Knocked Loose at the O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester.

By Anya Baxter.

Remember that band that pig-squealed on Jimmy Kimmel and had the audience phoning in to complain? The incomparable Kentucky based hardcore band Knocked Loose arrived in Manchester for one of 2025's most anticipated gigs of the year, pig-squeals and all. We were lucky enough to be in attendance, and the band are just going from strength to strength, performing their biggest UK headliners to date on this mini-tour. The lineup featured Pest Control, Harms Way, Basement, and then the hardcore chiefs closed the night.

Opening their set with the first track from their phenomenal 2024 album, You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To, "Thirst" kicked off the night in the best way, perfectly setting the tone and amping up the crowd. There's nothing like a Knocked Loose crowd, and Manchester was no different, the night seeing endless moshing, circle pits, and even a wall of death. We are introduced in this song to the band's unique set up of two singers. Frontman pig-squealer Bryan Garris carries the majority of the vocals, coming in at a higher pitch, while guitarist Isaac Hale contributes a lower, more guttural growl, the two complimenting each other perfectly. "Deep In The Willow" came up next, several members of the audience screaming as the track began.

"Don't Reach For Me" and "Piece By Piece" are two more insanely popular tracks to come off the newer record, and the band completely did them justice live. Each member adds a unique element to the band, each energetic and capturing the attention of the crowd. In a genre that can be difficult to create a new sound, Knocked Loose have managed just that, and I believe that's one of the reasons why they continue to grow and gain listeners. "Deadringer" follows, from my personal favourite album Laugh Tracks.

"Everything is Quiet Now" saw the crowd form a wall of death, so large that the set had to be momentarily paused in order for the audience to simmer down. The final five songs of the set consisted of Knocked Loose's most popular hits, including "Counting Worms", and the fantastic "Suffocate" usually featuring Poppy.

Knocked Loose are one of the most promising, most talked about metal bands at the moment, and for good reason. On record you can hear all the intricacies of their tracks, setting them apart from hardcore bands like them, and live their energy is unmatched, they give everything to their audiences, and the audience gives it right back. If you have the chance to catch them live (they will be back in the UK for Outbreak festival this summer), it is highly recommended.