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Tonight is proof that bands can evolve. When we first saw Hell Is For Heroes around two years ago, we went along as a group of curious ex-Symposium fans and left disappointed - quite simply, it sounded like a bunch of angry kids meandering around some used Helmet riffs without ever approximating a killer tune. However, we've seen them numerous times since slogging around whichever toilet circuit they're playing this month, gradually honing their set and slowly but surely improving.
Tonight, as they take the stage and launch into a ferocious "Five Kids Go", it's easy to see how the West London emo-ers have moved on. Mixing Will McGonnagle's riff heroics with Justin Schlossberg's spitting vocals, this is the sound of a band on top of their game. It sounds as if they're finally getting their own back for all those nights stuck playing to thirty disinterested onlookers in Northampton pubs, all those ill-advised Sum 41 support slots being shouted at by lairy skate kids.
In front of a packed Rocket, HIFH absolutely shred tonight, blasting through "Night Vision", "Three Of Clubs", "Out Of Sight" and an excellent "I Can Climb Mountains" as if they've come to take what's theirs. Tellingly, the moshpit hardly lets up all evening.
Towards the end of the set Justin announces that this is the last tour they'll be doing for a bit as they're off to get started on writing a second album. Rest assured that next time those fans will be there waiting for them and they'll have a hell of an easier job promoting it. And, on tonight's performance, they've more than earned the easy ride.
Reviewed by Andy James
