The Academy in Dublin was shaking to its core on November 4th, as Japanese metalcore sensation Hanabie. brought their EU & UK 2025 Tour to town, joined by Brighton’s rising stars Lake Malice as support. It was an explosive night of metalcore, nu-metal, and electronic chaos, a two-band bill that proved heavy music is alive, evolving, and absolutely thriving on both sides of the globe.
Lake Malice, the British duo of Alice Guala and Blake Cornwall, opened the night with a set that hit like a storm. From the moment they stepped on stage, they radiated raw energy and attitude, blending sharp electronic textures with crushing riffs and unrelenting screams. Their eleven-song set felt more like a headline performance than an opener, a testament to how commanding they’ve become as live performers.
Midway through the set, frontwoman Alice Guala took a moment to engage with the Dublin crowd, grinning as she shouted, “Do yous know what a circle pit is?” The audience roared back, immediately forming a swirling pit in the center of the floor. To everyone’s delight, guitarist Blake Cornwall didn’t just cheer them on, he dove right in, with guitar in hand, fully committing to the chaos. It was a moment that summed up Lake Malice perfectly, total immersion, total connection, and total fun.
Their sound is an exhilarating blend of metalcore, balancing melody with aggression. Tracks like “Bloodbath” and “Power Game” had the crowd bouncing, and by the end of their set (which ended with ”Bloodbath”), the room was drenched in sweat, a perfect setup for what was still to come.
But if Lake Malice hit the stage like a storm, Hanabie. arrived like a tornado. As the lights dimmed and the intro music blared, each member of the Tokyo-based quartet ran out one by one to the center riser, hyping up the crowd before taking their places. The moment the first riff dropped, the energy inside The Academy quadrupled.
Hanabie. are a masterclass in controlled chaos, four musicians blending brutal breakdowns, hyperpop melodies, and kawaii aesthetics into something uniquely their own. It’s metalcore meets anime energy, and the result is as infectious as it is ferocious. The band’s chemistry was electric; they smiled, laughed, and sprinted around the stage like a group of best friends having the time of their lives, a rare sight in a genre that often takes itself too seriously.
Frontwoman Yukina unleashed guttural growls one moment and high-pitched cheerleader chants the next, while guitarist Matsuri shredded through technical riffs with precision. Bassist Hettsu and drummer Chika laid down a rhythm section that was thunderous but danceable, bridging the gap between hardcore aggression and pure pop absurdity. It was like watching the Powerpuff Girls on speed, chaotic, colorful, and completely captivating.
Songs like “Spicy Queen” and “Girl’s Talk” had fans screaming every word, while other tracks mixed electronic beats with metal intensity that made the floor shake. Between songs, the band’s joyful banter a mix of English and Japanese kept the mood playful and intimate.
By the encore, the crowd was a unified mass of movement and noise and after a performance like that, Dublin won’t forget them anytime soon.
In a night where both bands gave everything, Hanabie. proved why they’re quickly becoming one of the most exciting acts in global metal. Equal parts chaos and charm, they turned The Academy into a storm of smiles, sweat, and sheer sonic power.
A night of high-energy madness that showcased the future of metalcore, one mosh pit at a time.
Lake Malice photos & set-list
Set-list:
Magic Square
Power Game
Black Turbine
Scatterbrain
Creepers
Nobody Wants To Be You
Ghost
Mitsuko
Stop the Party
Blossom
Bloodbath
Hanabie. photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic