WHO: Harm's Way
WHERE: Underworld, London

HOW'S THE HEAD/NECK/VOICE: crushed/broken/sore
MOOD: Frantic

The Napalm Death/Iron Maiden ratio (fury of pits vs people singing along, each part out of 5): 5:2

Pits and hardcore shows go hand and hand these days, and during Harm's Way set there was no let up. The relentless heaviness during their set resulted in one large, brutal pit that virtual covering the whole of the floor at the Underworld. As for sing-a-longs, they were few and far between, possibly due to the somewhat terrifying physique of Harm's Way front man Judge Hammers.

The Frets-On-Fire Factor: 2/5 Karl Sanders

Harm's Way aren't exactly a band who go in for over the top guitar work, instead opting for a more minimalist approach. However there was plenty of tremolo riffage coupled with frantic and downright filthy lead breaks.

The Superstar Quotient: 
85% Watain

His tank-like appearance aside, it's quite clear that vocalist Judge Hammers has more in common, vocally, with grindcore stalwart Barney Greenway than Scott Vogel, hardcore's equivalent to the Napalm Death front man. Apart from, "We're Harm's Way from Chicago" at the start and thanking everyone for turning out at the end, Hammers didn't speak to the crowd once during the set, instead opting to batter their eardrums with their unique brand of hardcore.

The Grim Face/Smiley Face divide (AKA The Immortal/KISS Axis - out of 5): 5 Abbaths

There wasn't a smiley face in site during Harm's Way's performance. It was cold, dark and misanthropic.

The Lasting Impression

Considering this was Harm's Way first headline show on UK soil, having only previously been over as a support band, they packed out the Underworld, and subsequently demolished it with their crushing setlist culled from latest effort 'Isolation'. Based on performances like this, it's fair to say that Harm's Way are one of the most exciting bands in extreme music today! In every sense, Harm's Way are a hardcore band, but beneath the surface there's clearly a whole host of influences ranging from grindcore and early black metal through to doom and crust. Harm's Way could well be the most exciting band to cross the Atlantic this year. Plus, any band that does a Bolt Thrower tribute shirt has to be good, right?