The surround is beautiful - a purpose built theatre to host atmospheric acoustics and high art culture. So, here comes the discordance. Welcome to the stage Bring Me The Horizon, at their surprisingly discrete gig tucked away in a quiet corner of London -the Rose Theatre, Kingston.
From the outset, this place is not suited for these future festival headliners. It is too clean, too pristine and unprepared for what is about to happen, perfect. The lights cut, we are plunged into pitch black with the only comfort being the roaring sound of excitement from fellow fans around us.
"S.P.I.R.I.T. let's hear it", blasts, fracturing the front of stage mob and the masses hovering in the balconies above. This 'Happy Song' puts everyone in the mood - as if we needed any encouragement.
"How the fuck we feeling tonight?" goads Oli Sykes, the now legendary frontman. "We're Bring Me The Horizon from Sheffield." Met with ear drum rupturing shrieks, he smiles in a pause. "Are you guys up for it?", he teases. A cutting riff, melodic and solid arrives - 'Go To Hell For Heaven's Sake' is unleashed.
This is a man who could start a riot with his little finger. Working his adoring followers like pro, he reminds them why, on a Sunday night they have come to worship, “five days now, is anyone excited?” This (not so secret) gig takes place just ahead of new album That’s The Spirit being released on 11 September. “Gonna play you a tune off that record”, he says once the roars of anticipation subside. ‘Throne’ breaks out and people get broken.
Now for a moment of reflection, we are taken back to the Suicide Season: Cut Up! with a dark, deep, synth-led introduction to long lasting track ‘Chelsea Smile’. Embracing his God-like status, emulating Moses, he parts the crowd like the Red Sea with nothing but a simple gesture. They obey, awaiting the next instruction. "End someone's life”, commands Sykes, as he begins, “Repent, repent, it all ends now”. Attempts were made and injuries incurred, but all for the greater good.
"I wanna high-five every single fucker in this crowd...get your middle fingers in the fuckin’ air.” Of course, this is ‘Antivist’ from current album Sempiternal. “I wanna see some blood”, demands Sykes, “This is where people fuckin’ die…the war”. An almighty mosh pit descends, but is that the end?
“You can have one more song on one condition,” we listen eagerly. “Get on someone's shoulders reet now”, we are ‘Blessed with a Curse’. Surely, that’s not the track they ended with? Don’t worry, it wasn’t. “We’ll see you soon, this is ‘Drown’”. Playing a perfect 60 minute set, these heroes of heavy look ready and set to dominate. Roll on Friday.
