GBHBL’s Top 20 Live Performances of 2024

Gigs, gigs, and more gigs! We had a bloody full year (between us) seeing bands, and not just in London either. This year we’ve travelled all over and seen many great bands performing live. From being smothered in a blanket of black metal to having our heads crushed by savage death metal. From suffering legitimate hearing problems due to the sheer heaviness of a group of bands to singing our hearts out to glorious power metal. From enjoying some good old fashioned party slam to being transfixed by emphatic post metal. It’s been a mighty fine year overall.

Which is where this list comes in. Twenty bands each. Twenty live performances each. These are our favourite live performances of the year.

20 – Carl: The Ghost Inside at Slam Dunk 2024 – South (25/05/24)

I begin with a festival performance taken from one of weakest festival line-ups of the year (for me). A band I decided to watch on a whim as I had nothing else to see and loved what I saw/heard. I was vaguely familiar with their metalcore sound and the fact that they had been around a while, but didn’t expect them to be so energetic and infectious. They had me bouncing and head-banging at the same time, no easy task. Easily one of the best bands I saw at Slam Dunk this year.

20. Brendan: Amon Amarth at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

We always say that headliners at big festivals need to bring a show. Music is key, but when you headline, it demands a performance that leaves a lasting memory. Anyone who has ever seen Amon Amarth play live, knows that there is no doubt that there will be a show. Sometimes, the worry is that when you have seen them a lot – and I have – the show, or music, might no longer excite but, when you are in a field with many thousands of other fans and you have a band of the standard of Amon Amarth, you can’t help but be swept up in it all. It wasn’t new, to anyone who has seen them before, but it was still great. Viking battles, stage dressing, smoke, confetti and lots of fire all became the backdrop to a band that sounded powerful and motivated. A fitting way to close out the Main Stage for this 2024’s festival, reminding everyone why they are at the top of the bill.

19. Carl: Crypta at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

It’s another festival performance, but for good reason as Crypta delivered one of the best sets of the entire weekend. A set filled with intense death metal and tons of head banging inducing groove made even more palatable by how much the band looked like they enjoyed it too. A packed crowd, a fantastic mainstage performance, and the widespread opinion afterwards that they had smashed it.

19. Brendan: Alterium at Imperial Age Festival 2024 (05/10/24)

I did actually miss a small part of this set due to a desperate need for food, but hurried back and caught the majority of the Italian symphonic/power metal band’s first ever show in the UK. Considering they only formed in 2022, to be so near the top of the bill might have you wondering but you quickly see why because they sound really professional. The vocals are amazing, with huge symphonic backing and catchy melodies and hooks. They also sound a lot heavier live than on record, mainly thanks to the pounding drums that have the whole floor shaking. It was a really exciting showing, demonstrating a band with huge potential plus they ended with my favourite song of theirs, Of War And Flames, which absolutely slays live.

18. Carl: Conan at Incineration Fest 2024 (11/05/24)

One of two times I saw Conan play this year, and this was the better show. Although it’s rare to find Conan putting on anything but a great show. Taking place at Incineration Fest, Conan’s Underworld performance was the set of the day for me, and I almost didn’t go to see them. It was the only time I ventured into the sweat box that was The Underworld, and their brilliant riff-infused doomy sludge sound made it well and truly worth it. I must have banged my head from the moment they started, right up to the very end.

18. Brendan: Syncolima at Mangata Festival 2024 (13/07/24)

I’m a big fan of Syncolima and have been waiting for an opportunity to see them for a while now and they didn’t disappoint. Packing all the riffs and groove you can muster; they sound even harder live than they do on record, and you can feel the bass shaking the floor and walls around you in the very cool Ghost club in Nottingham. A couple of favourite tracks got played just to make it even more special. They are a band that just have the right type of energy and sound to have any festival crowd moving and banging heads. Great set and a memorable start to a great festival.

17. Carl: Gillian Carter at Damnation Festival (02/11/24)

So good, I immediately went to the merch tent afterwards and bought a long sleeve tee (as did my wife). Not only was this their UK debut, but I went on a recommendation and came away so pleased with their absolute manic performance. Even with some sound issues, they still delivered a stellar set of explosive noise that will live long in the memory. They earned themselves new fans on this showing.

