Live Review: Black Veil Brides, Heaven's Basement

It is probably safe to assume that Black Veil Brides was the only Soundwave sideshow where teenage girls squealed in ecstasy every time their lead singer threw a dirty towel at them.

Certainly the British-based opening act, Heaven's Basement, tried hard to keep the attention of the all-ages crowd who had lined up around the block for several hours. Their phenomenal energy and sound in such a tiny environment was incredibly impressive and could easily be imagined in a stadium. When singer Aaron Buchanan mentioned Black Veil Brides' name, the girly screams reached fever pitch and he summed up every parent in the room's reaction when he said, 'Fuck me'.

The shrieks became louder than the music when Black Veil Brides arrived, early, in slightly toned-down dress. Anyone expecting their usual full make-up and glam-rock wigs may have been disappointed but it certainly didn't show. They opened with Shadows Die, complete with electric violin, and progressed through their anthemic songs such as I Am Bulletproof and Nobody's Hero.

Sporting a Kiss t-shirt with massive cut-outs and a neat blonde haircut, singer Andy Biersack flashed his trademark poster-boy grin from the start, touching as many swooning fans as possible. He did seem to struggle with his in-ear monitors, leaving the stage during most the songs, and losing his mojo. However the angrier, more annoyed Biersack actually proved to be more entertaining. The band powered through show highlights, Knives And Pens as well as The Legacy, proving that when they move away from the pop into hardcore they excel.

Going by the rapturous reaction there is no doubt every kid in the room had a life-changing experience, including one young girl who was left seemingly stuck to the spot after the lights went up, sobbing and shaking uncontrollably.