Slipknot @ SECC, 8 Dec

Support bands are not everyone’s cup of tea. Some people love to arrive early to check out new bands, whereas many would rather spend this time getting suitably drunk. However, when the act are heavyweights in their own right, it can offer a whole new level of excitement. That would appear to be the case tonight as metal titans Machine Head (****) turn the SECC’s main hall into a cluster of extreme circle pits, raised fists and battered, sweaty bodies. From the recent Halo and Aesthetics of Hate – dedicated to the late Dimebag Darrell – to fan favourites like Davidian, Robb Flynn and co only occasionally struggle with the hall’s sludgy sound, and fans are left simply saying ‘wow’.

Despite how well-received the 'Head are tonight, it doesn’t take long for Slipknot (****) to reclaim the throne and their crowd. From the opening few seconds of Surfacing, to the quite frankly insane acrobatics of Joey Jordison’s hydraulic drum riser which close the set, the crowd are subjected to an over-the-top display, that despite seeming a little over-choreographed, is nonetheless breathtaking. Vocalist Corey Taylor — who tonight celebrates his 35th birthday — is in jubilant form but causes a few wounds by commanding the entire arena to jump from sitting. Then there's the explosions, impressive set pieces, and men in masks (three wearing kilts) beating the hell out of drums with baseball bats. Surely it's all much more than anyone could hope for on a Monday night by the Clyde.