Meshuggah / The Haunted – O2 ABC, Glasgow (15th January 2016)

The ABC in Glasgow is seemingly becoming the new place to go for metal and rock gigs these days. Either that, or my musical tastes have been getting more and more eclectic. I’ll let you decide that as I dive into what was a superb night of music…

Upon arrival at the venue, about five minutes before scheduled opening time, I was pleasantly surprised that the doors had been opened and folk were beginning to trickle in. No sooner had I ed the queue than I was inside the venue and ready to rock. Props to Showsec for providing a speedy and painless entry system.

The first band to grace the stage were fellow Swedes of the headliners, The Haunted (8). I’d only heard bits and pieces of them in the past and knew that Ola Englund had recently ed their ranks. Coming on stage to “No Compromise” from 2004’s The Revolver, the band exploded into action along with crowd. In a similar fashion to the Killswitch show last year, the crowd-surfers just kept on coming. Thankfully, I wasn’t photographing tonight otherwise it would have been a little tricky to get the shots in.

Despite some initial teething problems, the sound for the band could be described as simply superb. The bass tone in particular was excellent! Top marks to Jonas there. Upon announcing they were going to play a slower song, the vocalist was then introduced to the giant disco ball that sits in residence at the ABC. Upon seeing it, he burst into laughter and then decided that they should have a disco to the next track. Which the crowd did… before resuming the mental mosh-pits that had occurred earlier. Finishing their set with “Hate Song”, The Haunted delivered a superb set and left the already suitably warmed crowd eager for more.

After a lengthy change-over, the time had finally come. The moment which a lot of people had been waiting for. The return of the mighty Meshuggah (10). As soon as the lights dimmed, a cheer that shook the room erupted from the now packed venue that eagerly awaited the first notes of new opener “Clockwork”.

I could now go into great detail and describe how great the lights were, how awesome the sound was and how the crowd responded but instead I won’t. I’ll merely say this, it was one of those ‘you had to be there moments’. Whilst nothing will quite top Twisted Sister’s show last year at Bloodstock, this show easily takes the number two spot on my “Top 10 Epic Concerts list.”

Everything was just perfect. But that’s just my opinion, I could be wrong.

From the classics such as “Bleed”, “Stengah” and “Future Breed Machine” to newer items such as “Demiurge” and “Nostrum”, the set was delivered in a such a way that time just flew by effortlessly. The only real complaint I had was that they didn’t play “Rational Gaze”, but I guess you can’t win them all.

Photos by Lowrey Photography

Meshuggah: official | facebook

The Haunted: official | facebook | instagram