The Faces of Death Tour stopped at Scala in London, featuring Signs of the Swarm, To The Grave, Varials, and Heart of a Coward. The event promised an evening of nonstop energy, and it delivered.
Opening the night was To The Grave from Sydney, Australia. If you haven’t heard of them, these guys are incredible to watch. They recently released their album Everyone is a Murderer, and they kicked off the evening with an electrifying performance. Frontman Dane Evans came out wearing their iconic pig mask, getting the crowd fired up at 6:30 PM—a tough feat that early. Their setlist included powerful tracks like “DxE or Die,” “Vegan Day of Violence,” and “Made in Aus,” showcasing their intense sound and passion.
Next up was Varials, who kept the high energy going. Their performance was flawless, and each band member brought intense energy to the stage. The mosh pits got even wilder as they played, with the crowd fully engaged. During a couple of songs they also brought Ben Mason from PintGlass. Their set felt shorter than the others, but they made every moment count, leaving a strong impression and getting the audience ready for what was next.
I, unfortunately, missed Heart of a Coward’s set because I had the chance to chat with the guys from To The Grave and take some backstage photos. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and getting to know them added a personal touch to an already memorable night. Even though I wasn’t in the stage area, I could hear their performance through the walls, and it was as heavy as you’d expect from them.
Then came the headliners, Signs of the Swarm. I’d heard they were brutal live, and that was no lie. From Pittsburgh, this deathcore band delivered a heavy performance from start to finish. Their setlist mixed new and old songs, including “Amongst the Low & Empty,” “Tower of Torsos,” “Pray for Death,” and “IWONTLETYOUDIE.” Each song amped up the atmosphere, keeping the crowd in a state of excitement.
The crowd matched the band’s intensity, even leading to some minor injuries as mosh pits and crowd surfing peaked. Security had their hands full as one fan after another entered the pit area, only to be quickly replaced by the next. Thankfully, no serious injuries happened, but it showed just how much raw energy Signs of the Swarm brings to their live shows.
The Faces of Death Tour at Scala was an incredibly good night —each band gave their all, contributing to an evening filled with chaotic energy and unforgettable performances.
If this tour is coming to a city near you, don’t miss it. The mix of talent, intensity, and community spirit showed what live music is all about.
GALLERY: The Faces of Death Tour at Scala in London, UK (October 30, 2024)
