Saturday night in Manchester was electric as Spanish metal sensation Ankor rocked Rebellion, kicking off their EU/UK tour in style! It was my first experience with this band and my inaugural visit to the venue, and I couldn’t have asked for a better match. Their energy and passion were admirable, making it a night to remember. However, I can’t help but imagine how epic their performance would be on a larger stage!

One tiny hiccup—there’s a pole right in the middle of the stage that occasionally blocked the view. It made it tricky to fully absorb the band’s incredible stage presence, especially when the lighting dipped into darker tones, which also posed some challenges for photography. Nevertheless, the experience was undeniably thrilling, and I can’t wait to catch Ankor again!

Kicking off the night, we were treated to Seven Blood, an electrifying metal band hailing from Germany. Wow, they completely blew me away!  I thought they were the perfect band to kick off the night as they weren’t quite as heavy as Conquer Divide or Ankor. Their performance was an absolute thrill, blending incredible songwriting with powerful instrumentation. I found myself fully immersed in their music, relishing every moment of the show. The energy in the venue was absolutely electric; fans were completely immersed, headbanging and surrendering to the driving rhythm of the music. True to classic metal gig tradition, the crowd erupted into a wild mosh pit that took the atmosphere to exhilarating heights.

Next time, I’d love to see the band unleash a bit more movement on stage. There were moments where they seemed rooted in one spot, and I think a bit more variety and interaction with the audience would amplify the experience even further. But honestly, despite that, it was an incredible performance that left everyone chanting for more. Can’t wait for the next show!

SETLIST:

House # Home

Monsters

Killing from the Inside

As we Bleed

Up next, we had Conquer Divide, an electrifying hard rock band hailing from Britain, America, and Canada. Their sound turned out to be heavier and more metal-oriented than I had anticipated, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying every moment. The heavy drumming and powerful metal screams created an intense atmosphere that I loved, and at times, the backing vocals reminded me of the band Trivium. Their performance was fantastic—full of energy and passion. The crowd was fully engaged, diving into the mosh pit and having an amazing time.

One aspect that impressed me was the lead vocalist; her voice was absolutely stunning. She effortlessly transitioned from singing beautiful harmonies to delivering powerful screams, showcasing impressive control and versatility. It’s truly admirable to see such talent on stage. Overall, Conquer Divide put on an incredible show that left a lasting impression! I would definitely see them again in the future if they ever come back to the UK.

SETLIST:

Atonement

Chemicals

PRESSURE

Wide Awake

Paralyzed

The INVISIBLE

System_failure

N E W H E A V E N

Bad Dreams

Welcome2paradise

Ankor was absolutely fantastic and completely blew me away. This was my first time watching them, so I wasn’t sure what to expect; however, I was pleasantly surprised. The energy in the room was electric—every beat resonated with a vibrant pulse that brought the audience to life. It was clear that the band members were not just performing; they were immersing themselves in every note, creating an exhilarating atmosphere that was infectious.

One of my favourite moments of the night was when Fito ran around the stage like a maniac, pretending to shoot people with his guitar. His positive energy was infectious, and he was a joy to watch. He was smiling and having a great time.

Another moment that made me smile was when the lead singer, Jessie, held a wooden bat during one of the songs. She ran around the stage, waving it and playfully warned the crowd, “You better dance to this song because this bat is wooden and can do some damage!” Then she flashed a big smile at the audience.

The mosh pits were wild! I tried my best to stay out of them, but I still got pushed around a bit.

SETLIST:

The World Is a Cruel Place

Venom

Walking Dead

Nana

Stereo

Nebula

Oblivion

The Legend of Charles the Giant

Shhh…

Prisoner

Interstellar

The Monster I Am

Darkbeat

Hill Valley

Shoganai

Embers

At the end of the show, the energy in the venue was electric. The band put down their instruments, and suddenly, the air filled with pulsating rave music blaring from the speakers. To my surprise, I found myself dancing along with the crowd, completely caught up in the moment. Normally, rave isn’t my jam, but there was something about that night that turned me into a fan. It felt like a vibrant celebration, a true party, and I couldn’t help but revel in the fun!

What struck me was the lineup: every band was female-fronted! As a rock musician myself, witnessing so many talented women owning the stage filled me with pride. The music industry often overlooks female talent, especially in metal, so seeing these incredible artists showcase their skills was nothing short of inspiring, and I hope they continue to inspire others.

The entire show was a blast, and I’d jump at the chance to see those bands perform again. I hope audiences take notice of these phenomenal musicians and realize that women are not just part of the scene—they can lead it! It’s high time we celebrate their contributions and recognises that women CAN and DO rock the metal world!

Words & images: Kelsey Hind

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