17. Brendan: Rotting Christ at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

Rotting Christ did not surprise me in the slightest when they turned up at Bloodstock and delivered one of the best sets of the weekend. Such is their quality, and consistency, it’s almost become predictable that they will be great. They were again here, using their time to jump all over their significant back catalogue while sounding absolutely monolithic. Old songs blend with new comfortably despite the obvious style changes over the decades of their existence. It’s all just Rotting Christ when they play this stuff live. They are so good, and really look delighted to be on stage with big smiles and plenty of crowd interaction. Like I said, these guys are never anything other than amazing live and the only thing that stops them being higher up this list is the amount of times I have seen them recently, over some of the others on this list.

16. Carl: Landmvrks at Electric Brixton, London (16/05/24)

Far from my first rodeo with Landmvrks, but probably my favourite show of theirs, on this night they looked and acted like headliners. So confident, with so many big songs, and a stage show that screams ‘big deal’, Landmvrks’ growth has been staggering, and the result was manic brilliance that had an entire room moving throughout.

16. Brendan: Burner at Incineration Fest 2024 (11/05/24)

This was the first time seeing the blackened death and hardcore band Burner as they got things underway at Incineration Fest 2024 at the sweat box that is the Black Heart. As is the way with things like this, I then saw them again that year playing Bloodstock but decided the Incineration Fest showing was the one that would make my list, probably more because it was the first time rather than that it was necessarily better than the other show. First band on but you feel like something is happening with Burner as the venue is packed for them and it takes less than half a song for the floor to erupt into aggressive pits. Burner really impressed me with their no nonsense, heavy as hell approach. They sounded great, also thanks to the quality of the venue’s sound which just seemed to work for Burner’s brand of chaos. The vocalist has some real power and range and musically, it hit hard with plenty of chaos but plenty of rhythm and beats within the anarchy. Having enjoyed them on record, it was really cool to see them back that up, and more, live.

15. Carl: Blind Guardian at The O2 Forum, London (14/04/24)

I’ve seen Blind Guardian a lot, and while nothing will ever top that first time, this latest show comes very close. Not just because they’ve unleashed some great new albums, but because their ‘best of’ shows are packed with even more brilliance. What I got here was nearly two hours of Blind Guardian magic. Being treated to some of the best power metal ever. From the stuff that makes you want to head bang to the stuff that moves you emotionally, this set had it all, and then some.

15. Brendan: Belphegor at Incineration Fest 2024 (11/05/24)

Belphegor were the band I was looking forward to the most at Incineration Fest and they did not disappoint. For me, they really showed the gulf between smaller and bigger bands with a supremely professional sound, powerful visuals and a back catalogue of bangers. The constant movement on stage from the whole band and powerful music really made them a great watch and they looked like they were enjoying themselves. Added atmospherics and moments of melody show that even the heaviest of bands can deliver variety and melody in amongst the crushing blackened metal. I really enjoyed these guys who lived up to all of my expectations.

14. Carl: Praetorian at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

From knowing nothing about this band a few weeks beforehand to coming away thinking they had one of the best performances of Bloodstock, my short journey with Praetorian has been eventful. Hitting the stage right about the time I needed an injection of genre-bending heaviness that is borderline fun. Raw and aggressive, and with have tons of energy, it was a New Blood performance to remember.

14. Brendan: MAB at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

What a wonderful surprise it was seeing and enjoying MAB over on the EMP stage at Bloodstock 2024. What started as intrigue and curiosity via a reaction video we did earlier in the year, turned into a fun frolic of infectious and excitable weirdness. They were brilliant, delivering a slice of something different with a real mix of genres but in a set that felt positive and uplifting. Another massive highlight of the entire festival. They were also lovely people, taking time to talk with my daughter, sign a setlist for her and have pictures. They seemed to enjoy the attention, but it means a lot when a band will take a moment to chat with the next generation of music fans, sometimes solidifying their journey and giving them lasting memories. A moment at Bloodstock I am truly grateful to MAB for, never mind that they were musically awesome as well.

13. Carl: Street Soldier at Mangata Festival 2024 (13/07/24)

Another band that came my way twice this year, except this time, in two different cities. London with Party Canon was great, but the main stage of Mangata Festival in Sheffield? That’s where it was at, and the boys had me two-stepping like I was 18 years old again. A phenomenal hardcore band. When they’re on form like this, they’re untouchable.

