02 Academy Glasgow
29th March 2026
Review & Photography by Gavin Lowrey
Lineup of Legends
As the age-old saying goes, things tend to happen in threes, but on this night in Glasgow, it was a formidable four. The iconic lineup of Nails, Exodus, Carcass, and Kreator rolled into town, promising an evening of unrelenting metal.
Nails: Setting the Stage
The energy was palpable as Nails took the stage at the surprisingly early hour of 6:20 PM. With an almost full house in attendance, they launched into their set with an intensity that left the audience reeling. Despite being limited to a mere twenty minutes due to setup issues, the band delivered a performance that was nothing short of pulverizing.
With their signature thrashy and crossover sound, Nails showcased their prowess, proving that even the usual sound issues that accompany many support acts would not hinder their performance. A standout moment was their electrifying rendition of “Unsilent Death,” which ignited a raucous circle pit that mirrored the driving rhythm of the track.
In a flash, they were gone, but their impact was felt long after they left the stage. Their performance served as a powerful reminder of their talent, leaving fans eager for a headlining return.
Exodus: A Thrash Assault
Following Nails, Exodus unleashed their own brand of thrash metal. Their intro, initially designed to evoke Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” was more aptly dubbed “We Are Here to Obliterate You for the Next Forty-Five Minutes.” With the release of their new album, ‘Goliath,’ they opened their set with the track “3111,” featuring the return of vocalist Rob Dukes, whose dynamic stage presence filled every corner of the venue.
Exodus delivered an impressive eight-song set that demonstrated the band’s ability to compete with the so-called “Big Four” of thrash metal. Classics like “Blacklist,” “Bonded by Blood,” and “Toxic Waltz” resonated throughout the venue, while “Deathamphetimine” sparked another enthusiastic circle pit. Despite some audience members noting sound issues, the mix at stage left was spot on, reinforcing the notion that Exodus deserves a full headline tour in the near future.
Carcass: Death Metal Carnage
As the stage was quickly reset, Carcass opened with “Unfit For Human Consumption,” setting the tone for an hour filled with death metal ferocity. Jeff Walker’s growls resonated with the audience, and it was both amusing and awe-inspiring to see someone dressed casually deliver such intense vocals on tracks like “Genital Grinder” and “Incarnated Solvent Abuse.”
Remarkably, drummer Walteri Väyrynen, who had only one rehearsal before stepping in for Dan Wilding, executed a flawless performance, adding to the night’s surprises. While some fans expressed a preference for Exodus to precede Carcass, the latter’s set was still a testament to their enduring legacy in the metal scene.
Kreator: The Thrash Titans
Kreator closed the night, further solidifying their status as one of the premier European thrash bands. Opening with “Seven Serpents” and following with “Hail to the Hordes,” the band introduced an impressive display of pyrotechnics that amplified the energy in the room. Their affinity for dramatic stage effects rivals that of any top-tier act, making for a visually stunning experience.
As they powered through their set, the audience engaged in circle pits and walls of death, a testament to the band’s influence and the loyalty of their fanbase. With tracks from their latest album as well as classic hits, the band’s tight performance showcased their evolution while remaining accessible to new listeners.
From the beginning of their journey with “Endless Pain” to the climactic finale of “Pleasure to Kill,” the performance encapsulated the spirit of metal, leaving fans exhilarated and wanting more.
Conclusion
This night at the 02 Academy Glasgow was a celebration of metal, featuring performances that reminded us why these bands have stood the test of time. Each act brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. As the crowd dispersed, it was evident that the passion for heavy music continues to thrive, ensuring that nights like this will persist for years to come.
FAQs
What time did the concert start?
The concert began at 6:20 PM with Nails opening the show.
How many bands performed during the event?
Four bands performed: Nails, Exodus, Carcass, and Kreator.
Was there any new music played during the concert?
Yes, Exodus played tracks from their new album ‘Goliath’ during their set.
What was the highlight of the night?
Each band had standout moments, but the circle pits and energetic crowd response during Kreator’s closing set were particularly memorable.
Did the sound quality vary throughout the night?
Some attendees noted sound issues during Exodus’s set, but others reported that the mix was clear, especially from stage left.
