Stray From The Path
Special Guests: Alpha Wolf + Graphic Nature + Calva Louise.
Venue: SWG3, Glasgow.
Date: 25th November 2025
Review & Photos: Dave Buchanan
This one is kinda bittersweet. On one hand, we get to witness one of the best bands of the last 20 years deliver a greatest hits set to a room full of die-hard fans. On the other, it’s the last time we’ll ever get to see it. But, as the Dutch proverb goes, “Every goodbye is the birth of a memory”. And tonight, Stray From the Path left us with exactly that.
Calva Louise
Opening the night, Calva Louise definitely delivered above my expectations. Having only recently listened to their new album, Edge of the Abyss, I was surprised to see only a trio on stage. These guys pack a punch! The stage sound was remarkably layered, with tight, potent rhythms underpinning soaring vocal harmonies between Jess Allanic and Alizon Taho.
Their ability to pivot between alt-rock hooks, electronic textures, and heavier riffs gives their new album plenty of reasons to enjoy, but seeing it live with that energy and confidence gave the set a sonic slap that kept the audience gaining more and more interest. Tracks like ‘El Umbral’ also showcased the bands knack for Latin American flair, showing there’s much more than meets the eye to Calva Louise.
A strong start that set the tone for the evening 
(4 / 5)
Graphic Nature
Kent-based group Graphic Nature might be minus a bass player tonight, but that didn’t hold back them back one bit. The levels of aggression delivered on opener, ‘Headstone’, showed exactly what type of blunt force trauma Graphic Nature were bringing to the table. Their infusion of nu-metal bite and hardcore savagery is the perfect combo of viciousness, with frontman Harvey Freeman stalking the stage with vicious intent, whipping the crowd into motion with every half-time groove.
Tracks like ‘Locked In’ and ‘Fractured’, from their latest release, gave the crowd ample opportunity to throw limbs, however, if I had any complaints it would be that the guitar mix was far too muddy, with the lack of clarity muting some of the impact of their otherwise crushing riffs. Despite this, their rhythmic heft and relentless pacing kept the pit alive. A solid set, but one that could have soared with a cleaner sound 
(3.5 / 5)
Alpha Wolf
Having been a fan of Australia’s Alpha Wolf for a number of years, I was pretty excited to finally see what devastation they could bring to the live stage. And from the moment they launched into ‘Ultra-Violet Violence’, the SWG3 erupted into a frenzy of pits and crowdsurfers. The bands setlist leaned heavily on A Quiet Place to Die and Half Living Things, creating a perfect balance between their established sound and newer material, delivering a constant hailstorm of metallic riffs and breakdowns that felt both precise and primal.
Frontman Lochie Keogh was the undeniable focal point; pacing with intent, locking eyes with fans, and punctuating every lyric with raw emotion. Tracks like ‘Creep’ and ‘Akudama’ pushed the energy to its peak, with every transition feeling deliberate. No dead air, no lull, just pure momentum.
If there was one minor drawback, and similar to Graphic Nature, it was the lack of dominance in the guitars. They just needed a touch more volume. That said, the sheer ferocity of their performance compensated for any technical shortcomings, and proved why they’ve become one of the genre’s most talked-about acts (4 / 5)
Stray From the Path
When Stray From the Path walked onto the stage at SWG3, the room absolutely erupted. Not just in anticipation, but in recognition of what this moment meant. After twenty years of relentless touring, outspoken lyricism, and genre-defining hardcore, this was their last Scottish show. And they made sure it was unforgettable.
From the opening riff, it was clear the band had dialled in a mix that was nothing short of colossal. The guitars were sharp and articulate, cutting through the low-end rumble with clarity that earlier sets lacked. Drums were thunderous yet controlled, every snare hit cracking like a gunshot, every kick drum shaking the floor. Bass locked everything together, adding weight without muddying the mix.
The band curated a set that felt like a love letter to their fans. From early classics to recent Clockworked anthems, every track was met with a deafening shout-along. Songs like ‘First World Problem Child’ and ‘Goodnight Alt-Right’ hit with lyrical venom, while newer cuts like ‘Fuck Them All to Hell’ showcased their evolution without losing the core aggression that defined them. The pacing was immaculate; no filler, no wasted moments, just a relentless surge of energy punctuated by brief, heartfelt pauses from Dijorio, sharing heartfelt reflections on the band’s journey and their gratitude for the fans who made it possible. These moments of vulnerability contrasted beautifully with the ferocity of the music, reminding everyone that metal isn’t just about aggression, it’s about connection. Seeing friends and family lined up side-stage added a personal touch, underscoring the weight of the occasion.
The bands final Scottish show was a masterclass in how to bow out: with passion, precision, and purpose. They left nothing behind, and as the final notes of ‘Fortune Teller’ played out it was clear this wasn’t just an ending, it was a celebration of everything they stood for 
(5 / 5)