13. Brendan: Ghosts of Atlantis at Mangata Festival 2024 (13/07/24)

I saw Ghosts of Atlantis play, I think, 3 times in 2024 but settled on their performance at Mangata Festival as being their strongest showing across the three. It was close though as their performance at Imperial Age Festival was also epic but here, as they so often do, they impressed me and everyone watching with a huge sound packing contrasting vocals, massive choruses, intelligent melody and strong orchestrations. In amongst their professional sound and stage presence, you sometimes forget how heavy they are too but here, with a short set, they pulled out some of their most fiery tracks and made sure to remind us of that fact. With longer songs they even manage to splice the opening two to ensure they can fit them in, they pull a crowd and have everyone around us banging heads and smiling which is a wonderful sight to see. Lead vocals are delivered with real force and menace, clean vocals ring out beautifully while we get absolutely pummelled by an onslaught of forceful music. It was yet another mind-blowing set from a band that really deliver live.

12. Carl: Morne at A Night of Salvation (01/11/24)

The night before Damnation Festival had many highlights for me, and one was the mesmerising doom-infused misery of Morne. Again, hilariously, a band I’ve seen twice this year (the other time was supporting Womrot and they were excellent there too) and one of the bands of the entire weekend we were in Manchester. Time seemed to disappear in an instant and the longer it went on, the more it impressed. Morne deliver super-serious music, but it is pure auditory pleasure when heard in this environment.

12. Brendan: Winterfylleth at Incineration Fest 2024 (11/05/24)

Winterfylleth are a superb band, always knocking it out of the park every single time I have seen them, and this is no different. They sound great with really strong black metal hitting hard but that touch of atmosphere and melody to freshen you up a little too. The Ballroom sound is absolutely on point for the style of music Winterfylleth deliver and the band just do what they do with minimal flair. Keyboardist aside, the band deliver their music in very sombre and serious fashion, befitting the style I guess but you still find it hard to take your eyes off them as they hypnotise and mesmerise you with their absorbing music. I have seen these guys a fair few times now and am yet to ever see them not hit their very high standard and they impressed me once again here.

11. Carl: Pupil Slicer at The Grace, London (21/04/24)

Playing their latest album ‘Blossom’ in full, this is my current favourite Pupil Slicer show, not just because they played the phenomenal album in full, but because of the venue, and how enamoured I have become with this band. I love them on record, and I love them live, and this show is a stunning example of the immersive nature of their music. Chaotic and cathartic, with incredible technical showcases of savagery and ethereal melodies, I’m sure the next time I see them will be just as good, if not better, but for now, this is the pinnacle of Pupil Slicer live for me.

11. Brendan: Street Soldier at Mangata Festival 2024 (13/07/24)

Street Soldier are a band raved about in our own internal friends and family circles, and a band with a rapidly growing reputation, I was very excited to see them for the first time. Everyone else I was with had seen them own the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock but I was at In Flames, so this was a first and they didn’t disappoint. I love the mix of “core” in their songs with plenty of grind, death as well as the hard. The lights were insane and added to the intensity in a set that brought huge energy, big smiles and plenty of interesting dance moves. The vocals are great, lead and backing, and they really own the stage with lots of movement and prowling from the frontman. I see why they have become so popular and am firmly on board the Street Soldier train now. Still need to “get it” a bit more on record, but live, they are awesome.

10. Carl: Burner at Blondies, London (15/12/24)

Burner blaze through their immense set like they due out on the sleigh tonight and time is a-ticking. It’s not a rushed show, but it feels like its over in ten minutes when it’s about forty. Such is the captivating nature of what they do. Not only delivering banging songs from their incredible album, ‘It All Returns to Nothing’, but going back to their brilliant ‘A Vision of the End’ EP and playing brutal sounding new stuff too! I’ve seen Burner a fair few times now, and they never let me down, but this might be one of my favourite times. Not just because of the super-intimate nature of the show, but because of the festive vibe and general feeling of jolliness in the air.

