‘Friday the 13th – unlucky for some’ as the saying goes. Those of us gathered at this old church in Colchester tonight would disagree…

Those that have ventured in out of the cold at doors open are given a real treat in the shape of Fleshgod Apocalypse. Their brand of symphonic death metal impresses as the Italians storm through a short but sweet set of tracks taken from their frankly superb albums Oracles and Agony. It’s a great display that really deserves to be seen by more than the only half-filled room that greets the band tonight.

Ohio bruisers Skeletonwitch hit the stage at full throttle and waste no time in whipping up the first pits of the night. Frontman Chance Garnette is a commanding presence as he prowls the stage, beer in hand as the band smash their way through a blistering set that includes a storming rendition of Choke Upon Betrayal from 2011’s Forever Abomination. This is no bullshit metal at its best.

After the response to the two previous bands, the reaction that headliners The Black Dahlia Murder receive is noticeably muted. Although this continues for some time into their set, the sheer force of will from Trevor Strnad and co. eventually has the crowd eating from the palm of their hands. Tracks such as Funeral Thirst and Necropolis set off some healthy circle pits and bodies start to fly as stage-diving goes into full effect. In the end, despite the slow start, it is a job well and truly done by TBDM tonight.
 

How was it for you? Chance Garnette, Skeletonwitch: ‘We’ve played here before and it’s been great both times. Playing in a church on a Friday the 13th, you’ve just gotta love that right? It’s like some spiritual shit just happened right and the stars aligned.’