A tidal-wave of noise hit The Ship with explosive results at this week’s battle of the bands.
 
Opening with some passionate modern hardcore were CORIOLIS EFFECT. Coriolis Effect shifted between interesting yet crushing structures and no frills breakdowns which are familiar with the genre. Bizarre dancing was conducted by the singer throughout perhaps to entrance the audience, perhaps to occupy time, either way adding to an overall entertaining set.
 
Next came some well organised noise from FIRE IN THE EMPIRE. A strong Rage Against the Machine vibe was present during the bands set which won over a large following by the closing number. Vocalist Billy Boardman looked as if he was on another planet moving like a lunatic to the non-stop riffing behind him as the rest of the band displayed music in its purest form. A powerful show.
 

The heaviest act of the night came next under the name INCIDIUM. Incidium took a backbone of death metal stomp and wrapped it in a collection of classic metal moments. The band specialised in frenzied solos and clearly wanted the audience to give back as much energy as they were giving. Incidium played with a great level of tightness which was a pleasure to watch.
 
Closing tonight was POPULATION FOUR. The band has garnered a large reputation around Preston and watching tonight it was easy to see why with a very emotive set of post hardcore. Population Four were very catchy and caught a large amount of attention, wearing their hearts on their sleeves during the entire set.
 
FIRE IN THE EMPIRE and POPULATION FOUR proved they have what it takes to compete in the intense semi- finals which are just days away.