Photos courtesy of Frank Gane
As Liam Cormier waltzed onto the stage in front of a hungry crowd, I felt a tingle dance up my spine. It was caused by ground-shaking vibrations from the opening riff to Hail Destroyer, the first song to the band’s sophomore album with the same name. When screams, drums and bass kicked in I knew that this would be another unforgettable night where Cancer Bats would not dissapoint.
The Canadian hardcore giants returned to Cornwall only a few months after playing in Newquay with Fucked Up, and the crowd definately displayed their appreciation. Cancer Bats’ amazing blend of hardcore punk and southern metal makes their chugging, juggernaut riffs and Liam’s unmistakable throaty growl a must hear.
Photos courtesy of Frank Gane
The Pavilions exploded into a mosh fest, as Cormier declared: “It’s time to party!”
The Toronto based boys powered through their hour long set with an unfathomable amount of energy and passion. Scott Middleton’s groovy, harmonic-laden guitar work with a powerhorse of a rhythm section drove the band, leaving not one dull track in the set. Some new songs were even thrown in there from the band’s third album, which is currently still being written. This provoked the crowd into an excited frenzy.
Cancer Bats have worked hard to be where they are, and they make it clear they’re grateful to the fans, even if we were only a few hundred in a small town compared to the thousands at international festivals and grand stadiums. Many of the songs were dedicated to the crowd, and although being high up behind a barrier, the gig was comfortably intimate. Liam’s relentless headbanging and showmanship made us feel as if we were up there with them. Forgetting about our worries, drinking up, and just having a damn good time.
Photos courtesy of Frank Gane
After having finished their set, the buzzing crowd were not just going to stand there and accept that that was the end of the night. Hundreds of stomps to the shout of ‘CANCER BATS’ shuddered the wooden flooring. One by one Liam, Scott, Mike and Jaye returned to the stage. “Has anyone ever heard of a band called the Beastie Boys!?” said Liam in his trademark Canadian drool. The crowd roared with delight, and the infamous Beastie Boys song ‘Sabotage’ was destroyed and improved with the encore.
But it was not just Cancer Bats that night which made the gig one of my Falmouth’s favourites. The three support bands were perfectly selected to give the punters their moneys-worth in hardcore, loud, punk. The first two bands on were Falmouth’s own offspring. Bangers warmed up the crowd with catchy sing-along punk prowess, proving why they’ve been such a hit nationwide. Crocus followed, leaving the crowd in awe at loud, emotional thrashy punk. Crocus are one of my favourite live acts, with raw energy and feeling streaming from all four members.
Exeter’s finest The Computers were main support, and proved why they are rising throughout the country to such popularity. Screaming punk presented in a rock and roll fashion makes this act stand out from the rest. An ecletic set culminating in lead singer/guitarist Alex bringing his mic and guitar down to the crowd to play their final song of the set.
Photos courtesy of Frank Gane
At the end of the night, the audience was left electric with what was an amazing night for hardcore punk, and a legendary gig at the Princess Pavilions. Let’s hope it’s not too long before the terminally-ill bloodsuckers are back in town riding their hurricane of thunder and lightning.