10. Brendan: Zeal and Ardor at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (22/09/24)

I have seen Zeal and Ardor a lot, and I have never left one of their shows feeling anything other than amazed and in awe of the talent they possess. It was another gig I got to bring my daughter to, adding a little bit more of a special feeling for me personally. With a new album in their catalogue, Greif, and plenty of bangers from their past works. I expected a lot, and they delivered a show of expert musicianship and singing packed with atmosphere and feeling and plenty of heaviness. Such wonderful songs like Götterdämmerung, Ship On Fire, Erase, Golden Liar, Run, Death To The Holy and of course, the immeasurable, Devil Is Fine just thrill live, and the new songs slot nicely into their set. They are, musically and vocally, exceptional live, and just an insanely creative and talented band who always bring a performance.

9. Carl: Winterfylleth at Downstairs at the Dome, London (08/11/24)

Not content with having released one of the best albums of the year, atmospheric black metal icons Winterfylleth go two for two with one of the best live performances of the year as well. Delivering a stellar set of Winterfylleth classics alongside newer and bleaker slices of brilliance. Have you ever seen a bad Winterfylleth show? I certainly haven’t, and when they’re on this kind of form, they’re simply untouchable. Few bands can replicate the intensity, beauty, heaviness, and emotion that exists in their music on stage to the level that Winterfylleth can.

9. Brendan: Overthrow at The Underworld, London (12/02/24)

The first of two bands from the same show – a night of death metal on a cold and miserable Monday in February headlined by Frozen Soul. Overthrow were the first of four bands to play and are a popular band, especially as they are Camden locals and well known in the area. Still, I think this could have been my first time seeing them and I was blown away by their power, groove and aggression. The frontman orchestrated a good-sized early crowd masterfully while they hammered us with massive riffs, groove and fiery solos. Anyone not watching got drawn in – you could literally see people hanging near the bar, turn their heads at Overthrow’s sound and head to the stage and they ended their set with a full crowd. Heads banged, pits started and then, showing that they know their role here was to fire this crowd up for what was to come, they ended with a wicked rendition of Cannibal Corpse‘s Hammer Smashed Face, turning the crowd into a frenzied beast. They were amazing, and looked, and sounded, way bigger and better than a 30-minute opener has any right to.

8. Carl: Mastiff at The Black Heart, London (27/03/24)

You know how this goes by now. They came, they f**ked us up, they left. It’s Mastiff and noise is what they have to offer. So, what makes this show extra special? Deprecipice (their latest album) songs live, and these songs are as beastly in the flesh as they are on record. The new stuff fits seamlessly alongside the old stuff too, and Mastiff have become near machine like when it comes to playing it. Then, in a delightful moment that you can only ever get live, Harry Nott of Burner joined them on stage (sparkly jacket and all) for a fantastic live version of Serrated. The Black Heart is a sweaty mess come the end, but of f**king course it is.

8. Brendan: Crypta at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

Crypta were one of the band’s I was most excited to see across the whole of the Bloodstock event and they didn’t disappoint, coming all the way from Brazil to deliver one of the best sets of the entire weekend. Their snarling death metal mixed with tons of groove went down a treat and the beaming smiles of the band on stage, just enjoying themselves and soaking it all up, was very infectious. They looked so at ease on the big stage and whether they played songs I knew, or songs I didn’t, you just felt comfortable and at ease with their style and sound. It was a wonderful feast of groove infused death metal from a band that have all the weapons to become a huge name in our scene.

7. Carl: Gaerea at EartH, London (31/05/24)

Where the hell is my headline Gaerea show? I am desperate for it, but for now, I will settle for shows like this. Where they come as support and steal the show. All through the power of wild heaviness, massive amounts of moving melancholy, and tons of energy. In complete contrast to what came before, and what comes afterwards. It is an absolute masterclass in forward-thinking black metal. Not just challenging the narrative around the music but kicking the doors in and screaming in the faces of doubters.

7. Brendan: Raised by Owls at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

Raised by Owls earned every bit of their main stage slot having worked their way up the stages ta Bloodstock, growing an army of followers on the way through their humorous online content, but also there top-quality brand of metal. They not only delivered a boisterous and belligerent set of extreme anthems but laced the entire set with their inimitable humour and ensuring a ‘Bloodstock moment’ was made courtesy of Sam’s Mum. A ‘Sunday Sermon’ was delivered with everything you would expect by a band that won’t be able to live off the “we are the worst band ever” catchphrase for long due to them releasing music that is just really f**king good. The next time Raised by Owls come back, you expect they are going to be higher up the bill. I had a blast, my daughter, seeing them for the first time, had a blast – it was the perfect way to start a day.

