LIVE REVIEW
ACID REIGN
ThinkTank Newcastle
18TH of June 2026
Photography: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Artist: Acid Reign
Venue: ThinkTank
Date: 18th of June 2026
Words: David Weddle
Artist: Acid Reign
Venue: ThinkTank
Date: 18th of June 2026
Words: David Weddle
Following their 1991 split, it seemed like the curtain had permanently fallen on one of the UK's premier thrash metal outfits. Fortuitously for thrash fans everywhere, the band rebooted in 2015, spearheaded by original frontman Howard "H" Smith and a re-energized lineup hungry to reclaim their crown. Currently on the road celebrating their brand new studio album, Daze of the Week, the band brought the tour to Newcastle’s Think Tank?, and we were lucky enough to be in the room.
The night kicked off with two stellar opening acts warming up the Toon. First up were North East locals Souls of Jack Ketch, a group that has been tearing up the regional circuit since 2012. They set the pace early, delivering an absolute powerhouse set of unapologetic, in-your-face metal. They are a definitive must-see for anyone tracking the local heavy scene.
The night kicked off with two stellar opening acts warming up the Toon. First up were North East locals Souls of Jack Ketch, a group that has been tearing up the regional circuit since 2012. They set the pace early, delivering an absolute powerhouse set of unapologetic, in-your-face metal. They are a definitive must-see for anyone tracking the local heavy scene.
Souls of Jack Ketch - Photos: David Weddle
Enquire Within - Photos: David Weddle
Next up were London's Enquire Within. Delivering a relentless, full-throttle metal assault, their frontman possesses the lungs of an industrial furnace—viciously powerful and hotter than hell.
By the time the main event neared, the vibe inside Think Tank? was brilliantly distinct. The room felt incredibly relaxed and communal. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, but more than that, a feeling that a room full of strangers had completely unified under one banner: a pure love of heavy metal.
When H finally walked out under the lights draped in a full-length gown, the visual immediately set the tone for the chaos to follow. The current incarnation of Acid Reign is blisteringly tight, radiating a frantic, contagious energy on stage that proves they are having the absolute time of their lives.
Howard remains as enigmatic and sharp as ever, effortlessly commanding the room with a brilliant blend of thrash intensity and stand-up comedy. He dropped the jokes early, winding up the crowd with a cheeky, "It's great to be back in Sunderland!" Anyone familiar with North East football rivalries knows those are fighting words, but H knows his terrain well—having lived in Newcastle for a couple of years, he even pointed out a few former housemates in the audience.
By the time the main event neared, the vibe inside Think Tank? was brilliantly distinct. The room felt incredibly relaxed and communal. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, but more than that, a feeling that a room full of strangers had completely unified under one banner: a pure love of heavy metal.
When H finally walked out under the lights draped in a full-length gown, the visual immediately set the tone for the chaos to follow. The current incarnation of Acid Reign is blisteringly tight, radiating a frantic, contagious energy on stage that proves they are having the absolute time of their lives.
Howard remains as enigmatic and sharp as ever, effortlessly commanding the room with a brilliant blend of thrash intensity and stand-up comedy. He dropped the jokes early, winding up the crowd with a cheeky, "It's great to be back in Sunderland!" Anyone familiar with North East football rivalries knows those are fighting words, but H knows his terrain well—having lived in Newcastle for a couple of years, he even pointed out a few former housemates in the audience.
After shedding the gown, H revealed a smart shirt emblazoned with a repeating "Fuck You" pattern. It was a classic touch that perfectly highlighted the band's signature, tongue-in-cheek humour.
Acid Reign were absolutely on fire. Combined with H's relentless stage presence, the crowd got serious bang for their buck. It would have been a tragedy if 1991 had been the definitive end of the line for this band; the hunger for Acid Reign’s live show is clearly ravenous, and the passion from both the band and their hardcore following is completely alive and well.
Thanks, Acid Reign, for giving Newcastle a damn good thrashing.
Acid Reign's new album, Daze of the Week, is out now via Dissonance Productions. Go check it out.
Acid Reign were absolutely on fire. Combined with H's relentless stage presence, the crowd got serious bang for their buck. It would have been a tragedy if 1991 had been the definitive end of the line for this band; the hunger for Acid Reign’s live show is clearly ravenous, and the passion from both the band and their hardcore following is completely alive and well.
Thanks, Acid Reign, for giving Newcastle a damn good thrashing.
Acid Reign's new album, Daze of the Week, is out now via Dissonance Productions. Go check it out.