Future Palace are riding high across Europe with the surge in popularity for genre-mashing female vocal-led modern pop metal bands. They’ve been touring hard for a long time now, and find their way to Manchester for only the second time and first headlining. It’s a cold, wet and nasty night, but that doesn’t stop the crowd from getting along to Rebellion for the sold-out show for not one but three up-and-coming German bands.

Starting off the evening are Seven Blood from Berlin, who on first appearance bring thoughts of gothic rock to the growing crowd. The band flow and sway across the stage as they deliver their take on modern alternative metal. It’s a sound that’s very much baked in emo metal, and we’ve seen quite a few bands of this ilk making their way in the scene of late. There’s a vulnerability to singer Azaria Nasiri’s gothic emotionally inspired sweet vocals, and the lyrical content is starkly honest to match.

Each aspect of the band is dependable and capable, but they never seem to move out of second gear. We move through the songs but every time they hit a mid-tempo safety that they don’t appear to be able to shake. However, let’s not forget this is a very young band who only released their first single in the summer and will undoubtedly find the nuance that they need soon enough. That variety of light and dark, heavy and soft, is what pushes bands to the next level and with such a solid base to their sound, and plenty of talent, they will likely be a much more mature outfit next time we seen them in Manchester.

Main support are Our Promise, another German band, and equally one looking to make their mark early in their career. They immediately grab the crowd’s attention with a sound that feels very familiar – dual vocal modern melodic metalcore – and it’s a supremely catchy and dynamic take on the genre. Originating from Stuttgart, their style will generate plenty of interest for fans of early From Mice to Men and the emotive pop-intensity of Holding Absence. Musically, the band keeps things interesting with dashes of intricate, noodling guitar work and sharp, discordant stabs that add variety, depth and texture. There's enough technical flair to appeal to fans of bands you’d see at Tech-Fest or RADAR, while always staying grounded in the emotional, melodic and bouncing core of their music.

Watching them perform, they certainly all enjoy their work, and that enthusiasm from every member bouncing along, fully immersed in the music, translates directly to the crowd. The exciting part about them is that their sound really does slot neatly into the Landmvrks and Novelists end of the metalcore spectrum, with a touch of I Prevail-style accessibility. That continental approach to metalcore that infuses original hardcore that bit more directly is definitely something we’re seeing more and more of coming across, and I for one am eager for the transition. The harsh vocals from this band in particular are a standout, delivering rasping, growling, raw energy that contrasts beautifully with the melodic clean sections. This may be their first foray into a UK tour, but already there’s a hint of a broader breakthrough, Our Promise clearly have the potential to stand out in a well populated metalcore scene, so keep an eye out for them on their next visit.

Future Palace take to the stage like rock stars…pop stars…confident metal stars. They’re very much riding high currently on the continent, and are talked about in the same breath as Spiritbox and Lake Malice. They are very reminiscent of Lake Malice in fairness, right down to their three-piece setup of vocalist (Maria Lessing), guitarist (Manuel Kohlert) and drummer (Johannes Frenzel). Future Palace’s sound live leans heavily on a bass-driven foundation, with particularly punchy kick drums creating a weighty, industrial vibe - an industrial edge akin to KMFDM, albeit lighter. That’s added to with the tracked synths, but interestingly not discernible additional vocals or guitars on the backing track. Those additions are something that people sometimes question, but here you can see that compared to the recordings there’s possibly an element of layers in the vocals and guitar lines missing, leaving the sound occasionally thin.

At the forefront of the stage throughout, Lessing and Kohlert perform atop risers, bringing energy and presence, though the overall stage dynamics feel underutilised. Midway through the set, we can really start to notice the effect of Lessing’s illness on her singing and on-stage energy. The realisation of just how amazing she’s been performing all night under some very difficult circumstances means her casual attire makes more sense, and puts in perspective just what a phenomenal performer she is. That’s especially true as her vocal performance remains commendable throughout, delivering both clean and harsh vocals with intensity—most notably on ‘Heads Up’, where that grit and melodic power shine.

Lessing’s unique sharp yet glowingly welcoming tone shines through, and in this setting comes across tonight aligned most closely with Camille Contreras vocalist from Novelists. The set concludes with ‘Paradise’, their signature track, and despite the challenges, the vocalist gives it her all, leaving a lasting impression. There’s a palpable ambition in their performance, as though they’re playing to an arena crowd. While this boldness is admirable, it feels at odds with the more intimate setting. Future Palace have the potential to become as big outside Europe as they are in it, and playing sold-out gigs in Manchester is a damn good start.