Live Review : Skindred + Raging Speedhorn + Death Blooms @ Academy, Manchester on November 30th 2021

Walking into Academy 1 felt normal until I got to the front and suddenly it hit me... I’ve not stood here in literally YEARS. Even before lockdown I had been to gigs in Academy 3 but I could not tell you my last gig in 1, probably pre-2017 (Machine Head? – it’s actually starting to annoy me!) And now here I am at my second gig since lockdown lifted, but unlike at Devin Townsend I am not flying solo and have some companions with me.

As I get to the front Death Blooms are on stage, a crowd have gathered including an obvious following down the front bopping away. They pack a punch for a three-piece and while heavier than my usual tastes I am suitably impressed. I had heard good things about them after they opened Diddy Download (a performance I sadly missed as I was slightly overwhelmed to be back at Donington after a 15 year break!)

I don’t recognise any of the songs, I missed “Shut Up” their latest single (featuring with Wargasm) as I arrived, which is a shame as it’s rather good. They are definitely one to watch. They clearly love what they are doing, are fully engaged with the crowd and in my honest, but usually accurate opinion, sounded better than what came next…

So… Raging Speedhorn. Well… I am doubly disappointed because the only reason I bought the ticket for the gig originally was to see support act Royal Republic, who I love. Sadly they had to pull out and RSH could not be more different if they tried. They have been around since 1998 but I could not name one song. The venue is pretty packed and they obviously have a huge fan base here but despite the energy on-stage, including some crazy microphone throwing, I remain indifferent.

They have had multiple changes to their line-up over the years and one of their recent gigs was all over social media for all the wrong reasons, but I don’t know if this performance is any better or worse than the norm. It’s very 90s but I’m not sure that is a good thing. It’s not Everlast 90s put it that way.

And finally the act we have all been waiting for… Skindred’s arrival is announced with the intro from “Thunderstruck” followed by the Imperial March (I did wonder why that’s been stuck in my head!)

Since I bought my ticket I have already seen Skindred twice this year, at Download and again last month at Primordial Radio’s Annual General Mayhem*. Prior to June I’ll be honest I wasn’t exactly a fan. I thought they were okay but that all changed with the Download performance. Benji is an excellent showman. I don’t think it would really matter what they were playing. From the second they come on stage the crowd are loving it and bouncing away. The atmosphere is charged and standing there with my mates feels amazing at the end of a somewhat trying week/ month/ year!

They play all the staples “Stand for Something” into “Rat Race”, “Sound the Siren” and “Doom Riff” (though “Big Tings” doesn’t make an appearance, which is a shame as it’s possibly my favourite track). For “Pressure” Benji gets the crowd singing along and there is the “Back in Black” riff thrown in for good measure. Yes I’m definitely “glad to be back” and by this point despite the lack of alcohol, my old knees (40 again next week) start to bounce and I dutifully follow all the commands. We are all beaming. Benji acknowledges the last two years and how good it is to be back doing what they love. They clearly do as they don’t seem to have stopped touring since Download (for a man with 14 grandkids maybe he needs time away?!)

At some point in proceedings Benji introduces the 30-second sandwich challenge, which sounds easy right? Wrong! Having witnessed this last month I doubt the lad on stage (who looks about 17) is going to manage to eat the pre-packed sandwich in time and alas he fails. Benji graciously offers him a free t-shirt (I think the merch stall sold out but hopefully he got something).

Then more crowd participation one side pitted against the other with “Woop Woop” versus “That’s My Jam”. Endless fun! I’m thinking not introducing the jam sandwich challenge here may have been a missed opportunity… Then it’s into “Ninja” (complete with a ninja running around on-stage) before Benji holds up a Van Halen branded keyboard and we are treated to “Jump” into House of Pain’s “Jump Around” (that’s the 90s I love – okay 1989 for the pedants). Sadly no Kriss Kross… If you know, you know (or is that if you are over 40 you know?!)

Another well-known track then kicks in “Kill the Power”. At this point I should say despite all the antics on stage, the performance is slick as anything. They know how to enjoy themselves but their musical talents are awe-inspiring. I’m definitely a convert! Amazing riffs and anthemic lyrics. The room is packed full of sheer delight.

A change of tempo follows as they perform acoustic number “Saying It Now” dedicated to those we have lost during the pandemic. Benji urges us to listen to the words; they are moving and emotional. The set closes with “Nobody” and the crowd are soon bouncing all over the place again. I check the time and an hour has flown by in what feels like an eye-blink.

A few moments later Slipknot’s “Duality” starts, they return to the stage for the finale and the words Newport Helicopter are uttered… Nearly forgot that… we are going to have to get down on the floor and I’m not sure I can get back up! “Warning” is an amazing track and within no time everyone is holding their t-shirts, bandanas, other freshly(?) removed garments, and in my case, a cardigan aloft and spinning them above our heads (if you have no idea what this is YouTube is your friend)! The crowd are left wanting more… The only thing left to do is fade out with “Nobody Does It Better” by Carly Simon. In typical Primordial Radio Fam style we form a circle (blocking people’s way as they are trying to leave!) and sway along arm in arm. A perfect end to a fantastic night.

*Tickets on sale now for the Primordial General Mayhem 22/23 April 2022 at Lincolnshire Showground with headliners Dinosaur Pile-Up and Those Damn Crows, plus Millie Manders and the Shut-Up, As December Falls, Bob Vylan, Seething Akira, Skarlett Riot, Ward XIV and many more bands to be announced soon.