Live Review: Primal Fear - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
20th March 2026
Support: Defences
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
There’s something about a sold-out night at KK’s Steel Mill that just hits different, an undeniable statement that rock n roll is alive and kicking. The Wolverhampton venue has built a reputation for hosting some of the most intense and intimate live experiences in the UK, and this show was no exception.
Defences took to the stage with a confidence that immediately commanded attention, making full use of their forty minute slot. From the outset, their blend of crushing riffs and atmospheric electronics created a wall of sound that felt far bigger than the stage they were playing on. The dual vocal dynamic proved to be a real weapon, shifting seamlessly between aggression and melody, keeping the crowd locked in throughout.
Tracks swelled with emotional weight, but never lost their bite, and the band’s tight performance ensured there was no drop in energy. By the time their set drew to a close, they had not only warmed up the crowd but left a lasting impression and a long queue forming at the merch table.
By the time Mason Hill hit the stage, the atmosphere had reached boiling point. Opening with ‘D.N.A.’, they wasted no time in establishing control, delivering a punchy, high-energy start that had the entire room moving. Their sound, rooted in classic hard rock but polished with modern production, translated effortlessly into a live setting, hitting with both precision and power.
‘We Pray’ and ‘Twisted’ kept the momentum surging, the interplay between guitar lines and rhythm section was particularly tight, giving each track a sense of drive that never let up. It’s this balance of groove and grit that continues to define their appeal
Mid-set, tracks like ‘Resonate’ and ‘Hold On’ brought a more anthemic feel, with the crowd fully engaged, singing back every line and feeding off the band’s energy. ‘Tainted Wings’ and ‘Silence’ added depth to the set, whilst ‘Find My Way’ and ‘Hurricane’ pushed things back into overdrive, the band clearly feeding off the sold-out crowd.
There’s a confidence in their performance now that suggests a band stepping into a bigger league, and it showed in how effortlessly they controlled the room. Even a bold cover of Muse’s ‘Hysteria’ landed perfectly, reworked just enough to feel like their own without losing the original’s pulse.
Closing the main set with ‘Remember’, they left the crowd wanting more… and they got it. The encore of ‘Burn It Down’, ‘Broken Son’ and ‘Against the Wall’ was nothing short of explosive. Each track hit harder than the last, ending the night on a towering high that perfectly capped off a performance brimming with confidence, precision, and undeniable power.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