6. Carl: Sugar Horse at A Night of Salvation (01/11/24)

Sugar Horse sound immense, delivering the new tracks from their latest album with such style and even more grace. Their music is all about the nuances, and the sound on this stage ensures all the detail is heard. Hell, even the crowd is (mostly) respectful during the ‘quieter’ moments. Another epic showing from a band who just keep getting better and better.

6. Brendan: Rupcha Farms at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

One of the surprises and most memorable sets of the whole Bloodstock 2024 Festival came from the EMP stage where a little band called Rupcha Farms delivered a mind-blowing set. The energy and effort they threw into their show was insane and you could feel you were part of something special. They were so much fun to watch, knocking out a fabulous set of anthems, and having everyone at that stage (and there were a lot of people there) moving nonstop. The vocalist had energy like no other, never stopping moving and delivering everything with a huge smile on his face – something that is always infectious and makes a crowd feel even better. They were phenomenal and left a lasting impression on me, and many others, I’m sure.

5. Carl: Wallowing at The Black Heart, London (24/08/24)

A show to celebrate five years of Wallowing’s ‘Planet Loss’ album, which was remastered and re-released this year too. For night one, the Black Heart in Camden went cosmic. Delivering on the promise of alien immersion with an evocative display of horrid noise and mind-melting intensity. The look and feel of Wallowing has always amazed, but here, the scale of their vision and what they can do when let off the hook, is incredible. Even as limited as they are in a venue the size of the Black Heart, it’s unlikely that there isn’t a single person inside who isn’t feeling a lack of gravity as Wallowing create beautiful carnage on stage.

5. Brendan: Battle Born at Imperial Age Festival 2024 (05/10/24)

My favourite performance of the first ever London based power/symphonic metal festival, Imperial Age Festival, came courtesy of Battle Born. The Hampshire based band were everything you could hope for at a festival like this, and more. Bringing an insane amount of energy to the stage, the music rocked, and the singer seemed to not stop moving as the bouncy and catchy, and certainly cheesy songs rattled off. They got the crowd engaged quick and in my vicinity alone there were people dancing, headbanging, smiling and throwing horns in the air throughout the whole of their set. The crowd packed in for them too, so it seemed a lot of people knew what to expect. It was just positive, energetic and engaging fun throughout the whole of their set. They won me over with ease and I am fully onboard with their crusade to “bring the metal back”. If you didn’t know Battle Born beforehand, there is no way you left this set being anything other than a huge fan from now on.

4. Carl: Hangman’s Chair at Damnation Festival (02/11/24)

The band of the festival, the sludgy and stoner sound of Hangman’s Chair is on a different level and the small stage (Eyesore Merch) is decimated by the heaviness of their sound. However, it’s not just the music (which sounds immense), but how they perform that sticks. Moving around with so much energy and looking like they were loving every moment of the show. Outstanding stuff.

4. Brendan: Evil Scarecrow at Leo’s Red Lion, Gravesend (12/04/2024)

When I think back on gigs and festivals I have been too this year, and the fun had at them, Evil Scarecrow’s performance at, the local to me, Leos Red Lion in Gravesend, is the first night to pop into my head. Full of all the hilarity we have come to expect from the band who brought their everything to a jam-packed venue. Every prop, new songs, singing, dancing, silliness and laughter but these guys also play some damn impressive heavy metal. They bring experience and stagecraft and sound amazing with songs that are as clever musically as they are imaginative and hilarious. Old favourites like Crabulon mix with newer tracks Nuclear Fallout Machine Sentience comfortably with everyone quickly catching the sing along bits and moves. It was a night of magic, surrounded by friends and family, where drinks spill, there is laughter and headbanging, merriment and moshing – combinations delivered by Evil Scarecrow in a way that no one else can. It was pure entertainment and left me feeling light as a feather, heading home more than a little drunk but happy and content.

