Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
The weather is dreary and foggy as we depart for this evening’s mammoth gig in the Telegraph Building in Belfast. It certainly adds an eerie autumnal twist as we prepare for a night of Metal.
There was a lot of buzz when the Killswitch Engage event was announced especially due to the calibre of the supporting acts Decapitated, Fit For An Autopsy and Hatebreed. I had the pleasure of witnessing the Tsunami that is Hatebreed on 06.07.25 at Finsbury Park in July this year. They blew Finsbury Park away at the mighty Slayer concert and I had no doubt that they would leave an everlasting impact in the Telegraph Building tonight. I was excited to see the other bands for the first time going by strong recommendations of good mates.
Hailing from Krosno Poland, Decapitated formed in 1996. Having various line-up changes throughout the years, the current line up consists of founding member Waclaw “Vogg” Kieltyka (Guitar), Eemeli Bodde (Vocals since 2024), Pawel Pasel (Bassist) and James Stewart (Drums). Unfortunately, the band experienced a tragedy in late 2007, causing the devastating loss of a founding band member and drummer, Vitek (Vogg’s younger brother) and departure of Covan (vocals) due to serious injuries sustained in the same automobile accident. Decapitated survived a disbandment and in 2009 Vogg reformed the band recruiting a new drummer and vocalist and the lads went on to release four more albums, the last entitled ‘Cancer Culture’ was released in 2022. The band have recently announced that they plan to record their ninth album later this year with hopefully a 2026 release date.
Decapitated take to the stage and receive a warm Belfast welcome by what is a near filled venue especially given that the lads are starting earlier than the published set times. “From the Nothingness”, for first time observers like myself, sets the tone for tonight’s set. The lads are tight and technical and Bodde immediately connects with the crowd and greets a fan in the front row. Bodde’s growls and guttural screams are as if they are sinisterly rising from the depths of hell themselves. “Cancer Culture”. Bodde introduces Vogg to the enthusiastic crowd before he treats us to a blistering solo on “Just a Cigarette”. “Earth Scar” is fast and visceral with Bodde ‘wind milling’ to the tempo of Stewarts methodical beats.
Vogg’s opening riff intro, followed by Bodde’s commands for hands up in the air sees Belfast erupt once the band launch into “Spheres of Madness”. With our heads banging “Suicidal Space Programme” thumps through the venue as we ‘scream for Pawel’ who pounds fanatically on the bass and the circle pit remains in full thrust which impresses Bodde who comments, “Circle Pit I love you “. “Iconoclast” saw the introduction of a black umbrella to the circle pit a sight one was not expecting but was impressive and gave us a giggle all the same. Do not be fooled Decapitated were not tonight’s warm up act. These lads ferociously demonstrated why they are regarded as ‘one of death metals most widely respected bands’ and more than that prove, as Bodde stated, that they had ‘one job tonight – to destroy’ and that they did!
Fit For An Autopsy from Jersey City, New Jersey have been delivering their deathcore tunes to the metal masses since 2008. FFAA consist of Joe Badalato (Vocals), Peter ‘Blue’ Spinazola (Bass), Will Putney (Guitar), Pat Sheridan (Guitar) Tim Howley (Guitar) and Josean Orta (Drums). The lads have seven albums under their belt and this is not their first time on the road with Killswitch Engage. There have been a few line-up changes over the years with Putney and Sheridan being the only founding members remaining in the band.
Fit For An Autopsy commence tonight’s proceedings with the furious “Lower Purpose” showcasing the insane shredding of Howley and Sheridan, followed by the intense “It Comes For You” which sees the eager and frenzied crowd starting up the Circle Pit which remains in action for the rest of their set. Badalato commands Belfast during “Hostage” to show him the ‘fucking energy that I’ve heard so fucking much about’ and the crowd do not disappoint. Orta is a machine on the drums and alongside Spinazola provide an extreme and heavy rhythm section.
Orta rips through the drum intro on “Pandora” the pit continues to pace along to the powerful vocals of Badalato and the extreme riffs of the lads. “Sea of Tragic Beasts” fills the venue with a wave of energetic impulse with Badalato encouraging the crowd surfers to come to him as a few eager fans surf their way to the front of the unruly crowd. “Savior Of None/Ashes of All”, sees the Circle Pit expand to take over the majority of the centre of the Telegraph floor, this a chaotic yet beautiful sight to behold as the lads would stop to chant particular lyrics with their fists upheld and then launch back into mosh position.
Fit For An Autopsy finish the set with the penetrating energy of “Far From Heaven” and from the looks on the sweaty and exhausted faces making their way to the bar for a well-earned refreshment, Belfast more than evidenced that we know how to Circle Pit. This was the lads first time in Belfast but given tonight’s more than fervent reception we shall hopefully see the lads back on these shores again soon.
Hatebreed formed in 1994 from Bridgeport, Connecticut need no introduction. Comprising of Jamey Jasta (vocals), Matt Byrne (Drums), Frank Novinec (Guitar) and Wayne Lozinak (lead Guitar) and Carl Schwartz (Bass). Like many I’m sure I have many a fond memory of watching Jasta host Headbangers Ball as a teen. The metalcore band have released eight studio albums and released a new single ‘Make the Demons Obey” in July of this year. There is reports of the band working on a ninth album currently. As we are catching our breaths and assembling again for the next band on tonight’s bill ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’ by Kiss begins to blast through the venue. We sing along with anticipation of the arrival of the mighty Hatebreed.
