Now and again you end up going to gigs looking forward to a support act more than the main band. In the case of this gig you're talking the understatement of the decade. Since first seeing Hatesphere support Exodus way back in 2004 they've slowy become a massive favourite of mine, and when they were announced on this mega tour I could hardly wait to see them, 4500 miles from home or not.

Despite recently parting ways with singer "Joller" Albrechtsen, Hatesphere continued with this tour, recruiting Mevadio singer Morten Madsen, who proves a more than able replacement. Opening with 'Murderous Intent', it's immediately clear that this lot kick serious arse regardless of the frontman in situ. Running through premier league thrash anthems 'Only The Strong', 'To The Nines', 'Cloaked In Shit' and the truly fucking superb 'Clarity', it really does amaze me that this band haven't had greater international success. A truly fucking excellent band, and an excellent performance.

It was going to take something special to follow that and French Canadians Augury never even came close. Their very quirky brand of Tech-Death really did little for me. Technically gifted but offering little in the way of songs I guess you've really got to be into this genre to get anything out of it. I'm not and I didn't. Ah well, shit happens.

Next up are German deathsters Obscura who, whilst having quite a Tech-Death leaning at times, really do cut the mustard with their Morbid Angel-esque live delivery. Pummelling the senses with a mixture of songs from their 'Retribution' and 'Cosmogenesis' albums, they mix in some 80's German thrash influences with their straight-up deathliness. They also inject some European humour to confuse the American audience, including the priceless gem of "Houston, everyone tells me this place is all about guns, women and beef". A top showing from what will surely soon be one of Europe's top death metal bands.

And so to the road hog Thrash-Death monstrosity that is The Black Dahlia Murder. Uglier than a Susan Boyle convention, TBDM don't give shit for trends and genres they just let rip. Blasting onstage you can't help but smile at the sheer madness of frontman Trevor Strnad. Constantly stalking the stage, throwing horns, headbanging, the man is a phenomenon. Blasting the shit-hot noise their fans know and love, they rip out a fine selection from throughout their catalogue, including videos 'Necropolis' and 'Statutory Ape' along with other favourites including 'Open Casket Requiem'. Inciting some frantic crowd surfing, circle pits and out-and-out mayhem, TBDM tick all the right boxes on all levels.

Top notch stuff.