New York’s Coheed And Cambria have been killing it for nearly two decades and tonight was no exception. The band brought their inspiring melodies, unique vocals and amazing stage presence to an eager Concorde crowd.

The place was full of imagery from the frontman’s comicbook series, The Amory Wars, which also inspires much of the band’s lyrics. Meanwhile, Claudio Sanchez’s wild hair and punchy riffs really smashed the Brighton fans apart. Of course, a Coheed and Cambria gig wouldn’t be complete without ‘Welcome Home’, which, as their final song, really destroyed the place – the fans went wild over this mighty song as we, camera in hand, got battered to bits by all the excitement.

Coheed and Cambria brought some insane support with them too. Leeds-based Hawk Eyes really worked the crowd up with their charged beats, gravelly vocals and crowd shenanigans – including climbing into the crowd, microphone stand and all, to finish their last song. While Kingston founded Arcane Roots ripped through the crowd like a jagged knife with their haunting sounds – a mix of ghostly vocals and energetic math rock – and lively stage moves that really got the crowd jumping.

We haven’t seen Coheed and Cambria since their 2004 appearance at Reading Festival. We were blown away then, but this was even better. We have to admit that this was the best gig we’ve been to in eight months living in Brighton. We’ll definitely be on the lookout for all three of these bands next time they come to town.

Concorde2, Saturday 16th November 2013
Words and photos by Will Barnes