Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
With a car full of enthusiastic revellers we head up the road to Belfast ahead of tonight’s gig to see the Welsh Metallers Florence Black and local rockers Trucker Diablo. The Limelight2 atmosphere is energetic and bustling with rockers buying refreshments and gathered at the Merch stall to have a jook at the t-shirts etc. on display. Trucker Diablo started their engines in 2008. Well known in the local scene forbringing both rocking Heavy Metal tunes and great banter to the stage. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing these lads both in Belfast and the Diamond Rock Club where they remain a regular fixture.
They’ve supported many a band over the years including The Foo Fighters, Black Star Riders, and Black Stone Cherry to name but a few. The four piece comprise of Tom Harte (vocals, lead guitar), Simon Haddock (Rhythm guitar) Jim McGurk (Bass Guitar) and Terry Crawford (Drums). The Big Truck keeps rolling and we love to see them pulling up.
The lads started tonight’s event with a drum intro and newly released track ‘Midknife Crisis’ which was met with great approval. Harte and Haddock are a powerful duo not only on guitar but on their gravelly and snarly vocals. The Trucker lads powered through one blistering tune after another ‘Party Like They Started the End of the World’ and ‘World is On Fire’, you can’t help but move along to the riff-tastic grooves of the lads when they are in full swing.
The crowd were engaged and the lads are up for a rock-tastic night with banter and craic in-between tonight’s songs. ‘Kill the Lights’ is an anthemic riff filled song with McGurk and Crawford’s pounding and thumping rhythm section causing vibrations in the venue. Next up the nostalgic and built for a sing-along chorus ‘Rock Kids of the 80’s which I would confidently guess was most of us gathered here tonight!!
The Limelight crew are bouncing and feel temporarily transported back to the era with mentions of key songs like ‘Jessie’s Girl’. ‘Drink Beer, Destroy’ is a raucous celebratory song which the Belfast crowd are more than happy to chant along to. The lads joke about how the Norn iron accent has been confusing for some of their gig locations in particular when introducing ‘Dig’ (for those of you with a dirty minds I’ll let you work that one out lol).
The Trucker lads bring their fantastic set to an end with ‘Stop the Bleed’ and ‘The Rebel’ which were filled with scorching guitar solos and their trade mark chant along lyrics. Trucker Diablo have more than warmed up tonight’s eager punters. Time for a wee refreshment break in advance of tonight’s mighty headliners Florence Black. The venue is nicely filled out now with a great buzz in the air.
The Florence Black three-piece originate from Merthyr Tydfil in South Walesand formed in 2012. The band consists of Tristan Thomas (lead vocals, guitar), Jordan Evans (bass, backing vocals) and Perry Davies (drums, backing vocals). The Welsh trio have three albums to date and a number of EP’s they been busy touring and releasing music since their conception. It’s easy to see that these are three hard working lads who enjoy being on the road and entertaining their loyal fans. We had a blast at their headlining gig in the Limelight last year after seeing them support Tremonti earlier in 2025. I am excited to hear new tracks tonight from their upcoming album given the calibre of their previous albums and outstanding live presence.
The powerfulFlorence Black take to the stage and launch into‘Take My Word’ the first of tonight’s offerings from their upcoming new album ‘Pouring Rain’ which is coincidentally due for release tomorrow. The crowd are embracing the newest tune and have their hands up in the air as prompted by Thomas. Second track from the new album ‘Coloured In’ sees the crowd banging their heads in unison to the Welsh lad’s tempo, the lads are tight and loud!! Davies drums are sharp and thunderous. Thomas opens ‘Bird on a Chain’ with a piercing guitar intro and clearly deserves the acclaim which he has been attracting for his flair for shredding.‘Stuck in a Corner’ the new single which was released two weeks ago is a beautifully haunting track yet it features the Florence Black heavy hallmark.
We do not take for granted the opportunity to hear so many of the new tracks live tonight such as ‘Down The Road’ and ‘Pouring Rain’. The lads have brought the Welsh fire to Belfast tonight and we are loving every minute.
Evans rumbling bass line is intense in ‘The Deep End’ and the lads are having a ball on stage as they entertain us with the much loved and newer tracks. ‘On The Ropes’ sees Davies showcasing his visceral vocals whilst thumping his kit like his life depended on it. ‘Rocking Ring’ is an immense tune and brings the heaviness to what’s been an amazing night of Metal tonight in Belfast. ‘Warning Sign’ sees Belfast harmonising with the lads during their highly emotive track and rocking out to the abundant chorus “If I stay right on this road, Just get up and go, Leave me on the back roads, Out on my own”. ‘Back To The End’ continues on with the poignant segment of Florence Black’s set. ‘Bed of Nails’ sees a return to the heavier tones and the heads are back banging.
Thomas addresses the Limelight audience, “Belfast thank you for coming out tonight. Give it up for Trucker Diablo we love them – fucking great boys”. ‘Look Up’ is a traditional metal tune which has the crowd pulsating along to the beats and melodies and singing along with the catchy chorus. Next up the penetrating ‘Zulu’ which has the crowd jumping arms raised. Up next a fan favourite ‘Breadfan’ (Budgie cover) had The Limelight vigorously moving and relishing the lads energetic cover of this classic Metal tune. Finally the lad’s end the night with ‘Sun and Moon’, which I know my wee bestie Karen was eagerly waiting for.
The Limelight sing aloud with the Florence Black lads what a cracking track to finish the night. The chorus was deafening as Belfast and the three piece sang their hearts out. The Welsh trio are very talented musicians and as far as I can see grow not only in maturity but as musicians every time I have had the good fortune to see them live.
Check out the new album and don’t miss the chance to see the formidable Florence Black live on their current tour.
Photography by MPM
