This Wednesday evening, the Elysée Montmartre is packed to the rafters for a lineup like we haven’t seen in France for some time. On tonight’s program: While She Sleeps, Malevolence, Thrown, and Resolve — a concentrated lineup showcasing the best metalcore has to offer, from melodic elements to hardcore grit.
Resolve kicks off an evening of French metalcore
The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. sharp as the French band Resolve takes the stage. The venue is already packed, a sign that this Lyon-based band has built a solid reputation among French metalcore fans. Tonight’s setlist is drawn entirely from their latest album, Human (2023). They open with the title track, and the pit comes alive instantly.
The band’s strength lies in their subtle blend of genres, which translates incredibly well live. For half an hour, the songs flow with smooth precision. The audience is responsive, clearly thrilled to support a French metalcore scene in full revival.
The set ends on a high note with the single Older Days, which the crowd sings along to, now fully ready to tackle what’s next on the agenda.
Thrown : When Swedish Hardcore Unleashes the Pit
After a quick 15-minute break, it’s time for Thrown to take the stage. The Swedes kick off their set with Guilt (Excessive Guilt - 2024), and the atmosphere in the pit shifts to match the band’s hardcore riffs. Marcus Lundqvist’s rough, intense vocals amplify the relentless bass and guitar lines that define their sound.
The energy in the room rises quickly as Thrown powers through tracks from their two albums, including Dwell, On The Verge, and Backfire. Soon, the center of the pit gives way to a moshpit that pulses to the precision and darkness of Johan Liljeblad and Andreas Malm’s riffs.
With a dense lineup tonight, the band has only 30 minutes to deliver their set, but they pack in no less than 10 tracks. They close with the excellent Grayout, a single from their latest album, giving the crowd one last moment of unity.
Malevolence : When the hardcore takes the Elysée Montmartre
Malevolence takes over and sends Elysée Montmartre into an even more hardcore dimension from the first notes of Malicious Intent. Alex Taylor, the charismatic frontman, commands the stage and pulls the audience along with him. The group’s stage presence is straightforward and effective: no unnecessary detours, Malevolence is here to stir up the pit.
The band powers through a set largely drawn from their latest album, Malicious Intent. The switch between Alex Taylor’s guttural voice and Konan Hall’s clean vocals on certain tracks works wonders, adding a welcome depth to the set and even a hint of groove. As a surprise, the single Trenches, released that very day, is included and is immediately embraced. The set is energetic and brutal, with only Higher Place offering a moment of respite that grabs the audience by the gut.
After the powerful Keep Your Distance (The Other Side - 2020), the show wraps up with On Broken Glass, leaving a pit drenched in sweat and smiling, ready to catch their breath before the main event of the night.
While She Sleeps : Un Concert à Cœur Ouvert et un Public en Fusion
It takes no less than half an hour for the stage change before the first notes of Peace of Mind resonate through the packed venue. It’s the first time the track is performed live, followed by Leave Me Alone. The crowd’s response is huge, and the pit is already electrified.
Loz Taylor, true to himself, drives the entire band with his characteristic energy, frequently engaging with the fans. The crowd needs no prompting, singing along to every chorus. The band has reserved quite a few surprises for their Parisian audience, including Trophies of Violence, which hasn’t been played live since 2020. The connection between the band and the crowd is palpable, with Loz even going for some crowdsurfing.
The camaraderie of the tour lineup adds to the experience, as Malevolence’s singer joins the stage for an explosive guest appearance on Down, igniting a legendary wall of death in the pit and some unexpected jumps. But it’s in quieter moments, like To The Flowers, where While She Sleeps truly reveals their depth. This song, dedicated to a lost loved one, creates a suspended moment where each note resonates more intensely than the last.
After this emotional break, it’s time for the final song of the evening. And Sleeps Society is the track the British band chooses to say goodbye to their Parisian fans. Loz Taylor calls on all fans to stage dive one last time. The crowd chants the chorus in unison and keeps singing even after the house lights are back on.
The evening was flawless, showcasing some of the best that metalcore has to offer, with the Parisian crowd once again coming through in full support. Many thanks to Veryshow for the invite and to the Elysée Montmartre for hosting! And if you missed While She Sleeps this time around, you'll have another chance on January 31, 2025, when the band opens for Mass Hysteria at Le Zénith in Paris!
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