Live Review: Biohazard & Life of Agony - O2 Institute, Birmingham
Support: Lylvc
2nd March 2025
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
Birmingham was all set for another night of nostalgia, closely following the Pantera show over at the NEC we have 90’s hardcore heroes Biohazard and Life of Agony making waves at the O2 Institute.
Lylvc delivered a powerhouse opening set with feel good 2000’s styled nu-metal, setting the stage for the intense night ahead. From the moment they launched into ‘Barely Human’ the band's blend of alternative metal and electronic elements captivated the audience. Vocalists Alyse Zavala and Oscar Romero traded vocals with precision, adding a dimension to their performance.
Despite being the night's openers, they commanded the stage with confidence, ensuring that those unfamiliar with their music quickly took notice. They're not really a band you’d associate with the nights co-headliners, but a fresh and vibrate performance that made people take note.
‘XXX’ stood out as one of the most high-energy moments, with the band pushing their intensity to the max. Romero’s guttural screams cut through the air while Zavala’s soaring vocals balanced the chaos.
Closing out with ‘Into Nothing’ the band left a lasting impression, but whether they won over this hardcore crowd is another question.
Life of Agony brought their signature blend of raw emotion and crushing riffs to Birmingham, delivering a set that celebrated both their legacy and their undeniable staying power. Kicking off the night with ‘River Runs Red’ the band wasted no time in setting the tone, Keith’s unmistakable vocals cut through the air, carrying the weight of decades of struggle and resilience. With Joey Z’s signature guitar tone driving the sound forward and Alan Robert’s bass lines locking in tight, the band proved once again why they remain one of the most compelling acts to emerge from the ‘90s scene.
The setlist was a perfect balance of fan favourites, with classics like ‘This Time’ and ‘Lost at 22’ hitting just as hard as they did when they were first released. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, as they tore through tracks with ferocity we’ve not seen from them in year. A cover of the the Cro-Mags ‘We Gotta Know’ was a particular highlight, paying homage to their hardcore roots while inciting a pit that swirled with relentless energy.
Finishing off with ‘Underground’, Life of Agony left the audience in awe, their performance was simply top draw, the very best they have been in years.
Closing out the night with an unrelenting display of hardcore intensity, Biohazard took the stage at the O2 Institute in Birmingham and delivered a set that was as aggressive as it was electrifying. From the opening riff of ‘Chamber Spins Three’ the energy in the room exploded, with the Brooklyn legends proving they haven’t lost a step since their return with the classic line up.
Billy Graziadei and Bobby Hambel commanded the stage with their signature ferocity, while the rhythm section of Danny Schuler and Evan Seinfeld laid down a pounding foundation that sent the pit into a frenzy. The anthemic ‘Shades of Grey’ followed, reinforcing the band’s ability to blend heavy grooves with socially conscious lyrics that still resonate decades later.
As the set progressed, Biohazard’s blend of hardcore and crushing metal riffs kept the energy at maximum levels. ‘Urban Discipline’ and ‘Five Blocks to the Subway’ saw fists pumping and bodies colliding, the audience feeding off the band’s relentless energy. Seinfeld’s stage presence was as commanding as ever delivering vocals with the same grit that has defined Biohazard’s sound since the early ‘90s.
The night culminated in a furious one-two punch of ‘Punishment’ and ‘Hold My Own’ which bring the show to a blistering close. ‘Punishment’ arguably their most iconic track, hit with full force, its bouncing groove igniting the most intense crowd reaction of the night. Biohazard proved that their return isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a reminder that their influence remains undeniable.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
