Power Trip wrapped up their final headline show, sandwiched between their extensive tour with the legendary Pantera, and what better place to do so than at Bristol’s Marble Factory? It was a treat to witness this powerhouse band on such an intimate stage, especially after playing the expansive Resorts World Arena in Birmingham just the night before. The contrast in venues made this show feel all the more special, giving fans an up-close experience with a band at the top of their game.
Supporting them were local heroes Overpower from Bristol and Southampton’s electrifying Grove Street. Both bands brought their A-game, setting the perfect tone for the night.
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Power Trip took to the stage with a ferocity that immediately electrified the crowd. The moment the first chord rang out, the entire venue erupted into chaos. The Marble Factory’s acoustics allowed the raw, heavy riffs to engulf the audience, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts exhilarating and punishing. From the front to the back, bodies were moving, heads were banging, and a massive circle pit formed within seconds. The sheer intensity of their sound left no room for hesitation—the crowd was locked in from the very first note.
The band’s setlist was a hard-hitting mix of tracks from their iconic albums, ensuring that fans, both old and new, were treated to a night of absolute mayhem. They opened with the bone-crushing “Soul Sacrifice,” immediately setting the tone for what would be an unrelenting performance. “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe)” followed, sending the crowd into an absolute frenzy. The fusion of thrash and hardcore reached new heights in a live setting, with the band’s razor-sharp precision making each track feel even more impactful than on record.
The chemistry between the band members was undeniable. Every guitar solo was blistering, the basslines thunderous, and the drums locked in with machine-like precision. Frontman Riley Gale’s commanding stage presence was a sight to behold—his raw energy and intense delivery made every lyric hit even harder. His ability to engage with the crowd only heightened the experience, making it feel like an inclusive, cathartic release of energy shared between band and audience alike.
The mosh pit never slowed down, with waves of crowd surfers and relentless movement fuelling the chaotic energy of the night. The relentless aggression of tracks like “Firing Squad” and “Hornet’s Nest” kept the adrenaline pumping, with the audience screaming along to every word. Each song bled seamlessly into the next, ensuring there wasn’t a single dull moment throughout the set.
As the night drew to a close, Power Trip delivered a crushing finale with “Manifest Decimation.” The sheer force behind their performance left the room buzzing with adrenaline. But they weren’t done just yet—returning for a blistering encore, they unleashed “Crossbreaker,” ensuring they left everything on the stage. It was the perfect ending to a night of pure sonic devastation.
Power Trip is a must-see band, an unrelenting force that embodies everything great about thrash and hardcore. Their performance at Marble Factory was nothing short of extraordinary, a reminder of why they are one of the hardest-hitting bands on the circuit today. For those lucky enough to witness it, this was a show that will be etched in memory for years to come.
Words: Jon Evans, Images: Cheyanne Jayne Manning
Cheyenne Jayne-Manning @scramsistermedia
Role: Photographer
I’m a professional photographer, and I love to shoot festivals, events, and gig-goers. I’m also an editor, specialising in music videos.
Qualification: BA (hons) in Documentary Film Making from the University of Newport.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: One of the first gigs I ever went to on my own was Chase & Status in 2008. My mates and I covered ourselves in glow paint, only to sweat it off jumping and dancing. It was the start of my never-ending gig list.
First gig shot: Technically the first band I ever shot would have been my dad’s, at the age of 9! My mum gave me this giant tape camcorder and I filmed the entire thing. Since then, I’ve shot plenty of friends’ bands whilst co-managing the live music venue, Le Pub in Newport, and I haven’t stopped since.
Dream gig: CASisDEAD, Slow Club, Enter Shikari, Dizzee Rascal (in the Boy In The Corner era), Turnstile, and The Prodigy.
