In the modern age technology is able to conjure a plethora of smoke and mirrors surrounding a band. Forsaking emotion for the sake of technicality or gimmicks, the performance itself is changing. Releasing their fourth album over a career spanning twenty two years Ignite are seasoned in the schooling of Hardcore. Ten years after the now eponymous Our Darkest Days, the band release A War Against You. Proving critics and fans alike that ten years has done nothing but fuel their fire on record we now get to see just how devastating a live performance the band can be.
[date]26th January 2016[/date]
[venue]The Underworld, Camden[/venue]
[city]London[/city]
Having just come off the persistence tour with brothers in Hardcore arms Terror, Ignite arrive at London’s Underworld for their first UK show since the new record was released. Infamous for their live performance the air is thick with excitement here tonight as Hungarians, Brits and so many others all come together. A surge of energy is felt as the house lights dim and we’re given a warm Orange County welcome with an eastern twist as Ignite blast into “Our Darkest Days“. Instantly the crowd become one moving in tandem as the fantastic track is positively bursting out of the speakers. Followed swiftly by fan favourite “Bleeding” that see our first stage dives of the night kick off.
Frontman Zoli Teglas‘, a Hardcore myth is alive and well boasting his absolutely unbeatable voice. Barely cutting teeth Ignite soon give London a taster of new material “Begin Again” well received as any. Perhaps not as many as the likes of “Let It Burn” where bassist Brett Rassmussen slowly but surely builds to the hook laden chorus, reaching an explosive climax. Treated to a special rendition of another brand new track “Where I’m From” in Teglas‘ native tongue, is a shining example that regardless of country Hardcore is a universally spoken language. The crowd is all smiles tonight hearing classic after classic being thrown out at the audience. Picking up the pace temporarily after a long winded speech about the current state of America “Know Your History” would put Trump in his place.
Drawing on his family’s past history Ignite once again go for the political jugular as the slight We Will Rock You esque drums “Oh No Not Again” seeing interaction with fans and band alike. Owing to their brilliant dynamics coming alive with the chorus hook sung back over before the faster paced “This Is A War” explodes out of the speakers courtesy of the fantastic guitar tone coming from the Orange amps. New material might sink in well but the collective of The Underworld expels their pent up energy with the glorious choruses of classics becoming deafening.
Though just as devastating as the band can be so can they be beautifully poignant. A cover of the U2 classic “Sunday Bloody Sunday” still holds just as insightful message as ever and a particularly heartfelt rendition of “Live For Better Days” brings Ignite’s true secret weapon to light. Populated by bands that go by the machismo stereotype of unity, Ignite are fearlessly honest, delivering a painfully truthful message of current state of world address. Returning once more to the subject of family Zoli explains the meaning behind slower track “Work” as a homage to his father and once again a sense of humility is felt throughout packed club tonight. Delivering the final blow tonight as our drummer leads the charge with the A Place Called Home classic “Veteran” before our once united crowd begins to dissipate. Returning after a ten year absence from the studio it would be understandable if perhaps Ignite’s vim and vigour may have dulled slightly but despite the fact that the world is in its darkest days tonight the beaming ray of Orange County positivity is absolutely unmatched.
