It’s a sold out show today at Manchester’s Rebellion, a venue I always like coming to. There’s a good atmosphere, and loads of quality bands to be had. What more could you want? Spoiler alert: today was an excellent day.
Cairns
Fresh off seeing Cairns at Reaper Festival 2023 only a week ago, (Reaper Agency UK also organised today’s Stormkeep show), I knew what to expect from the band this time. The venue is already busy, and Cairns get a good response from the crowd.
Cairn’s expressive atmospheric songs are well-rendered live. I remain a big fan of the clean singing especially. However, technical issues force them to stop for a time after the first song, and then plague them after that for a while. Regardless, Cairns still put on a good showcase for their enjoyable material, and act as a nice opening for today’s jam-packed show. Cairns continue to impress, and I look forward to hopefully more songs from them in the future.
The scene is nicely set for the day.
Nemorous
Today Nemorous are playing the entirety of their debut EP, so I’ve been looking forward to this. To be honest though, I’ve been looking forward to all of the bands today, for different reasons.
Nemorous’ atmospheric brand of black metal translates into the live environment well. The moodier parts are immersive and engaging, while the heavier parts are given fresh life and vigour. Due to the live sound the band’s music gains a shaper, rawer edge, which suits it. The singer’s vocals sound even harsher live too – his screams are more scathing, and his growls are absolutely monstrous.
Nemorous play like they are headlining, and their confidence and ability are obvious. A thoroughly enjoyable set from a great band.
Arð
Nemorous’ set would be a hard one to follow, were it not for the fact that up next is the only non-black metal band on the bill. Playing slow, mood-focused, mournful doom metal, Arð offer something different, and very satisfying.
Benefiting from a clear sound, swathes of keyboards saturate the venue like a welcoming embrace. The band’s doom is both intimate and immense, and their layered clean vocals perfectly delivered. Arð have a rich, atmospheric sound, and live this is reproduced better than I had hoped. There’s a restrained intensity that manifests as immersive music that just drips with emotional depth.
Arð’s music is captivating, and the band are so obviously into what they’re doing. The lead singer has an unforced charisma. He thanks the crowd for tolerating the lack of blast beats, before ending with my favourite song of the band’s, Only Three Shall Know.
Absolutely great stuff from Arð.
Ninkharsag
Now it’s time for a change of pace once more. Ninkharsag’s melodic black metal relies on speed and good songwriting, and no small amount of energy. Colourful leads and solos are everywhere, and the band’s ferocious delivery hits the spot.
Despite a slightly uneven sound, Ninkharsag put on a solid show, and draw a sizeable and enthusiastic crowd. It’s headbangingly good fun, and even generates the first mosh pit of the day.
I look forward to whatever’s next for Ninkharsag, as their sort of black metal is easy to appreciate.
Saor
Saor‘s folk-enriched black metal is on fire tonight. With a decent sound and an impassioned performance, the band set about their blackened work with enthusiasm and energy. Saor seriously impress me.
The tin/low whistles, (I think that’s what they are), add a lot to the songs and are great to witness live. Being played by one of the band members who also delivers clean vocals, she puts in a great performance and also has a singing voice that’s strong and powerful.
Saor deliver a set that pleases the crowd and goes down a treat. I found this really, really enjoyable.
Winterfylleth
Winterfylleth have a large discography to pull from, and I’m unfamiliar with the vast majority of it. That doesn’t stop me from massively enjoying their set though. They even do play some I know, so bonus. It’s clear that a lot of people are here to see Winterfylleth, and it’s obvious why; their confident, professional delivery speaks to their experience, and this is backed up by songs that are well-written and enthusiastically performed.
Playing a hometown show, Winterfylleth sound great, and their black metal is delicious. Balancing atmosphere and aggression, the songs power by with thunderous grace and formidable presence.
Absolved in Fire is a strong opener, and is greeted rapturously by the crowd. A Valley Thick with Oaks showcases the band’s layered multivocal approach well, and also their skill with vocal hooks. The Reckoning Dawn is a damn good song that’s hard to not move to. A Soul Unbound is particularly enjoyable in all of its mid-paced, mood-rich splendour, and this is followed up by the blistering Whisper of the Elements.
The Ghost of Heritage gets a mosh pit going with its punky vibe. It’s not a style I was expecting from Winterfylleth, but seems to be a popular one if the crowd reaction is anything to go by. The band are having a whale of a time playing it too. They close with Mam Tor (The Shivering Mountain), which just seems to be a great song.
Winterfylleth’s entire set is just superb.
Stormkeep
Stormkeep’s old-school symphonic black metal has been a hit on record and also goes down a storm tonight. The band are decked out ready for battle and adventure, and the crowd seem ready to join them. Also, they have a massive sword!
Opening with A Journey Through Storms, which I love, it’s clear from the start that this is going to be a great set. The audience love it too, and for good reason. Stormkeep are delivering the goods in no uncertain terms. A clear sound allows the audience to revel in the band’s authentic display of medieval might.
The Serpent’s Stone is next, imbued with melodic potency. The crowd surfing begins here too. Glass Caverns of Dragon Kings has great energy and force, and its rousing clean singing near the end is infectious. I especially enjoyed this one. Lightning Frost is next, and is another top song that the crowd lap up. Stormkeep end with Eternal Majesty Manifest, which is my favourite song of theirs, and a great way to finish the day’s festivities.
Fantastic. Stormkeep played a blinding show, and this entire day has been one to remember for a long time.
Wonderbox Metal 
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