Live Review : Siamese + Resolve + Senna + Odd Palace @ Rebellion, Manchester on April 13th 2023

We get along to the venue early and get to interview bassist Robin Mariat from one of tonight’s co-headliners Resolve. It’s a brilliant start to the night and you can catch the full video interview HERE. It’s not long until the first band of the night take to the stage. Odd Palace might be first on but, let me tell you, these Danish prog metallers are the real deal. They're like Tiberius, in every way - fun, joking, very technical, heavy when they want to and more commercially catchy if they fancy it. Just listen to ‘Chemical Solution’ and tell me otherwise!

They have the slowly forming crowd eating out of the palm of their hands from start to finish. One of the highlights of the set is when frontman Gert Børsting plays a solo on a mashed-up black cornet. It’s a moment of sheer brilliance that has everyone grinning, cheering and clapping. Odd Palace's sound is a mix of Vola and Protest the Hero, with elements of djent, math rock, and pop thrown in for good measure. If you're a fan of commercially aware metal music that's both technical and catchy, then Odd Palace is a band you need to see live.

Next up we have the genre-bending German band SENNA, hailing from Mannheim. Originally established as a studio side project they have quickly caught everyone's attention and became something more. Their luminous mix of lively but technical instrumentation and edgy hard-rock meets progressive post-hardcore styling is nothing short of impressive. Despite only having a solitary five-song EP recorded, it demonstrates their range and playful creativity. In terms of musical influences, SENNA's sound is like a mix of the Hirsch Effect and Turnstile, with plenty of Haken vibes, but with more standard structure to the songs than many experimental progressive bands.

One of the standout elements of the live gig is the great vocals from Tobias Stulz on keys and guitar. His voice adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the already powerful sound of the band. And let's not forget the great technical guitar work from Marcel Dürr, which is nothing short of impressive. Overall, this is a performance that showcases SENNA's impressive talent and interesting sound. They're a band to watch out for, for sure.

We loved Resolve when we saw them support LANDMVRKS here last May, and let me tell you they are even better than that last time. From the moment they step on stage, it's clear that these guys are loving the crowd knowing the songs. The light show is massive for such a small venue, and Resolve fills the stage with their incredible presence. They remind me of Cold Night For Alligators with the variety and intensity with which everything is delivered. There are loads of Mallory Knox vibes, especially on new single ‘Death Awaits’, and some of their earlier songs are almost You Me At Six, and they have the crowd singing along to every word. 

This is their third time at Rebellion in the space of a year, and it's clear that they're building a real loyal following here. It's no surprise, as they're a fantastic live band that professionally and enthusiastically bring their expertly crafted songs to life on stage. Anthony Diliberto's vocals are stunningly emotive and spot on, a dynamic yet relatable singer who delightfully mixes harsh and beautiful cleans effortlessly. Every member puts on a show, leaping up and down, on and off the risers along the front of the stage. They bound about the stage, with the Lyon crew mixing up-tempo tech-hardcore stompers with slower atmospheric segments. 

They’re probably the heaviest band on tonight’s bill, but also end-up providing the most beautiful moments too. The band shows just how diverse they can be beyond heavy, with “Between Me and The Machine” showcasing their range. Seriously, that song is absolutely stunning live. Having spoken to bassist Robin, we know that kind of diversity is what’s going to be expanded on with the next album, and I can’t wait. Resolve is a band that you simply must see live if you get the chance, and I have no doubt that they're destined for big things. Keep an eye on them, folks, because they're going places.

Siamese are our final band of the night, and they waste no time bounding onto the stage, using every inch of space to deliver an explosive performance. From the moment they start playing, it's clear that Siamese are on top form. Frontman Mirza Radonjica-Bang leads the charge with his commanding vocals while his bandmates lay down a ferociously catchy wall of sound. The crowd goes wild to them immediately, and any fans of Normandie and the like are sure to love this Danish crew.

Siamese's sound balance is perfect tonight, and their performance matches the elegant yet powerful composition of their songs. New single ‘The Shape of Water’ has some delicious guitar riffs, ‘Home’ showcases the power of Mirza's vocals, while ‘Sloboda’ demonstrates the band's ability to deliver heartfelt and poignant tracks. As the set progresses, Siamese continue to raise the bar. They have a great standby singer (please pop in the comments his name if you know it!), who has been in the wings throughout the tour due to Mirza's other half being about to give birth, and joins the band on stage to deliver some killer co-vocals on a few of the tracks. The crowd goes wild, bouncing along to every beat.

Every single member of the band contributes to the cohesive whole, demonstrating a technical show and musical understanding that is truly awe-inspiring. Christian Hjort Lauritzen's violin adds a unique touch that cleverly takes the space that other bands might fill with synthetic strings. Siamese's engagement with the crowd is both humble and confident, and their joy and enthusiasm at sharing the experience with us is evident. They own the stage like the headliners they’ve become, and it's no wonder they have become one of my favorite bands. They genuinely offer something for everyone.