Review By Darren McIntyre
There are comeback shows, and then there are statements of intent. Mason Hill’s return to the iconic The Garage was firmly the latter—a triumphant, emotionally charged night that saw the Glasgow five-piece not only reclaim their territory but also redefine it.
Formed back in 2015, Mason Hill quickly built momentum with their self-titled EP before pushing forward with a fan-backed debut, Against The Wall, in 2021. After touring success and a growing reputation, 2023 brought uncertainty with the departure of original vocalist Scott Taylor. But rather than falter, the band regrouped, found a new voice in Tom Ward, and set about rebuilding. Tonight, in front of a packed hometown crowd, was the culmination of that journey and the start of a powerful new chapter.
As the lights dimmed and the band took to the stage, the reception was deafening. The anticipation inside The Garage had been building all night, and as soon as the opening notes of “D.N.A.” rang out, it was clear Mason Hill hadn’t lost an ounce of their fire. The performance felt raw, urgent, and alive. Tom Ward wasted no time making his mark, stepping into the spotlight with confidence and grit, instantly winning over the crowd.
“We Pray” followed with a fierce twin-guitar attack, the interplay between James Bird and Marc Montgomery cutting through the venue with precision and bite. The rhythm section of Matthew Ward and Craig McFetridge laid down a thunderous foundation, giving the track a driving force that pulsed through the room. It was tight, powerful, and delivered with intent.
New material featured heavily throughout the set, offering a glimpse into the band’s evolving sound. “Twisted” showcased a darker, more industrial edge, with Tom’s rasping vocals adding a fresh dimension to Mason Hill’s sonic identity. There’s a maturity to these new tracks—heavier, more textured, and undeniably confident.
A standout moment came with “Resonate”, introduced with a heartfelt nod to Tom from Matthew Ward, acknowledging the vital role he’s played in the band’s resurgence. The track itself built beautifully, swelling into a fist-pumping anthem that had the entire venue locked in.
Of course, the classics weren’t forgotten. “Hold On” brought a wave of nostalgia, its familiar riffs and soaring chorus embraced by a crowd clearly delighted to have their band back. The connection between audience and band was undeniable—this felt like a homecoming in every sense.
New cuts like “Tainted Wings” and “Silence” continued to impress, blending melody with grit and showcasing a band unafraid to push their boundaries. The latter, in particular, stood out with its brooding basslines and dynamic shifts, allowing Tom to fully flex his vocal range.
Mid-set, the band confirmed what fans had been hoping to hear—a new album is complete and ready to go, though its release date remains under wraps. Judging by the reaction to tracks like “Find My Way” and “Hurricane”, anticipation is already sky-high.
A surprising but welcome addition came in the form of a cover of “Hysteria” by Muse. Tackling such an iconic track is no small feat, but Mason Hill delivered it with authority, putting their own gritty stamp on the song while staying true to its driving intensity.
As the set moved into its final stretch, “Remember” and “Burn It Down” ramped up the energy once more before “Broken Son” offered a moment of reflection – bridging the band’s past and present seamlessly.
Closing with the anthemic “Against The Wall”, Mason Hill delivered the knockout blow. The crowd sang every word, the energy in the room reaching fever pitch as Tom leapt into the pit, cementing his connection with the fans in spectacular fashion. It was the perfect ending to a night that felt both celebratory and forward-looking.
Mason Hill are back—and not just as they were, but stronger, heavier, and more focused than ever. With a new album on the horizon and a revitalised lineup firing on all cylinders, this was more than a gig—it was a rebirth.
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