Live Review : Caligula's Horse + The Hirsch Effekt + Four Stroke Baron @ Gorilla, Manchester on May 31st 2024

We’re seeing ever increasing crowds at prog- and tech-metal gigs these days. It’s not even just the sheer numbers, but the diversity in the crowds that is both exciting and encouraging. Tonight is another example of the clear growth of these sub-genres with Australian maestros Caligula’s Horse bringing along the phenomenal The Hirsch Effekt and the fascinating Four Stroke Baron.

Four Stroke Baron are starting-up as I get into the already busy venue. There’s that funky distorted bass line immediately set a captivating groove while the technical yet driving drums create a powerful backbone. The guitar work, almost math-indie-rock in its complexity and charm, churns away in perfect sync. Then Kirk Witt moves towards the mic and we’re treated to his heavily affected vocals weaving into the soundscape created by the Reno crew. 

Even without the singing, their tracks are impressive with rich soundscapes that build and swell, showcasing the intricate points where the harmonies and melodies would typically lie. Listening to their recordings you can hear the depth of layers that each aspect adds, bringing to mind the influence of Devin Townsend, who mixed their latest album. But live it’s the raw and primitive nature of the dirty indie-industrial notion that offers a glimpse into the band's vision.

Four Stroke Baron deliver a heavier, more industrial-tinged performance tonight than I anticipated after earlier viewings, and it’s in no small part because of their new album “Data Diamond” released this very day. Their sound is darker and more churning, reminiscent of Killing Joke's intensity, yet they retain their distinctive, affected robotic-echo-style vocals. As a standard three-piece to the eye, they embody so many more aspects and really the essence of progressive rock, almost classic prog, but with a unique twist that sets them apart. They’re definitely ones to keep on your radar.

Main support are The Hirsch Effekt…who simply can’t be pigeonholed. They simply are The Hirsch Effekt, and what they do is sublime and superb. Crazy and fantastic as ever they deliver their music with emotion and feeling. If I had to pin them down, I’d say experimental math-rock tech-metal, but even that doesn’t fully capture their essence. No other band juxtaposes melodic, gentle passages with crazed experimental tech-metal as effectively as this trio from Hanover. Equally, distinctive guitar segments shift from jagged and chaotic one moment to dirty fast-grooving riffs the next.

The musicianship is tremendous, and the songwriting is genius, but it’s their uniqueness that sets them apart. Syncopated rhythms emanate from all corners, and it’s a joy to watch them drift between technical avant-garde post-hardcore and technical metal riffs. Nils Wittrock spins, kicks, and thrusts throughout, Moritz Jonathan Schmidt smashes and skittles through, and Ilja John Lappin delivers some stunning clean vocals alongside his thundering bass. Both vocals are beautiful when clean and viciously coarse when harsh.

Their infectious enthusiasm infuses every note, leaving the crowd buzzing. They are fun as well as clever, and their dynamic music is matched by an equally engaging stage show. Visually, they offer tons of movement and stage presence, even tapping me on the head at the end of a guitar solo at one point! There’s a delightfully raw and passionate core to everything they perform today. It’s a unique and spellbinding set from one of the most inventive bands out there. We might not get to see them as often as we should on these shores, but next time they visit the UK we’ll definitely be there.

Headliners Caligula's Horse clearly have a large, loyal and devoted fanbase in the UK as the venue is heaving by the time they pop onto the stage. Stylistically they share a lot of the musicality, songwriting nuance, and intrigue of Haken, but with a much heavier edge. Equally there are Karnivool and Marillion vibes woven throughout their music, especially with the soaring and delicate clean lead vocals. The intricate guitar work creates a sound that is both powerful and catchy and apparently was inspired greatly by the approach and sound of Steely Dan. The music pulses with a tight and driving energy, each member adding layers of atmosphere and depth to the songs.

Their sound is at times reminiscent of earlier Monuments with groove-heavy choruses, Tesseract with weaving verses, and Haken with expansive breakdowns and intros. Second track "Golem" showcases this blend perfectly. This tour sees a chronological progression through their back catalogue, adding a narrative depth and showing the evolution of their sound. 

However, this does emphasise that the songwriting can feel a bit middle-of-the-road and repetitive at times. There’s a feel that some tracks are neither sweeping and transient nor punchy and dynamic, but throughout they appear to strike a compelling balance that keeps the audience delighted and engaged. Caligula's Horse delivers a performance that is both intricate and accessible, and I'm glad we got to catch them in their own environment as headliners, not just a festival act as at RADAR (review here) last year. They bring a delicate fusion of influences to the stage, making their sound both familiar and invigorating.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Caligula's Horse + The Hirsch Effekt + Four Stroke Baron