On the final night of their tour, Cut Short, Harpy, Karen Dió, and Wargasm turned Liverpool’s Academy 2 into a haven for raw energy and electrifying performances. The intimate, basement-like venue amplified the night’s intensity, perfectly suiting the eclectic mix of music genres, from blistering metalcore to sultry goth-pop and hard rock.
Opening the show with a bang, Cut Short, Liverpool’s rising metalcore band, immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Their Architects-inspired sound was unmistakable, with ferocious hooks, thunderous drums, and heavily reverberated guitars dominating their set, especially with the song Human Error. The band’s commanding stage presence was enhanced by intense lighting effects that matched the aggression of their music.
The lead vocalist frequently interacted with the crowd, urging them to bang their heads and pushing those in the back to move forward and join the action. The set featured a blend of heavy breakdowns and punchy rhythms that enthralled the audience and left them on a high note. Cut Short proved themselves as a local act with massive potential, and their performance felt like the beginning of something big.
Next up was Harpy, who shifted the atmosphere with her unique mix of dark, sultry goth-pop and ominous theatricality. Opening with an eerie voiceover about sins, accompanied by church bells and slasher-movie vibes, Harpy set the stage for a set steeped in mood and attitude.
Her song Manic energetically called for the audience to have fun. At the same time, Medicine delivered a powerful performance driven by a pulsating beat. The angsty anthem Not My God Anymore, exploring toxic relationships, incorporated scream vocals that added raw emotion to the set.
Harpy’s standout moment was the dance-ready track Born to Destroy, where she demanded a dance pit, bringing the audience to life. She closed with the fiery Slaughterhouse, asking for an aggressive mosh pit and getting the crowd to chant. Harpy’s performance felt like a cathartic release of energy and emotion, firmly cementing her as a charismatic performer.
Representing Brazil, Karen Dió brought a refreshing throwback to classic punk and hard rock with a modern twist. Her set opened with the iconic Rocky theme, setting a triumphant tone. The veteran artist, with over 20 years in the industry, radiated confidence and star power as she delivered energetic, fast-paced tracks that got the crowd moving.
Songs like Cut Your Hair ignited a mosh pit with its punchy rhythms and punk attitude, while the Weezer-inspired track brought a playful vibe to the mix. Her closer, 3 AM, saw Karen stepping into the crowd, hyping everyone up for the night’s headliner. As a nod to nostalgia, her set ended with Queen’s We Are the Champions as the outro, leaving the crowd buzzing. Dió’s vibrant energy and classic rock star aura was a highlight of the night.
The anticipation reached its peak for Wargasm, and the band did not disappoint. They delivered an explosive set that blended nu-metal, punk energy, and modern electronic production. The headlining act, known for their collaborations with artists like Enter Shikari and Bad Omens, showcased why they’ve become one of the most exciting names in the modern rock scene.
Opening with Circle Pit, the band ignited the sold-out crowd with mosh pits, crowd surfing, and relentless movement from start to finish. The chemistry between vocalists Sam Matlock and Milkie Way was electric, their dynamic interplay driving the intensity of songs like Venom At one point, Way teased the crowd by asking for song requests, keeping the energy playful and engaging.
Highlights included Pyro Pyro, which fuelled another wild circle pit, and Bang Ya Head, where Harpy joined the stage to perform Limp Bizkit’s vocalist Fred Durst’s part. Matlock’s chaotic mic swinging and Way’s crowd interactions kept the energy peaking throughout the set. Before launching into the anthemic Spit, Way jokingly warned the audience to try not to kill each other, a nod to the frenetic chaos erupting in the room.
The band’s connection with the audience was undeniable. Between songs, the crowd chanted “Wargasm,” mirroring the band’s energy and fuelling their passion. Wargasm’s performance was equal parts aggressive, electrifying, and celebratory, and their encore left everyone in the room drenched in sweat and euphoria.
This night at Academy 2 was a testament to the power of live music to unite, energise, and exhaust in the best way possible. From Cut Short’s local breakout energy to Wargasm’s full-throttle chaos, each act brought its unique style to create an unforgettable, genre-spanning night. The chaotic atmosphere, diverse lineup, and relentless crowd energy made it one of the most thrilling live music experiences Liverpool has seen.
Zena Morris
