LIVE REVIEW: Wiegedood @ The Star & Garter, Manchester
Despite the endless turmoil that seems to be plaguing the world as of late, the very fact that gigs seem to be back in full swing is a cause for celebration. As we phase out of the pandemic and bands hit the road once again, there very much seems to be an argument that our scene is rabid with anticipation for every band that comes through. Such is the case for Belgian black metallers WIEGEDOOD as they hit a packed crowd at the intimate confines of The Star & Garter in Manchester.
With VOW withdrawing from the bill due to a last minute injury sustained within the group, it’s down to Sheffield lads HIDDEN MOTHERS to take up the mantle of responsibility as sole support. Whilst the pressure is high, for this promising outfit, they deliver a set of glistening quality. Due to the small confines of The Star & Garter, bassist Liam Knowles and frontman Steffan Benham position themselves in the pit and this even more intimate setup allows their blend of post-black metal to have an even greater impact. Walking a tightrope from frenzied riffing and a suffocating atmosphere, when Benham prowls around the front of the crowd, to moments of serene reflection, HIDDEN MOTHERS successfully created and maintained a strong aural soundscape, one in which washes over the crowd effectively whose attention never wavers from the stage. Watch this space as HIDDEN MOTHERS are bound for greatness.
Rating: 9/10
On record, WIEGEDOOD are a formidable beast but live, they are something even more harrowing. A cacophony of blistering riffing, thunderous drums and howling vocals from Levy Seynaeve, the band are on blistering form and provide a sustained aural bombardment as they power through a set that is almost entirely comprised of material from this year’s There’s Always Blood At The End Of The Road.
Whilst it is somewhat disappointing that only one cut from their stellar De Doden Hebben Het Goed trilogy makes a live outing, Ontzieling, the material from their latest opus is absolutely vicious in the live arena. Set opener FN SCAR 16 gets the adrenaline surging as the band race out of the gate, Noblesse Oblige Richesse Oblige‘s hypnotic riffing dances effectively with the sustained percussion from drummer Wilm Sreppoc and a stunning rendition of Carousel ensures that WIEGEDOOD finish with a flourish as Levy‘s throat singing slices through the chaotic mix like a hot knife through butter. Highly revered within the extreme metal world, WIEGEDOOD gave a performance fitting for their reputation and when the smoke clears, the audience is gasping for breath. A job well done.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here:
