HAWXX at Manchester Club Academy: Live Review

Within the metal community there has started to be a change towards inclusivity and HAWXX are being a big part of it. Describing themselves as a “shapeshifting, punk infused alt-metal band”, they bring feminism into the forefront of what they do. They have recently toured internationally with Tremonti and, on this occasion, they opened the stage for Halocene. I had heard rumours of how fantastic they were during Download Festival this last summer. However, I was trapped at a different stage and I missed their show. When the opportunity arose to review them in my hometown of Manchester, I jumped at it.

The night started better that we could imagine. I recently had an injury that requires me to use a wheelchair and I was a bit scared about gigging with accessibility needs. The team at Manchester Academy were nothing but understanding and welcoming, making sure I knew where the accessible toilets and access were. The security team escorted me nicely to the disabled viewing platform which had almost unrestricted view of the stage. Unfortunately, due to the construction of the building, a column is present at the right end of the stage. However, this did not limit the enjoyment.

HAWXX entered the stage promptly at 8pm to a packed room. The show was sold out (620 capacity) and it was amazing to see people turn up for the support slot. From the very first chord you can really understand why members Hannah and Anna have been included in Metal Hammer’s “13 metal guitarists the will change the world” list. Dirty heavy riffs mix with a punchy rhythm section of the band to give an arena level atmosphere that makes it impossible not to headbang. During the performance Anna made it clear their stance by chanting pride and inclusivity statements that made the crowd scream and jump.