It could have been a tricky task opening up for two well known acts tonight but Black Spikes prove to have more than enough fire power in their armoury. They mix alternative metal with theatrics well with actual black spikes aplenty. We also get the visual bonus of a dancer adding to the mood. There are times here when you are reminded of In This Moment at their quirky best both musically and with the vocals. Black Spikes look to have a bright future.
We are now well into the new era of Butcher Babies operating as a four piece and the new songs are coming through loud and clear. Those turbulent recent times have galvanised the band into an even stronger force. The writing is as sharp as ever but seems more willing to explore further. You can see and hear the raw enthusiasm, and this transfers to the crowd. The biggest take away though are Heidi Shepherdβs vocals. She sounds reinvigorated showing off what a fantastic clean voice she has while still maintaining that energy we all love. New single βLost In Your Touchβ in particular is immense. This is a pivotal moment for the US metallers and tonight they put on a masterclass.
Infected Rain have created a bit of a cult following over the years and more recently have built on that to breakout to a wider alternative audience. They certainly put a hundred per cent into everything they do hitting the Islington Academy stage with an explosive force that is palpable. Thereβs a delightful balance to the Moldovans visually and sonically with Eugen Voluta on drums a powerhouse while Alice Lane and Vadim Ojog are electric and bass and guitar respectively. They provide the perfect platform for Lena Scissorhands to work her magic, and the crowd are soon under her spell. New release βStrangerβ not only sits well with more familiar material it shows a first glimpse of the next phase for the band, and boy does it bode well. This a is a stunning performance on a tour that could launch Infected Rain to the next level and beyond.
Review and photos by Gary Trueman