As the band erupt onto the stage with“I Will Be Heard”, Novinec is sporting a Kiss t-shirt and Lozinak wearing an Ozzy shirt. The crowd chant along with Jasta with conviction with fists in the sky as Jasta tells us how glad they are to be back in Belfast and we are informed of tonight’s rule – that by the end of the night there are to be no voices left – Challenge accepted !!
The lads treat us to the most recent single “Demons Obey”, Jasta’s energy and passion is contagious as he has us jumping on 3! He greets the crowd surfers reminding them not to forget to give him a Hi 5. The Telegraph Building is well and truly bouncing and shaking to its foundations. Jasta remains humble and thankful throughout the set and thanks us for showing up on a Sunday night. “This Is Now”, sees Jasta create a battle of which side of the crowd is the loudest, giving Byrne the job of being decibel judge, of course the right hand side wins – just happens to be the side I’m standing and I’m not at all biased lol. “In Ashes They Shall Reap”, Jasta takes a moment to acknowledge the sheer grit and determination of fellow bandmate Lozinak who recovered from a brain tumour two month ago and is shredding on the stage like a complete legend.
Jasta questions “let’s go back to 1995, who was alive in 1995 – respect to the old school respect your elders” as us older folk among the revellers cheer – aches and pains aside – the lads blast off with “Smash Your Enemies”. The crowd are surfing and the circle pit is wearing the Telegraph floor thin. As the song comes to an end Jasta exclaims “Best Sunday night I can fucking remember” and we all agree!! Hatebreed can certainly throw down and their fans are “As Diehard” as they come. Jasta jests that someone might need fired as they never told us how diehard Belfast is. Jasta is stood on the platform conducting the fans like a psychotic conductor.
Prior to the final tune Jasta pays a fitting tribute to Ace Frehley (Novinec flips his guitar to show the crowd the words ACE RIP painted on the back of his guitar), Ozzy Osbourne and Sam Rivers. Hatebreed leave us energised yet exhausted and these lads know how to tear up a venue with both positivity and ferocity.
Last but certainly not least are the legendary headliners tonight Killswitch Engage. The lads from Westfield, Massachusetts formed in 1999 and the current line up comprises of Jesse Leach (vocals), Joel Stroetzel (guitar), Adam Dutkiewicz (Guitar), Mike D’Antonio (Bass) and Justin Foley (drums). The lads known for their melodic metal and positive messages woven throughout their songs have nine studio albums to date, the most recent ‘This Consequence’ released in February this year. There has been a huge buzz since the Belfast and Dublin dates were announced. Now the moment is finally here to see these Icons rip through the Telegraph Building on what is the second last night of the tour.
‘Baba O’Reilly’ by The Who iconically echoes through the venue. The metalheads are heaving and we are ready for the final set of the evening. During“Strength Of The Mind”, Leach’s vocals are powerful and command the full attention of the devoted Killswitch fans and Telegraph rockers. The fans are unified singing throughout the set and the volume is nearly deafening as the circle pit is once again in full surge. Jesse appears at the front barriersinging the second track of the night”, “Rose Of Sharyn”, Foleys drumming is brutal yet technical and D’Antonio’s thundering bass ricochets through the venue. Dutkiewicz’s whacky and zany attire and stage presence are not to be mistaken for lack of talent as he likes to entertain and bring fun to the bands performance whilst shredding blistering guitar solos.
Jesse enquired if anyone was out and about in the streets last night. Jesse proclaimed how “you guys can fucking drink in this fucking town – Jesus. You guys were so fucking amazing someone even bought me a pizza today. I love being here amongst my kin, my great great Grandparents come from here so it’s good to come back to my homelands. A land full of fucking fighters yeah”. “Fixation On The Darkness” sees Stroetzel’s riffage as intricate and fast as ever. Killswitch Engage are certainly a force to be reckoned with and the rockers in the pit are a testament to how aligned and connected the band are with old and new fans alike.
The blistering “This Fire Burns” was used by wrestler CM Punk as his WWE theme and the lads were reportedly delighted when the track was included on the WWE ‘Wreckless intent’ album. During “My Curse”, Foleys snare drum finally gives into the constant pounding and needs replaced. This is a brutal track and has the rockers bouncing throughout. “The End Of Heartache” sees clips of the ‘Resident Evil’ movie playing on the huge backdrop at the back of the stage. The lads are clearly respected within the industry when their tracks are being used for movie and wrestling soundtracks.
For the final track of the night, Killswitch Engage dedicate “My Last Serenade” to “Rocky Hamilton from ‘Fans of Killswitch Engage’ wherever you may be”. This made my good friend Rocky’s night – a night I’m sure he shall not forget anytime soon.
As the fans started to pour out into the cold Belfast air ‘One More Night’ by Phil Collins played as the bands Outro track – what a fitting choice as tomorrows show in Dublin will be the last of the tour. What a night of heavy yet lively and vigorous metal. A real mix of genres and amazing solidarity. Hopefully more metal-tastic bills like this will come to Belfast as the fans substantiated tonight we will come out in full force to have a rocking time.
Photography by MPM
