Bleed from Within / Rock City / Nottingham
A trip into Nottingham and to our favourite venue Rock City to catch Scottish metalcore titans Bleed from Within on their “The Dying Sun” tour.
First up on stage are Baest, a Danish death metal band formed in 2015 in Aarhus. Originally spelt Bæst, (the Danish word for "beast"), Baest are Lasse Revsbech (guitars), Svend Karlsson (guitars), Simon Olsen (vocals), Mattias Melchiorsen (bass) and Sebastian Abildsten (drums). And they have released four studio albums: “Danse Macabre” (2018), “Venenum” (2019), “Necro Sapiens” (2021), and “Colossal” (2025).
The early arrivers were in for a real treat as Baest delivered an incredible set. They brought masses of energy right from the off, and their sense of fun and enthusiasm was infectious. Simon, Lasse, Svend and Mattias all moved around the stage, flicking long hair, posing on monitors and interacting with the audience. The guitars were packed with some powerful riffs which added to their energetic stage presence.
Although a short set, it was seriously impressive and went down a treat with the Nottingham crowd.
Setlist
Colossus
Misfortunate Son
Meathook Massacre
Necro Sapiens
Stormbringer
Following a short break are Missouri natives Disembodied Tyrant. Originally formed in 2020 by vocalist Donovan Parchment and producer Wilhelm Vickers(ex HVLFERN), current vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Blake Mullens joined the band in November 2021 with Parchment and Vickers leaving the following August. Today the line up consists of Blake Mullens (vocals), Dominic Petrocelli (guitar), Lucas Koughan (bass) and Kevin Alexander (drums).
In January 2021, the band released their debut single Limbo. Later that year, they released their debut EP “Eclipse, Pt. 1”. In May 2024, they released the EP “The Poetic Edda”, a collaboration with symphonic deathcore band Synestia. The final track Winter is a reimagined version of the 4th Concerto of Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. Most recently, in March 2025, the band signed to Nuclear Blast and released the single 8.6 Blackout.
Like Baest before, the US deathcore merchants blew me away with their intense and powerful riffs. Vocalist Blake Mullens is on fantastic form, and displays his impressive vocal range, from high pitch to some insanely good guttural growls. I was impressed by how tight Disembodied Tyrant were, each element working in perfect harmony, Dominic’s powerful riffs crushing with intensity.
Unfortunately the set came to a stop part way through, with a medical emergency in the crowd. It appeared someone was accidentally hit in the pit, and was out cold. Fortunately after some attention, they were able to walk out for treatment, and the set continued. The crowd loved it, and the pit was in full effect throughout. Highlights had to be Crow Black Sky and the latest single 8.6 Blackout, both delivered with raw energy.
By now, the crowd were so hyped up, it was hard to see how Bleed from Within could top this……
Setlist
Death Empress
Malphasian
The Poetic Edda
Aberrant Waltz
Crow Black Sky
Winter
8.6 Blackout
Omenkiller
Its hard to believe that Bleed from Within have been around now for 21 years. Formed in Glasgow way back in 2005. Bleed from within are Scott Kennedy (vocals), Ali Richardson (drums), Craig "Goonzi" Gowans (guitar) Davie Provan (bass) and Steven "Snev" Jones (vocals & guitar). They released their debut album “Humanity” in 2009, and have released seven studio albums, with their latest “Zenith” released in 2025 through Nuclear Blast.
I needn’t have worried, as soon as Bleed from Within hit the stage, the atmosphere rose further to 11. With additional security ready in the pit, it was clear they were ready for a tidal wave of fans, surfing across. And the Nottingham crowd didn’t disappoint, with the first surfers coming over during opening track Zenith. As each landed safely in the pit, Scott would reach down and fist bump them as a mark of respect.
The set was just sheer energy, they were clearly here to absolutely smash it, and boy did they deliver. The set was a fantastic mix of fan favourites as well as some rarer tracks. After. Few songs Ali stood atop a platform and spoke to the crowd, amazed at how long they have been going, and thanking everyone here tonight. Without the fans, they would not be here now. Originally booked for the Rescue Rooms, Ali informs us that it sold out in an hour, resulting in the upgrade to the iconic Rock City, and he asked the crowd to give themselves a round of applause. It felt a genuine moment of love for what the fans have done for the band, and a sign of how much they love and respect their fanbase.
And that emotion and connection was so evident throughout the fourteen song set, the band were clearly enjoying every second of the performance, and the waves of surfers continued throughout. Rock City was packed with eager fans, headbanging along or simply raising the horns in the air. Each chorus was met with raised voices, singing along. What a sight !
The latest album “Zenith” featured heavily in the set with tracks like set opener Zenith, Violent Nature, A Hope in Hell, Dying Sun, God Complex and In Place Of Your Halo, all clicking into the live set perfectly. Dying Sun and closing track In Place of Your Halo In Place Of Your Halo being highlights delivering some crushing vocals and soul ripping fast, heavy riffs.
From opening track to closer, the set is relentless – it’s brutal in its intensity, from chest thumping drums to crushing riffs and those insane guttural vocals. It feels like you’re being sonically assaulted – utterly brilliant. Just before the end, there’s a moment of soft calm, as the iconic opening of I Am Damnation (taken from the 2022 album “Shrine”) drifts across the crowd. It doesn’t last long, before the intensity kicks in and Scott’s vocals roar out across the room. The guitar sections have heads banging and the crowd scream back the chorus towards the stage.
I’ve seen Bleed from Within a couple of times before, and I’ve always rated them as one of the best live metalcore bands round, but tonight was savage – utterly utterly savage. With “Zenith”, Bleed from Within have found a new motivation and it shows. The crowds energy levels were off the scale and the security (who did a great job protecting surfers all night) had their work cut out.
With Baest and Disembodied Tyrant, Bleed from Within delivered a stunning night of brutal metal, delivered with both pride and passion. The cheers and chants for more at the end showed exactly why Bleed from Within remain the best.
Setlist
Zenith
The End of All We Know
Pathfinder
Alive
Violent Nature
A Hope in Hell
Invisible Enemy
Dying Sun
Levitate
Leech
God Complex
No One Dares
I Am Damnation
In Place Of Your Halo
