LIVE REVIEW: Blood Command @ The Deaf Institute, Manchester

Since their formation in 2008, Norway’s BLOOD COMMAND have refused to be pigeon-holed into one specific sub-bracket of heavy music. An amalgamation of punk, hardcore, metal and disco pop sensibilities, the band’s cross-pollinating sound has been a cult success story. Now, armed with their wicked new album, Praise Armaggedonism, and spear-headed by the captivating Nikki Brumen, the band arrive to The Deaf Institute in Manchester to kickstart the weekend in style.

Manchester’s very own BODY WATER are up first and although the band’s spin on blues-infused hard rock differs from BLOOD COMMAND‘s high octane tunes, the locals do an admirable job of warming up the crowd throughout their time on stage. Largely, this down to the natural chemistry between frontwoman Cerys Eless and bassist Eli Thompson, whose harmonising vocals work a treat and their quips between songs demonstrate a band that is as grounded as it embodies how much they love being on stage. Lyrically, their songs may be drenched in the macabre (as Revolution and Boy In A Box demonstrate), but the way in which they are dispatched in the live environment oozes with life. A tight and enthusiastic performance, the future looks bright for this exciting talent.

Rating: 8/10

Akin to tonight’s headliners, Bristol’s PHOXJAW have made their name on presenting a sound that is multi-faceted, dynamic and expansive across a variety of sub-genres. And live, they excellently exude their myriad of influences in a performance that is jam-packed with adrenaline and emotion. Set opener You Don’t Drink A Unicorn’s Blood is a wonderful snapshot into the PHOXJAW soundscape and announces the band to the stage proudly whilst sungazer, taken from the band’s upcoming new album notverynicecream offers a wicked live snapshot into their next stage of their musical journey. Vocalist/bassist Danny Garland leads the line with the utmost enthusiasm with his dynamic range of vocals hitting effectively throughout and guitarist and keyboardist Josh Gallop oozes energy as his animated stage presence testifies. A solid offering from one of the UK’s more dynamic outfits.

Rating: 7/10

This tour not only marks BLOOD COMMAND‘s first run across the UK since the pandemic, but it also offers a live insight into their aural rebirth. And it is utterly joyous to experience. From the moment they take to the stage, the energy is electric as the band launch into a one-two punch of Praise Armageddonism (Awake Theme), which is a perfect set opener, and the disco-infused Saturday City which gets the party started in fine fettle. From there, the band just continue to soar and the way they not only dispatch the material, but showcase the utmost enthusiasm, is utterly captivating.

I Just Want That Movie Ending is a bonafide pop banger with its pleasing riffs from guitarists Yngve Andersen and Benjamin Berge and sublime vocal delivery from Brumen, A Villain’s Monologue puts the band’s punk sonics front and centre as the band up the intensity, and The End Is Her croons with emotional fragility as Brumen stars. Speaking of Brumen, in the live environment, she more than reinforces the belief that she is the missing piece of the puzzle to elevate BLOOD COMMAND to loftier heights. A natural entertainer, she struts the stage with the utmost of sass, spends ample time crowdsurfing and getting up close and personal with the crowd and her execution of both the new material, and the band’s deeper cuts like Quitters Don’t Smoke and You Can’t Sit With Us, is outstanding.

Since their inception, BLOOD COMMAND have been one of our scene’s more unique properties and based on this performance in Manchester, their status as a cult band is about to end. Their music demands to be on stages much larger than the intimate confines of The Deaf Institute, but for now, what we witnessed is nothing short of phenomenal.

Rating: 10/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here: 

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