LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: RESOLVE AT THE O2 ACADEMY2 ISLINGTON, LONDON 28/01/25
As the iconic notes of Edith Piaf’s ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’, blasted triumphantly around The Islington Academy2 and French metalcore outfit Resolve strode onto the stage, an already thoroughly warmed up and packed out room lost their collective mind.
Before the main act had even had a chance to play a note, a trio of bands with their own pull on the London crowd had their chance to impress. Also hailing from France, Paris based Ashen had the opening slot and took their responsibility to set the pace of the night in their stride.
Expressing their gratitude of being on tour with Resolve, Ashen didn't take the opportunity for granted, racing through an impeccable cross section of their back catalogue from the brutality of ‘Crystal Tears’ to the melancholy of ‘Angel’, the energy, at all times touching the ceiling.
‘Cover Me Red’ from the band’s debut album ‘Chimera’ saw the set peak with vocalist Clem Richards delivering a confident and enthralling performance. Along with Tristan Broggia on drums and the dual threat of Niels Tozer and Antoine Zimer on guitar, the entire outfit is a seriously impressive opening act in a line up not to be underestimated.
Essex based Tropic Gold followed, providing the local representation in an international line up.
Liam from Windwaker joined the trio on stage for the quintessential ‘A PLACE CALLED EUPHORIA’ a brooding and relentless, gothic track that the band put every inch of themselves into.
Continuing the guest spots and treating the crowd to a new song- ‘Witch House’ the band were then joined on stage by Harpy.
"We can't tell you to mosh pit,” guitarist Joshua Lee winked at the crowd, “We’re not allowed to ask you to do that…” the hint was taken even though the crowd didn't need to be asked. The enthusiasm for every band on the bill caused a near constant mosh pit in the middle of the room from start to finish.
Prompting a sing along to ‘HOLY HORROR’ Tropic Gold justified the hype and attention they have been garnering recently. With 2000 Trees, Download and Takedown on the schedule for 2026 already, catch them at a festival near you very soon.
“If you hadn't heard, we’re Windwaker from Melbourne Australia, thank you London - thank you for being here for our very first London show”.
Of all the special moments of the evening, perhaps the most poignant was Windwaker’s London debut. Certainly many of the gathered seem to be in attendance specifically for the Australian quartet with a marked increase in energy for the main support.
“This one is for our day one fans”, singer Liam Guinane dedicated ‘Superstitious Fantasy’ to the OG’s before teaching the newcomers the proper way to pledge allegiance at a Windwaker show with everyone's hands in the shape of a W during ‘The Wall’. This fast and furious electronic pop metal seemed to be exactly what London had been waiting for. Reminiscent of the American brand of Y'allternative heavyweights like Billmuri and Issues with the brutality of Architects mixed in.
There's nothing more annoying though than finding a band that you wanna see every Wednesday in a dive bar in Camden but knowing it’s gonna be months or years until they are back. Windwaker, London is already awaiting your return with baited breath.
In the parts of the room that you may have felt safe holding a beer in for the support bands held no such protection once Resolve took to the stage.
“London what a pleasure it is to be back in your beautiful city”, singer Anthony Diliberto grinned.
Unlike Windwaker this certainly wasn't the first time Resolve had graced a stage in London. Over the years the band have played their own shows and provided support for such acts as Landmvrks back in 2022 and Make Them Suffer, just last year. The packed room, testament to the dedication and graft the band put in over the last few years.
“If you don't know this next one just have some fun.” Diliberto instructed for ‘Seasick Sailor’. A track from debut album ‘Between Me and the Machine’. Following three years later with 2024's ‘Human’ The two albums serve to demonstrate the consistency in evolution of a band that has never once had an identity crisis. The set list blended the different eras together flawlessly.
“This is a small room. We're gonna feel connected together,” Diliberto urged. Along with guitarist Antonin Carré, Bassist Robin Mariat and his brother, drummer Nathan Mariat every band member did their utmost to involve the crowd in their high energy, bone-shakingly heavy show.
Industrial stylised ‘Molotov’ was one of the highlights of the set with an earworm of a riff and plenty of breakdowns to absolutely lose your mind to. Diliberto asked for more and bigger circle pits, stating “We're just getting started”. Some serious stamina was in demand from the gathered crowd and the die-hards in the centre of the room. Didn't let the energy drop for a second.
Taking a moment to acknowledge the stonking international lineup they had put together on the bill, Resolve rounded off their set with a relentless series of electronic hardcore. ‘Pendulum’ and ‘Human’ gave way to a finale of the soaring ‘Forever Yours’ before the building tension of ‘Older Days’ brought the set to a close with a prickling intensity of curiosity about the next time this crowd will get to see such a feast of fun and frantic metalcore. Even if we all needed to chip in for Windwaker's plane tickets, there's unlikely to have been a single person in the crowd who would object.
Words by Imogen Bird
Photos by Florelle Servageon
