Enslaved/Svalbard/Wayfarer – Club Academy, Manchester – 08/03/24 (Live Review)

Well, what a storming lineup we have here for a chilly Friday night in Manchester. All three of the bands on this bill are worthy of attendance in their own right, so to have them all in one place is a rare treat.

Wayfarer

I’ve never seen Wayfarer before, but have been a fan of them since their debut album, so this is a long overdue experience. Tonight they concentrate on American Gothic, their superlative latest record that was somehow completely overlooked in my year end list, (there’s always at least one every year, sadly).

I initially had some concerns over how surprisingly empty the venue appears before Wayfarer. Not ridiculously so, but more so than I expected. It is very early of course, but I would have thought Wayfarer would be a bigger draw. Having said all that, it seems I was right, and when the band actually start there’s a decent enough crowd for them, one that only grows over time.

Wayfarer give a very good account of themselves, putting on a solid, enjoyable set. Their Americana-infused black metal comes to life with three-dimensional clarity, and both their sound and presence does the music justice. Yes, there are a few sound issues with one of the singer’s vocals being periodically inaudible early on, but even with that, it doesn’t mar the overall effect. No mean feat for an opening act, but then Wayfarer are blessed with very above average material.

Wayfarer truly impress tonight. Ending with False Constellation – which is given an amazing rendition – the band deliver a hideously enjoyable experience. After years of waiting to see them I have not been disappointed. In fact, I could easily have gone for more!

Top stuff indeed.

Svalbard

Like Wayfarer, I’ve wanted to see Svalbard for some time. Unlike Wayfarer though, Svalbard are from the UK, so I’m not sure why I haven’t managed to catch them before now.

Svalbard burst into life with energetic enthusiasm. Their post-hardcore crust-powered blackgaze-edged hybrid style is immediately recognisable and engaging, and the crowd are appreciative of their performance from the start. Like Wayfarer, Svalbard benefit from a largely decent sound for a non-headliner, which mostly lets their songs make the impact they deserve. You can even hear the band’s ethereal melodies. Uplifting and positive, despite the frequently weighty subject matter, there are a lot of smiles on stage and off. Svalbard clearly love what they do, and it’s infectious.

Even though they are here supporting the mighty Enslaved, Svalbard act like headliners and are treated as such by a good portion of the crowd. It’s clear many are in attendance for Svalbard’s characterful music, and I doubt any are dissatisfied.

All of the songs hit the spot, but the one-two punch of To Wilt Beneath the Weight and Click Bait is especially potent. Closing with Eternal Spirits and its huge chunky riff, Svalbard were just ace.

Enslaved

I’ve seen Enslaved quite a few times before, (most recently at last year’s Damnation Festival), and they never disappoint. I’m pretty sure this is the smallest venue I’ve ever seen them in, which lends the evening an intimate and personal air that’s most agreeable.

I really like the fact that while Enslaved are accomplished professionals, they are still so obviously heavily into what they do. They open with Kingdom so enthusiastically that it’s remarkable. The singer’s personality is on fine display as he introduces Homebound, and the band’s progressive  metal power is ably demonstrated.

Enslaved then launch into the striking melodic start of Forest Dweller and the crowd lap it up. Sequence follows, mistakenly announced as Congelia first, although this is next up, with a brutally relentless delivery. It’s just win after win for the band. Their newer material really suits the live environment it seems.

At this point the older material comes out. Return to Yggdrasill is great to hear, The Dead Stare is a powerhouse, and Havenless anthemic, (and its slithering, twisting riff a delight). All three are taken from two of Enslaved strongest records, (Isa, Below the Lights, and Below the Lights, respectively), which is a combination that’s hard to beat.

Heimdal closes the first part of the show, with a remarkable presence. The band disappear off stage, before the drummer returns for a drum solo, (which is not something I’ve seen for a while, and is brief, but surprisingly engaging). The rest of the band then reappear to continue the evening; Isa may be short, but it’s utterly iconic. Enslaved end their triumphant set with Allfǫðr Oðinn, showcasing their old-school black metal roots.

Throughout the night the singer allows his charisma to shine between songs, and it’s great to see a band as a whole that not only love their art, but have a strong sense of humour too. I also really like that they play so much of their newer material, (as do all of the bands tonight, a testament to the quality of their recent output). Despite Enslaved’s large discography, they’re not a band to overly rely on past glories; Enslaved are still current and relevant, which is great.

I have to say this is probably the most enjoyable Enslaved show I’ve seen. An exemplary performance. Enslaved remain one of the best in the business.