Fresh off the release of their punishing new album, Caliban tore through the UK with a career-spanning set that blended nostalgia, ferocity, and pure metalcore catharsis—proving why they’re still one of the genre’s most vital forces.

Words & photos by James Crisp (@james_taking_pictures) | May 12, 2025

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With over 25 years under their belts, 13 albums (2000’s album with Heaven Shall Burn not included) to their name, and more tours than you can count on both hands, the mighty metalcore legends Caliban returned to the UK for their explosive Back from Hell Tour 2025, a fitting celebration of their phenomenal latest release, Back from Hell.

Armed with a vast and powerful back catalogue, the band delivered a setlist that felt nothing short of perfect and utterly packed with relentless, crowd-pleasing anthems spanning nearly every chapter of their long career. Naturally, with the tour centred around the new album, fans were treated to thunderous performances of tracks like ‘Back from Hell,’ ‘Guilt Trip,’ and ‘Insomnia,’ each one igniting the crowd with brutal raw energy.

But with a catalogue as deep and diverse as theirs, there was still room for some personal gems. I was thrilled to hear a few of my all-time favourites make the set, including ‘Paralyzed,’ ‘I Will Never Let You Down,’ and one that hit me right in the feels, “The Beloved and the Hatred.” The iconic opener from 2004’s The Opposite from Within. It was the very first song I ever heard from them, and hearing it live transported me straight back to my younger self. It’s a track that’s lived rent-free in my head for years, and it still hits just as hard today as it did back then.

This night wasn’t just a showcase of beautiful, crushing metalcore, it was a celebration of a band that has stood the test of time, a group that has clearly poured their hearts into every moment of their career and remains genuinely grateful to still be doing what they love, all across the globe.

I’ve been to more metal shows than I can count, but this one felt different. Maybe it was the fact that, after 16 years of listening to this band, it was my first time finally seeing them live. Or maybe it was the atmosphere. A crowd full of smiles, camaraderie, and shared passion. From front to back, side to side, the vibe was electric, warm, and unforgettable.