy for bringing them on tour, referenced their appearance at Damnation Festival in Manchester two years ago, and gave a shout-out to the fans who make it all possible.
Shortly after this brief pause, the band launched into Skin Milk, which triggered the first crowd surfer of their set and opened the floodgates.
From there, it was complete mayhem for the rest of the performance, with countless bodies flying overhead, a chaotic pit, and a visceral connection between the band and the crowd.
The set closed with Release The Stench, a fitting finale that left the room breathless and perfectly warmed up for the headliners. By the time the band wrapped up, 200 Stab Wounds had more than justified their billing, delivering a performance that was genuinely memorable.
Capping it all off, I managed to grab the setlist and get half of the band’s autographs – from Owen Pooley and Raymond MacDonald – a great memento of a live show I had been looking forward to for a long time.
200 Stab Wounds live was every bit as satisfying as I had hoped, and anyone who has seen them will surely agree.
