Live Review: Ingested with Vulvodynia and Pintglass at The Underworld, Camden, London (12/12/24)

It is a bit of a miracle, a Christmas miracle if you will, that this show (and its Manchester counterpart) is even taking place. Most bands, having lost an iconic vocalist a few weeks beforehand, would have gone to ground, cancelled all these shows, and set about trying to find a replacement so that their plans in 2025 could go ahead.

Which is actually what everyone expected when longtime vocalist Jason Evans announced that he was leaving Ingested with immediate effect. He is healthy and happy, and most have respected his decision, even though it was a shock. It looked like the end, as the Slam King’s shoes are big ones to fill.

Yet Ingested carried on. Releasing a respectful statement about Jason’s decision and their intent to move forward. Continuing to promote these shows, as well as shows further into the future, all while keeping very quiet about who would be doing vocals. Would someone in the band be stepping up or would someone new be joining the fold? Could anyone match the intensity and energy of Jason Evans? How would all of this affect the show?

All the answers were given, and then some, in the Underworld. Josh Davies of Malice (who were the first band on) is on vocals. The band hasn’t confirmed this as a permanent thing as of this review, but the general belief is that he is the new Ingested vocalist. A choice that has been well-received as he is an immense vocalist and more than a capable of holding his own.

First up for us though? It’s the band of the night as it’s time to get your ‘geezer’ on as those hardcore miscreants, Pintglass are here and causing absolute carnage in their inimitable way. Are you ready to die for the firm? A lot of people are, and the floor of the Underworld is just one big two-stepping pit as bodies rain down from the stage (so much for the no stage-diving rule). It’s downright freaking dangerous, but it’s so much fun as Pintglass’ hardcore approach is filled with love and no small amount of tongue in cheek silliness.

They’re a band who excel in the live environment, proving to be so much more alive than they are on record, and putting it simply, they stole the show.

Which should speak volumes about what they had to offer as Vulvodynia are up next, and they’re one the best and brightest slamming deathcore acts in the world. Having made the long trip from South Africa, they’re treated like metal royalty inside the walls of The Underworld and send an already rabid crowd into even more intense fits of ecstasy. Every technically twisted riff, brutalising breakdown, screeching squeal, and guttural growl is met with roars of approval. You won’t see crowds this sweaty in December often.

Considering the events of a few years ago, it’s heartening to see them so strong and so united. They’re a machine live, bringing their own brand of chaos to London, and leaving many in the crowd with bruises afterwards.

Which brings us to Ingested, and the fact that this was always going to be a tricky show for them. The Underworld is more than up for giving Josh a chance, and he really does deliver the deathcore goods, but the fun side of this band is muted tonight. Not only that, but this is also a Christmas show – Seasons Beatings 2024 – and you’d never know it. Either the band didn’t really want to do a festive-themed show (like a few years ago) or the vocalist issue ended up being such a distraction, they forget/didn’t have time to make more of it. It’s very disappointing, but Ingested can’t take all the blame as Pintglass and Vulvodynia certainly didn’t add any festive trim to their sets either and very few in the crowd have anything festive on either.

Who cares though, right? It’s all about the metal and on that front, Ingested deliver a rousing and explosive showcase of their power. Slamming deathcore played at eardrum bursting level and with the kind of intensity that comes from a starving wild animal. Ingested aren’t going anywhere. A new chapter is beginning and based off what was experienced at this show, it’s going to be one to remember.