LIVE REVIEW: Valis Ablaze @ Rebellion, Manchester
Recently, local Manchester promoters Bermuda Sound put on a one-off gig at Rebellion which presented a selection of the UK’s up and coming talent in the progressive metal scene. Headlining were the much-talked-about VALIS ABLAZE, supported by the likes of BLIND SUMMIT, ARCAEON, CHIASMATA, and MANIFOLDS. We went down to Rebellion to witness the events unfold.
Openers MANIFOLDS began their set to a relatively sparse crowd, unsurprising for the point in the night, however, things began to pick up a couple of songs in as the band thrashed out their unfortunately rather stereotypical brand of tech-metalcore. Most of the band wore masks, evoking a tired air of pretence towards bands such as NORTHLANE and SLIPKNOT. However, heads nodded and the band were energetic to say the least.
Rating: 5/10
Next on were relatively new band to the scene, CHIASMATA. Having only played a few shows in Manchester and the surrounding area in the last year, and released one song on Spotify, Euphoria, the group had much to show. Playing a half hour set ranging from huge, dissonant breakdowns, to soaring and powerful vocals from cha(ia)rismatic frontwoman Zoe Gale, and even towards beautiful and elegant synth melded with light and sparkling lead guitar from guitarist duo Cailum Finnegan and Alex Lescionok. The gig also happened to align with a birthday in the band, which definitely raised the mood of the proceedings. The band arguably drew the biggest crowd of the night, which can only mean good things for this up-and-coming talent.
Rating: 8/10
Quickly following CHIASMATA were Reading tech-metallers ARCAEON. Effortlessly slamming through songs off their fantastic new EP Balance, the band got the room bouncing and banging their heads like it was second nature to them. Following a recent change of vocalist, it would be hard to deduce from this performance. The band seemed to gel on stage like brothers, revelling in their performance. Along with a great light show, it really was a performance fitting of a band of their current trajectory.
Rating: 7/10
Next up, and final on the support bill, were Mancunion newbies BLIND SUMMIT. A gloriously mixed-gender band showcasing fantastic and confident vocals from Alfie Angelini, and an array of friends on guitar and rhythm, they were a youthful and powerful sight on stage. However, following a band with a reputation like ARCAEON is not an easy job, but judging from the crowd’s reaction they just about pulled it off. It may be early days, but their youth and exuberance coupled with the originality of their music made for an exciting experience – watch this space!
Rating: 7/10
The final, and headlining band of the night were exciting prog prospects VALIS ABLAZE. Fresh from a collaboration with US tech-metal and internet star DREWSIF STALIN, the band took to the stage with confidence, but to a slightly less full room than that which graced a couple of the earlier bands. With vocals greatly reminiscent of One-era TESSERACT, the group wove their sound around the room. Huge, triumphant leads mixed with chunky, groovy breakdowns. The heavier sections of their music really shone through, and it was evident that they’re a very technically proficient band, absolutely nailing sections of choppy polyrhythms and dissonance. Also worth mentioning was the consistently strong and standout performance from bassist George Demner, who seemed to lead the band through many of the sections with his confidence and skill. Whilst they’re not breaking any boundaries within the genre with their music, and are clearly evoking elements of several of their favourite bands, VALIS ABLAZE‘s performance made it clear that they are a group with ambition, and we won’t be seeing them at local gigs like this for much longer. Expect to see them supporting TESSERACT, DEVIN TOWNSEND, or even PERIPHERY in coming years.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here:
