In the metalverse within the pages of Kerrang! and Metal Hammer, Bullet for My Valentine are about as hotly-tipped as a young band can be, and debates flourish about whether, as a relatively melodic Welsh quartet, they're about to follow fellow valleys boys Lostprophets into the upper end of the charts. A Hammersmith Apollo headliner show is a sign that things are on the up.

The quartet are brutal and relentless on stage; even their body language warns watchers to batten down the hatches. Arriving to chants of "Bul-LET! Bul-LET!", the three guitarists assume the position - legs planted wide apart, upper bodies tilted forward - and we brace ourselves. The next hour is dedicated to testosterone, aggression and riffs, as band and crowd get something weighty off their chests.

Leader Matt Tuck's guttural singing style must have ruled out any career path but metalcore from around the age of five, but he is also equal to the sunny harmonising that crops up on the likes of Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow.

Their reward is a rolling mosh-frenzy downstairs, while in the balcony, where standing is discouraged, air guitars are thrashed from a sitting position.

"Fucking beautiful, aren't we?" Tuck asks with satisfaction, knowing what the answer will be.