I popped over the bridge tonight to catch Swedish metal band Solence on their Angels Calling UK tour as it rolled into Bristol. With support from Wales’ own Dream State and New Zealand rockers Written by Wolves, the weather was good and the queue was already stretching around the building—always a promising sign. Let’s get inside and see how it all went down.
First up were Written By Wolves (7). I’d never seen or even heard of this band before, but that definitely won’t be the case going forward. The venue wasn’t at full capacity yet, but the crowd that had arrived gave them a warm welcome as they launched straight into their set. Right away, I was struck by a sound that was pure fun—groovy, energetic, and infectious.
There’s a clear nu-metal influence, especially in the big, singalong choruses, but the band bring a lot more depth than that. Expect big rock riffs, heavy breakdowns, and plenty of variety. Vocalist Michael Murphy shows off an impressive range, shifting effortlessly between powerful screams and clean vocals that sit perfectly in the mix. Between songs, he shares how grateful they are to be playing their first-ever UK show: “We’ve been a band for 14 years—this proves hard work pays off.” The crowd responds with loud appreciation.
A standout track was Genius from their 2025 album The Archives—a song that’s almost impossible not to move to. It’s packed with catchy hooks and gives off hints of Fall Out Boy in the chorus. There’s something special about seeing a band for the first time live without any expectations, and Written by Wolves absolutely delivered. A fantastic way to kick off the night.
After a short break, it was time for Dream State (7). This was my second time seeing them—the first being on a massive stage at Cardiff Castle—and I’d been keen to see how their sound translated to a smaller, more intimate venue. I’m happy to say it worked just as well, if not better.
From the opening song, the pit was alive. Dream State wasted no time getting the crowd moving. Jessie Powell’s vocals are a highlight once again, blending aggression and melody seamlessly. Even after revealing mid-set that she’s battling flu, there’s no drop in energy—she powers through impressively, and the band match her intensity throughout.
Still Dreaming, from their 2024 album of the same name, was a standout moment. It perfectly captures what the band are about: chunky riffs, atmospheric melodies, crushing screams, and beats that hit hard enough to keep the pit going strong. Dream State are a tight, talented group who clearly love what they do, and it shows in every second of their performance.
After the sweat and chaos of that set, a bit of fresh air was needed. As everyone caught their breath, the atmosphere shifted—lights dimmed, and the crowd belted out Dancing Queen at full volume before Solence (8) took the stage to huge cheers.
They kicked things off with Angels Calling and immediately followed it with Good Fkin Music, setting the tone with relentless energy. The crowd responded in kind, with pits opening up across the floor. The band’s chemistry is obvious—they’re clearly having a great time on stage. Guitarist David Strääf frequently interacts with the front row, fist-bumping fans between riffs, while vocalist Markus Videsäter keeps the energy high and thanks the crowd for bringing it all night.
There were plenty of standout moments. Death Do Us Part delivered a powerful mid-section that sent chills through the room, while “Heaven”—a track I’ve had on repeat lately—was even better live, packed with energy and passion. The crowd clearly agreed, singing along loudly.
The set also featured a solid cover of Imagine Dragons’ Warriors, before wrapping up with Animal In Me. The encore, Who You Gonna Call (Solence), sent everyone home buzzing. After a band photo, hugs, and fist bumps, the night closed out with ABBA’s Mamma Mia playing over the speakers—an oddly perfect ending.
Solence proved exactly why they’re gaining momentum: high energy, catchy songs, and a performance that guarantees a good time.
