Live Review: While She Sleeps, Bury Tomorrow and Polaris | Alexandra Palace | 23/9/23
When While She Sleeps first announced they'd be headlining Alexandra Palace you'd be forgiven for thinking that this was both an ambitious and tall order even for a band with their drive, commitment and fanbase but as the band achieve selling out this landmark evening and the night draws in, anticipation and excitement loom over matched expectations.
Polaris
The legendary Great Hall of Alexandra Palace is surprisingly full as Polaris are tasked with warming up the expectant audience in readiness for the night ahead. Intrigue swells given the band’s rollercoaster year to date with the tragic loss of guitarist Ryan Siew and the release of their album Fatalism. However the band seems largely undeterred and entirely task-driven in their precise approach and execution. Some mild sound issues plague the opening song of the set but this doesn’t take away from the band’s crushingly heavy churn. Guitar lead and solo passages hit with crisp precision and despite their live infancy, the four songs played off the new album go down with roaring reception. Frontman Jamie Hails simply states “This one’s for Ryan” prior to playing ‘Overflow’ and unleashing chaos on Ally Pally. Closing with fan favourite ‘The Remedy’ the crowd are with them every step of the way, singing every word back at the top of their lungs.
Photo Credit: James Gibbons
Score: 7/10
Bury Tomorrow
A simple and effective backdrop heralds Bury Tomorrow’s set as they walk out in front of a sea of fans and thunderous applause. No frills are required for the band’s set either, as they are seemingly comfortable on this gargantuan stage. Opening with ‘Boltcutter’ and letting chaos ensue before unleashing a set list predominantly focused on their last three records, the band are able to call upon their mosh-worthy hits such as ‘Black Flame’, ‘Abandon Us’ and ‘Choke’ to provide a continuously commanding performance and hold momentum. Dani Winter-Bates has never sounded better and is complimented by the band’s visceral sound and his new clean vocal counterpart Tom Prendergast. The vocal play off between Winter-Bates and Prendergast is truly astonishing juxtaposing, harmonising and syncing at every required moment. Closing with ‘Death (Ever Colder)’, the band stand triumphant and accomplished in a support slot that feels like another big stepping stone for Bury Tomorrow and if they have proved anything this evening, it’s that they are perfectly capable of headlining Ally Pally themselves one day.
Photo Credit: James Gibbons
Score: 9/10
While She Sleeps
If 15 years ago you were told that British metalcore would transcend its perceived ceiling to dizzying heights whereby 10,000 people in a room would answer the call to arms, you’d have likely laughed in that person’s face. Moments before While She Sleeps take their place on the most important stage of their lives, Alexandra Palace is now shoulder to shoulder with fans old and new, donning merch from various points over the last decade. It feels as if all things have led to this, and it is hard to escape its encapsulating energy as the lights go down and the show begins. While She Sleeps are aware of the task at hand and have a night to remember lined up. An animated background of a city slowly burning, whilst the band tear through opener ‘Sleeps Society’, is the perfect backdrop to a stage set up like an abandoned scaffolded rooftop. The word ‘Sleeps’ displayed like a rusty sign as the narrative moves from the changing background throughout the show. It’s a truly remarkable and considered aesthetic that is as important to the fans as it is to the band. While She Sleeps use the opportunity to cycle through their hits old and new, reminding fans of the sheer amount of bangers they have produced to date, in a set that is considerate of those lesser played song that are special to fans. The big moments come with the likes of ‘You Are We’, ‘Our Legacy’, and ‘Four Walls’ all of which have the crowd screaming their lungs out. ‘Silence Speaks’ sees Dani Winter-Bates in Oli Sykes role of the song and does not disappoint in the slightest. The band ensure this is a celebration worth remembering by playing ‘Our Courage, Our Cancer’ and ‘Seven Hills’ and there is no expense spared with everything from pyrotechnics and smoke to rave lasers gracing the performance. While She Sleeps continue through their set with precision and poise and have the crowd in the palm of their hand from start to finish. Not taking their opportunity for granted and making this night at Alexandra Palace one to remember, While She Sleeps have shown that their determination, commitment to their fans and dedication to their art have prevailed over everything else. The British metalcore scene is thriving and While She Sleeps are leading the charge.
Photo Credit: James Gibbons
Score: 10/10