Hailing from the heavy heartland of Northern England, Xentrix stands as a testament to the raw, relentless energy of thrash metal. Forged in the 80’s, this iconic band has terrorised the scene over many years, more than earning their place in the thrash metal pantheon, leaving an indelible mark with their distinctive sound, blistering riffs, provoking lyrics, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.  

Tonight in Manchester, Xentrix are set to perform their seminal album, “Shattered Existence”, in its entirety, for the final time, as the tour ends here. 

Originally released in 1990, this classic record showcases the band's sharp lyrical themes and masterful musicianship. It is indeed a fan favourite, and arguably a defining moment in the British thrash metal scene. With tracks bursting with intensity, “Shattered Existence” captures the essence of a generation fighting against a backdrop of political turmoil and personal hells. This highly anticipated performance will not only celebrate the anniversary of the band, but also offer fans a chance to relive the raw energy that made Xentrix a household name in our community.  

Warming up the crowd tonight are hardcore heavy-hitters Lure In. Plucked from the gritty streets of Manchester, Lure In has emerged as a fierce contender in hardcore metal, and demonstrated why they were booked for this show with their unrelenting brutality, encapsulating the spirit of modern hardcore.  

Lure In’s approach is that of a battering ram, assaulting the crowd with frantic, frenzied playing. There’s an emotional depth hidden behind the barrage of bestial vocals, with their performance sounding more like one piece instead of individual tracks, to the credit of vocalist Cameron Wilson, who put in an impassioned and vigorous effort. 

Lure In know how to create an atmosphere, the pacing is relentless, maintaining a frenetic energy that demands the crowd's participation, begging for that mosh pit to erupt. It shows that this band are playing their hometown tonight, with punters pressed to the barriers, giving the band a surge of energy not often found in an opening band’s performance.  

Speaking of atmosphere, Damnation’s Hammer crashed through it like a comet with a burning impact that reverberated through the crowd. The air crackled with energy as if the very ground quaked beneath their explosive arrival, igniting an excitement for this doom-laden Lancashire quartet. A highlight of their too-short set was the inclusion of the epic eight-minute track ‘Outpost 31’, a masterpiece of a song, based on the 1982 classic movie “The Thing”. It is a cinematic magnum opus that features so many aspects of heavy metal music, creating a unique concoction of death, doom, groove and classic mid-tempo thrash.  

The performance was a masterclass in the fusion of melodic despair and crushing heaviness, bringing the audience into a labyrinth of bone-chilling rhythms and thundering riff work from Ady Fernell, blending intricate solos with crushing down-tuned chords that pierced the heavy fog of sound enveloping the venue. 

Tim Preston delivered a bone-rattling performance, his ability to evoke emotion, from despair to fury, within a vocal style that felt reminiscent of their genre forefathers, deep, guttural, and filled with a raw intensity synonymous with harsh musical landscapes, with shifts to rough cleans; smoother, resonant, and often imbued with a sense of haunting vulnerability. This duality not only showcases his versatile talent but also enhances the overall dynamic of the band’s sound, allowing for moments of both aggression and beauty. 

The arrival of Xentrix was eagerly anticipated, the atmosphere in the venue charged by the intense performance of the supports, it was clear that the thrash metal aficionados in attendance were ready to witness a monumental performance, and as the anticipation reached its fever pitch, a razor-sharp riff sliced through the darkness, heralding the arrival of Xentrix. 

The setlist was a brilliant homage to their debut, featuring all the tracks from “Shattered Existence”, and a handful of fan favourites across their discography to really treat the audience. Each song was met with thunderous applause and raucous headbanging, creating an electric ambience that felt both nostalgic and refreshing. 

The musicianship on display was nothing short of astounding. Guitarists Kristian Havard and Jay Walsh delivered a dual guitar assault, proving they were a powerhouse pairing paying perfect homage to the album that put Xentrix on the map. The band's cohesion was evident, every note synchronised with sharp, punchuring precision, and effortlessly executing the tricky harmonies. The rhythm section, consisting of bassist Chris Shires and drummer Dennis Gasser, maintained a relentless pace, showcasing their technical prowess with punishing grooves that left the thrashing crowd breathless, rekindling a fervour for metal that is as infectious as it is stirringly poignant; this felt like an important performance for many in the room, on and off the stage, and it really enriched the thrill of live music and added depth to the celebration of the anniversary, it was almost moving.  

The stage production was simple yet effective, allowing the raw energy of the band to shine through, and focusing on the brutish sound and beloved songs. Strategic lighting accompanied the aggressive riffs and solos, creating an exhilarating sensory experience without overshadowing the music. The band's casual interactions with the audience added a personal touch, making it clear that they were genuinely exhilarated and excited to be playing this album live again. 

From the onset, Xentrix demonstrated why they are considered one of the pillars of the thrash scene. The interplay between the twin guitarists with Walsh’s vocals cutting through the fray like a serrated knife, raw and barbaric, channelling the essence of thrash while inviting a nostalgic cheer for Xentrix’s earlier works. The soundscape and vibrancy echoed the spirit of Sepultura’s farewell concert just a week prior, as the echoes of early metal haunt the streets of Manchester like a restless ghost, clutching at the past, evading the finality of time, unable to rest, as if plagued with unfinished metal business. 

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Xentrix + Damnation's Hammer + Lure In