Escape the Fate - 'Choose your Fate' !!!

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'Chemical Warfare' at the Islington, o2 Academy

Escape the Fate **** I have to say I have lost track of who is in the band, they have had so many changes over the years. I don't really know why I have not been to see them as much as I should have, in the last few years. I saw them alot around the 'This war is Ours' (2008) and the self-titled 'Escape the Fate' (2010) album. Either at their own shows, or supporting other bands that I wanted to check out. I did manage to see them a couple of times on the next albums 'Ungrateful' (2013) and 'Hate Me' (2015), but totally missed them around the time of release of 'I am Human' (2018). And because of Covid-19 lockdowns in the UK, this was the first time I saw them around the time of 'Chemical Warfare' (2021).

This was no fault of the bands, I was busy around their dates with already booked up shows. Or just couldn't do them for personal or family commitments, however much I would like to. I have to be honest, that the later albums I have listened to less. And some of them are a little heavier, which really suits the kind of music I really like to listen to. So I was really excited, to see how the new incarnation of the band would be. And I have to say they are as good as they have ever been live, they have great stage presence and the songs sound as good live as they do on the recordings. Opening up with the ever popular 'Gorgous Nightmare', to be followed by mega hits 'Issues' and 'The Flood'.

I have to say two of my favourite songs by the band, both of these are really catchy while keeping their Metal edge at the same time. If I was to recommend Escape the Fate to anyone, I probably say check out these two tracks to get you into them. Ok!, Robert Ortiz (Drums) is the only original member of the band, but Craig Mabbitt (Vocals) has been fronting the band since the second record. And I really don't think the line-up changes have harmed the band in any way, they keep their sound and integrity from album to album. And soundwise you wouldn't even notice that there is any changes, I only notice because I have been seeing them for years.

Touring musician Matti Hoffman (Lead Guitar) really brings a new edge to their live show, which is shown best on 'Ungrateful' and the complexed 'This war is Ours (The Guillotine II)'. Both of which are tracks that go down so well with the bands fans, some of which have been to over one hundred shows and travel all around the country to see the band. Escape the Fate have so many dimensions to their music, and they show that on the more commercial section of their set with the Pop / Metal songs 'Something' and 'Ashley', which both have a more commercial edge to them. These always delight people that follow the band around, which are a huge number of Emo / Alternative girls.

I think in the UK we really have a problem with the radio stations not playing enough Rock and Metal, and you can tell this because if the radio stations did Escape the Fate would be a household names. You could see in the 90's early 2000's when Kerrang magazine and MTV where so popular, that a lot of people that listened to mainstream music... started to embrace the heavier genres. You do now have Spotify and YouTube, so you can listen to everything you want to. But sometimes you need to know about or be recommended something in the first place, to make your way to the right place to listen to it.

I make an effort to do research and find out about bands and new music, but a lot of people with busy work schedules really don't have the time to spend looking for new things they will like. They are too busy worrying about expensive food, and the price increases of gas and electricity. I think this is why some shows have been so empty recently, and tonight's show was meant to be at the London, Forum and moved to the London, Islington o2 Academy for just this reason. Everyone is really crammed into the smaller venue, and it is hard to move around.... so I was really shocked that Escape the Fate managed to do a wall of death and circle pits. Another highlight in the bands set, is a brilliant version of '10 miles Wide' which they originally recorded with Josh Todd (Buckcherry) on guest vocals. The song really has an impact, and you find yourself even humming it on the way home.

I would like to see Escape the Fate back in the UK / Europe next year to play the festivals, I think a lot of people where really impressed by their set. And the way they really did command the stage, an art I think a lot of bands have not managed to produce recently. Their newish album 'Chemical Warfare' is also worth a listen, I know I have been checking it out more since the show even though they didn't really play much off it... I think 'Lightning Strike' was the only track off it. Which I have to say was so enjoyable, Escape the Fate are a great live band. We recommend you put their name down in your calendar to check out live in 2023, I know we will be covering them next time they play.

Review and Photos by Dan Devour

Escape the Fate - Setlist
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Choose your Fate (Intro)
Gorgeous Nightmare
Issues
The Flood
Lightning Strike
10 miles Wide
Ungrateful
Something
Ashley
Broken Heart
This war is Ours (The Guillotine II)
One for the Money

Check Out! the Video for 'Lightning Strike' Below...