LIVE REVIEW: Nekrogoblikon @ Satans Hollow, Manchester
Supporting their latest release The Fundamental Slimes And Humours, California’s fantastical death metal outfit NEKROGOBLIKON stop off at Manchester’s Satans Hollow for a night of thrills, chills and beer spills. With heavy jesters FOOTPRINTS IN THE CUSTARD to get the crowd warmed up with a hometown set, this is surely a night even the drunkest metalhead will remember for years to come.
Bringing humour to the hellish venue and getting everyone riled up and rowdy, Mancunian outfit FOOTPRINTS IN THE CUSTARD took to the circular stage for their support set. With everyone rocking their own fashion aesthetic – ranging from bright red mankinis, to cruise-worthy Hawaiian shirts, to a get-up not too dissimilar to an avatar found within Word of Warcraft – it felt so bricolaged yet so naturally connected. And then the music was the metaphorical cherry on top of this questionable dessert.
The band touched upon delicate themes in life such as Bronies in Ride, My Little Pony, Ride!; sexual encounters with the elderly in My Granny’s A Gusher; and the courtesy of plain human decency in Don’t Be A Cunt. Less than serious lyrics can be a hit-or-miss situation within heavy music, as it seems to be more a pop-punk group’s game to play, but that doesn’t mean these guys haven’t levelled out the playing ground. Being rewarded with a mix of growls and giggles and guffaws, the band seemed proud of themselves and so they should be. Pulling off such hilarious-bordering-offensive words in a nightclub full of intense dedicated music fans, it is a talent and to have that pulled off so soon is a great sign. Follow the footsteps and see where they lead as they continue their journey.
Rating: 8/10
With the stage surrounded, the crowd surly and eager, it was time to unleash the goblin within – and out. Welcome to the stage the melodic metal likes of NEKROGOBLIKON. Each member took to their place, instruments in hand, wires in place, and as the sound struck through the venue this was where the man of the moment made his appearance.
Everyone knows this goblin-inspired outfit are not the same without their little wrinkly green friend joining them. Dressed to the nines in his finest white shirt and chinos, it was his job to get everyone moving and grooving. High fives and fist bumps galore. Air guitar alongside his musical mates. He made the experience mystical and memorable. The gimmick has been a part of the band’s collective persona since their formation and to make it a staple more than an eyesore is a brilliant effort.
The laughs did not stop with the support act; this is after all a tour supporting a record named The Fundamental Slimes And Humours. There will be slime and/or humour, but most importantly, humour. Especially when communicating with the fans surrounding them in the venue. From having a fan get the entire room chanting, to being offered drinks and spirits between tracks, it was less a separation of artist and audience and more a union of friends and pals. This union proved to reach its peak as the band wound down the night with their final song Powercore.
Known as one of their biggest hits to date, this is where you find the hardcore fans and the softcore casuals have no differences between them. There are no barriers to break, no hurdles to jump, no proving oneself to belong. Everyone belonged. Everyone in that room brought the power to Powercore.
For an honestly mental heavy metal night of impure pleasure, seek out NEKROGOBLIKON. Coming to venues, clubs or forests around the world.
Rating: 9/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Jess Robinson here:
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