Photo: Jay Russell

Live Review: Knocked Loose & Terror – Electric Ballroom

If you’ve just so happened to be living under a rock over the past few months, you may have heard that Knocked Loose only went and dropped one of the heaviest EP’s of 2021 this past October. It’s only fitting we see them return to a London stage with full force – and that’s exactly what happened live at Camden Town’s Electric Ballroom. Of course, they haven’t come alone and are armed to the teeth not only with riffs, but also LA hardcore kings Terror, much to everyone’s delight. Between them they turn what is usually a mundane Monday into an exceptionally heavy evening of biblical proportions.

Before that however, there’s no shortage of opportunity for those in attendance to warm up and to be honest, it’s an opportunity that folks didn’t sleep on. Be it the long absence of live music or the love of the artists in question (or both!) it’s safe to say that the opening bands Last Wishes and Static Dress provided ample opportunity for people to shake off the ring rust. Truth be told, you’d be forgiven for thinking that these were the headliners had you walked into the room unaware. It’s a solid warm up with performances worthy of more than just an honourable mention.

Photo: Jay Russell

Speaking of performances however, Whilst this is very much a Knocked Loose headline show, the sheer ferocity on and off the stage for Terror is overwhelming with the place becoming a warzone as soon as the first note it played. With the barrier firmly placed between band and crowd, it’s a challenge the fans accept with ease much to the delight of the photographers and security. Frontman Scott Vogal of course encourages such behaviour as well as giving major props and fistbumps to security who are swarmed song after song with bodies spilling over the edge. Its never ever a dull moment with Terror on stage and at this point in their career, with such a catalogue of music under their belt, this show is no exception to the rule with redlining levels of energy from the kings of hardcore.

Photo: Jay Russell

There is a moment of respite as Knocked Loose prepare for the stage. How on earth could they follow what had just taken place during Terror? The only way they know how. Absolute slabs of riffs for days. If you thought that new EP was heavy, you should see it live. Obviously ‘Where Light Divides The Holler’ is the opener of choice as expected and it’s nothing short of exceptionally huge sounding. The fans aren’t here just for a fun time though, they’re here for much more than that as it shows with the sea of bodies in constant flow.

Knocked Loose are all business on this night with a mammoth setlist. ‘Belleville’ is just pure riffs for days while the screechy screams of Bryan Garris add purpose and urgency to the performance. ‘Counting Worms’ puts a final nail in the coffin for the evening sending the punters off into the night, beaten, possibly bloody but definitely bruised.

Could you ask for anything more on a night like this? I really don’t think so.

Photo: Jay Russell