LIVE REVIEW: Harakiri For The Sky @ Rebellion, Manchester

Although they have a career that spans 12 years, Austria post-black metallers HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY have rarely graced UK shores. Their emotive yet ferocious blend of black metal is an utter treat on record, and for UK fans, the wait has been agonising. But now, the band are finally rolling through our small island nation on a headlining run still in support of 2021’s Mære. And as bodies stream into Manchester’s Rebellion, anticipation is in the air.

For UK black metal fans, FEN is pretty much a household name at this point. The London-based atmospheric black metal collective have been ever-present in the underground since 2006, and in Manchester, the band’s swirling atmospherics and thunderous metallics works a treat. Cuts from this year’s Monuments To Absence, Truth Is Futility and the title track, sound absolutely majestic in the live arena and really showcase the band at their very best. Although they may never breakout in the mainstream compared to other names in British heavy music, FEN are very much a shining star for those that enjoy the more underbelly of our scene.

Rating: 8/10

Fellow countrymen to HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY, ELLENDE, are granted main support slot to tonight’s headliners and showcasing similar musical qualities, they do a formidable job in getting the crowd hooked. Band leader, L.G., flanked by his live bandmates successfully intertwine alluring atmospherics with thundering black metal, especially in Hand aufs Herz, that connects effectively with those congregated in Rebellion. The grooves behind the riffs and the interchanging mood between sheer aural chaos and sombre reflection is executed oh so well, with L.G. commanding the frontline with the utmost of conviction. The result is a highly enjoyable performance, one that leaves many yearning for more.

Rating: 8/10

In the final moments before HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY take to the stage, the anticipation is at fever-pitch. It’s the band’s first appearance in Manchester and just prior to their arrival on stage, the crowd at Rebellion hold their collective breath. And as the alluring notes of set opener I, Pallbearer croons and lulls in the crowd, HARAKIRI have arrived. And as the seven minute behemoth unfolds, it’s clear that the band are just as strong a force as they are on record. Thundering drums, melancholic-tinged riffs and a pained vocal display from frontman J.J has the crowd ensnared.

From there, the band continue to dazzle and impress at every opportunity. Fire, Walk With Me has fists raised aplenty as the band up the ante as an artillery of blastbeats and shrieks lead the charge, Sing For The Damage We’ve Done swings like a metronome; offering shimmering beauty one minute before blasting into euphoric black metal the next. And in set closer Heroin Waltz, the band simply soar. It’s been years in the making, but HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY‘s first appearance in Manchester is an utter triumph.

Rating: 9/10

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

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