Metalcore, despite everyone’s wishful thinking, is growing stronger and stronger. Thus, the Brutal Assault promoters invited yet another massive selection to the Fortress this year.
Unearth is a more complicated beast. One can clearly tell they are quite enamored with Swedish death metal. As they said it themselves: “they were the band born in the breakdown who never wavered from their love for European death metal melodicism, supercharged by American thrash and hardcore”. We couldn’t put it better ourselves.
Swedes from Imminence are an unique metalcore outfit. THey stray away from being pigeonholed as they include classical instrumentations in their songs, ie. their vocalist Eddie Berg gladly showing off his violin skills. Little birds also told us that they know damn well how to deal with audience and get them to properly party in the pit
States are the main exporter of deathcore bands so New Jersey’s Fit For An Autopsy is no exception. Their approach to the genre is definitely more moodier, melancholic with borderline technical, almost Gojira-like punch.
The meteoric rise to fame of Paleface Swiss should be no surprise. They started not even 10 years ago but have the whole package, the heaviness, the breakdowns, the groove, the aggression, magnetic vocalist… Seems like a solid live performance in the making!
One of the gnarliest of deathcore bands from the States, Signs Of The Swarm will be back to Josefov after 3 years to create possibly one of the most brutal and crushing circle pit out there. Their slamming deathcore brand is one to best experience live.
Representation of Scotland will be covered by Glaswegian Bleed From Within. An extremely melodic member of the scene who is a killer live band to experience. Mostly courtesy to their vocalist, Scott Kennedy, who is the most heartfelt leader out there. Even if you are not a fan, give them a listen.
Allt are new challengers on the scene but already with an established style – more moody, complex with multiple different influences like djent or progressive. At the same time they are apparently a force on stage, so best not miss them!
Veterans of Canadian scene Protest The Hero are classified at metalcore however they blend post hardcore proclivities and technical death metal influences and throw boundaries out the window. Their compositions are quite robust and complex but are very digestible and fun. Plus, it prevents them from eating their own tails at the same time.
Well, it’s all in the title, folks. American deathcore/hardcore luminaries Heavy//Hitter don’t take prisoners and if they do, they won’t treat them particularly well. Especially in the pit. Uncompromising, brutal and precise breakdown machine.
Lastly, Filth, straight from the States. Again, there’s a spoiler in the name of the band! They somehow managed to nail the hip hop and heavy combo with a very crude atmosphere at the same time. No frills needed there, lads come on to stage and get the job done. To crush the audience that is.
