Few bands in modern metalcore can command a stage with the unrelenting energy and conviction of While She Sleeps, and their recent show at Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis proved exactly why they’ve become a cornerstone of the genre.
Kicking off the night with “SLEEPS SOCIETY,” the band wasted no time in igniting the crowd. Frontman Lawrence “Loz” Taylor launched himself into the chaos with an explosive presence, immediately setting the tone for a night of unity, aggression, and emotional release. His vocals—ranging from throat-tearing screams to raw melodic hooks—cut through the wall of sound with precision.
Guitarists Ryan Burnett (Keys player in Architects) and Sean Long were a ferocious duo, delivering punishing riffs and soaring leads in equal measure. Tracks like “ANTI-SOCIAL” and “You Are We” sounded even more visceral live- their layered guitars underscoring the band’s ability to marry heaviness with heart. Meanwhile, drummer Adam Savage and bassist Aaran McKenzie locked into a groove that was both relentless and tight, anchoring the set’s most chaotic moments.
The production value matched the intensity. Stark lighting and frenetic strobes amplified every breakdown and beat drop, while the band’s signature DIY ethos shone through in their interactions with the crowd. At one point, Taylor jumped into the pit, screaming face-to-face with fans, blurring the line between performer and audience in the best way possible.
While She Sleeps aren’t just playing shows—they’re building a movement. Mid-set, Taylor delivered a heartfelt message about mental health, resilience, and community, reinforcing the band’s commitment to being more than just entertainers—they’re a lifeline for many.
Closing with “Systematic” and the anthemic “Silence Speaks,” the room felt less like a venue and more like a battleground of shared emotion. Sweaty, bruised, and euphoric, the crowd roared in approval.
While She Sleeps continue to prove that they’re one of the most vital forces in heavy music today—loud, unapologetic, and fiercely human.
BURY TOMORROW
Bury Tomorrow didn’t just warm up the stage for While She Sleeps—they detonated it. From the first chord to the last scream, the Southampton metalcore veterans delivered a set that was both technically razor-sharp and emotionally punishing, reminding everyone why they remain one of the UK’s most enduring and evolving heavy acts.
Launching into their set with “Choke,” Bury Tomorrow wasted no time in asserting their presence. Vocalist Dani Winter-Bates roared through the opening verses with ferocity, his guttural delivery commanding attention while clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist Tom Prendergast countered with soaring melodies that added depth and contrast to the chaos.
Guitarists Kristan Dawson and Ed Hartwell were a formidable pair, their riffs cutting like blades and their leads weaving in and out of breakdowns with surgical precision. Whether it was the crushing weight of “Cannibal” or the urgent pacing of “Black Flame,” every track felt purpose-built to level the room.
The rhythm section deserves equal praise—drummer Adam Jackson’s double-kick work was relentless without ever feeling mechanical, and bassist Davyd Winter-Bates provided the low-end punch that kept every pit spinning and every head banging. Their cohesion gave the band a sonic foundation as tight as it was punishing.
But beyond the musicianship, what truly set Bury Tomorrow apart was their conviction. Winter-Bates took moments between songs to speak candidly about the band’s journey, the importance of self-worth, and the power of music to connect in dark times. These weren’t throwaway speeches—they felt genuine, reflective of a band that has grown not only musically but emotionally since their early days.
By the time they closed with “Death (Ever Colder),” the crowd was fully locked in—hands raised, voices hoarse, and walls literally shaking. As the final note rang out, there was no mistaking the respect in the room: this was not a band simply opening a show. Bury Tomorrow had carved out their own triumph.
In a genre that’s constantly shifting, Bury Tomorrow remain a beacon of consistency, authenticity, and raw, unfiltered heaviness. Their set was a reminder that they’re not just survivors in the metalcore scene—they’re still writing its future.
Full Galleries–
https://www.shotbypreston.com/whileshesleeps
https://www.shotbypreston.com/burytomorrow