3. Carl: Rupcha Farms at Bloodstock 2024 (8-11/08/24)

The highlight of Bloodstock 2024. The energy and effort they threw into their show was insane and you could feel you were part of something special. They were so much fun to watch, knocking out a fabulous set of anthems, and having everyone at that stage (and there were a lot of people there) moving nonstop.

3. Brendan: Frozen Soul at The Underworld, London (12/02/2024)

This was a memorable night with two bands from the same 4 band show getting into my list. One of those shows where you nearly talk yourself out of going and then have an absolute blast. It was a Monday night; it was cold and miserable, but I am so glad I stuck it out and went. I remember being wowed at how busy the venue was literally just after doors had opened, and being amazed at the size of the queues for merch again, just after doors had opened. You instantly felt like you were going to see something special and Frozen Soul were exactly that. To think this was the Texas based band’s first headline tour and to get this reaction, that’s impressive. Frozen Soul came to make a statement and did that adding a visual aspect through lights and falling snow to add to the overall coldness vibe unexpectedly, but other than that to deliver monumental death metal with plenty of groove and a lot of heart. Especially on the honest and heartfelt crowd interactions. They killed it and it made for one of the very best shows of this year, and of many others.

2. Carl: Boss Keloid at Mangata Festival 2024 (13/07/24)

Their funky prog rock and groove sound is made for stages like this, and they create a fun and frolicking atmosphere that puts everyone in a good mood. Even a flubbed start to Smiling Thrush only results in a lot of laughs all round. It’s not often you see them do that, and from that point on, it’s perfection all the way. 45 minutes goes in the blink of an eye. There’s nobody quite like them.

2. Brendan: Blind Guardian at The O2 Forum, London (14/04/24)

The last time I saw Blind Guardian perform live (outside of a festival) was 2016 and it took place at The O2 Forum in London. Eight years later, Blind Guardian were back at the same venue but, this time they had sold it out. T wasn’t the only change though – in those 8 years, my daughter had become a huge fan of Blind Guardian and now, aged 12 was able to come and see them, sitting upstairs. For me, that always makes these gigs even more special than they already are. Getting to see a band I love; perform songs I love in my hometown with my daughter experiencing it all for the first time. I don’t think I could watch Blind Guardian in any year and them not end up high up on these lists to be honest, such is their quality live, and the quality of their back catalogue. Here, they were on fine form, brining a mammoth setlist, plenty of humour and huge sing along songs. It was a perfect night that will live long in the memory for me, and for my daughter.

1. Carl: Guilt Trip at Electric Brixton, London (16/05/24)

Play like you’re the headliner and blow them and all bands off the stage, which on a bill that features Landmvrks, The Devil Wears Prada, and Like Moth to Flames might seem an impossible task. Yet, Guilt Trip are well and truly up to the task and deliver a show-stealing performance.

Every riff, every vocal scream, every melodic tint, and every breakdown, it hits with so much force, it’s startling. Rarely does a support band, let alone the first band of four, bring so much power and get the crowd response too. London, you brought it tonight and showed why this city has to always be a stop on a tour.

Of course, an energetic pit-starting and two-stepping bunch of maniacs wouldn’t matter if the music was lacking.

Guess what? Guilt Trip aren’t just on great form, they have the created an empathic selection of songs that makes this show feel like an assault. Every track creates plenty of carnage, and it is stunning to witness from a nice, safe distance. Guilt Trip brought it here, and there’s no doubt that they will be headlining venues of this size in years to come.

1. Brendan: Cattle Decapitation at O2 Academy Islington, London (08/03/2024)

I’m a huge fan of Cattle Decapitation and have been waiting to see them live on their own tour for a while. I did get the pleasure of seeing them play Bloodstock Festival a few years back, but Covid put aside my previous plans to catch them play. That would have been on the Death Atlas tour cycle but at last, years later and with another masterpiece in their armoury in Terrasite, I got to tick this viewing off my bucket list and watch this band absolutely kill it, sounding amazing with vocalist Travis Ryan delivering an electrifying front man performance. Sticking mostly to modern era, they played a setlist that was near perfect for me, and I watched in awe, sung/screamed along and hit the pit a few times too in a gig that will be a lasting memory for me and my favourite live performance of this year.