Mason Hill/Defences - The Garage, Glasgow 22/03/2026

Review: Gareth Griffiths

Photos: MB Photography Scotland

“Mason Hill are most definitely back… and I like what I hear” mused this writer last month, completing 100 reviews for Rockfiend with a top rating for the Glasgow band’s latest single, ‘Twisted’. As someone who has taken an interest in the band’s development and progress over the last decade, it was reassuring to hear them in such magnificent form with new singer Tom Ward at the helm, continuing the bolder, heavier sound heard on comeback single ‘Remember’ a few months before. 

Two small comeback shows in London and Glasgow in late November cemented their return, with guitarists James Bird and Marc Montgomery, bassist Matthew Ward and drummer Craig McFetridge introducing Tom Ward to their loyal fanbase whilst taking the opportunity to unveil some new music. From there, a 5-date UK Tour was announced for March, with support from London-based band Defences… and that’s what took me to an almost sold-out Glasgow Garage on the city’s Sauchiehall Street on a Sunday night; Mason Hill, performing live in their hometown on the last date of the tour!

There’s always been a hype around Mason Hill, whether from their more obsessive fans or from certain elements of music media but it must be acknowledged that the hype hasn’t quite transformed into the kind of success many believed they were destined to achieve. Will the updated version of the band, with its new sound, find the success they long for or will it be another hype-fuelled false start? Where better to judge than on a live stage in Glasgow!

The venue was still filling up when the oft-talked about Defences took to the Glasgow stage, with Gothic-style candles burning on each side of the stage, similar to the ‘By Candlelight’ shows played by orchestras down the hill in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. But that’s where any similarities with violins and cellos ends, as Defences delivered a loud, heavy and moody set of music that sits somewhere between modern metal and metalcore… but with so much more to it! Vocalist Cherry Duesbury’s voice is quite incredible, beautifully soulful one minute but fiercely metal the next. When mixed with heavy riffs, throaty screams and atmospheric keyboards, it’s the sound of a band trying to be something different, standing out from the others in a crowded metal music market. Having formed around 13 years ago, Defences has a healthy back catalogue of music to explore. I’d suggest you do that sooner rather than later and then make sure you catch the band the next time they’re in Glasgow.

By the time the lights dimmed for Mason Hill, the Glaswegian audience had filled the venue, with many of the faithful bedecked in the band’s merchandise… new and old! I personally was mightily impressed that I could still fit into my 2018 t-shirt… but I digress! The point I’m trying to make is that the audience was made up of many fans who have been there from the beginning – let’s call them the Mason Hill veterans – with a healthy smattering of others who were there to enjoy their first experience of the band. As the lights dimmed, fans old and new became one, with phones held aloft and ready to record the returning heroes. An atmospheric, piano-based recording of DNA from debut album Against the Wall acted as the intro music before Tom, James, Marc, Matthew and Craig bounded onto the stage and cranked up the volume for the full electric version we all know and love. They kept the energy high, going straight into ‘We Pray’ and being joined in the “whoa ohs” by an enthusiastic crowd. If there was any doubt as to whether Ward could cope with the rigours of the older material, that was quickly put to bed in the first two songs – a very wise tactic!

Latest single ‘Twisted’ was the first opportunity to hear the bold new Mason Hill sound… and arguably, it sounds even better in a live setting. Ward’s vocals were clear and concise, yet full of power and intent, with the riff-heavy music shaking the ceiling of the old building. Another new track, ‘Resonate’, had people pumping fists, even when they were unfamiliar with the music and that, my friends, is the sign of a good rock and metal song! James Bird briefly doodled the moody intro to fan favourite ‘Hold On’ before bringing the rest of the band in for an explosive and powerful rendition of the song, with fans singing the words from the front to the back of the venue. From there, it was another peek at the future, with new tracks ‘Tainted Wings’ and ‘Silence’ commanding a good reception from the Glasgow crowd. 

It was a good mix of old and new, with the band showcasing new music whilst acknowledging that the older music and the Against the Wall album remain special for many fans. That special relationship was abundantly clear in the fan participation during ‘Find My Way’, whilst another new track, ‘Hurricane’, tore through the venue with power and precision, just like its namesake! Ballad ‘Where I Belong’ has always occupied a special place in the hearts of Mason Hill fans and whilst it wasn’t played in its entirety, the audience was treated to a goosebump-inducing run through of the instrumental part of the song, including Bird’s sublime guitar solo. The guitarist’s musical skills have matured with him over the years, his tone and technique second to none during the brief segment, leading to a well-deserved rapturous applause. Great stuff, indeed!

A surprise cover in the form of Muse’s ‘Hysteria’ actually worked very well, before ‘Remember’, the first single released by the “new” Mason Hill brought the main set to a conclusion. Of course, there was more to come, with the band returning to the stage with one more preview of a new song in ‘Burn it Down’ and two huge fan favourites, ‘Broken Son’ and the rocking ‘Against the Wall’. The energy remained high until the very last note, with Mason Hill leaving the stage victorious. The prodigal sons had well and truly returned to their home city.

Mason Hill’s set in Glasgow was excellent from beginning to end. It was a good balance of old and new, nodding respectfully to the past that helped to make them whilst clearly showcasing the future that should take them to the next level. With a new album due towards the end of the year and a few live dates over the summer, 2026 could be the year when the band finally realise the potential we all know they have.

Is Mason Hill still all hype? Nah… this time, I reckon they’re the real deal!