Main support on this tour are Zetra, and to be honest they have a tough slot to go on before such a dynamic and unique headliner…but they themselves are no ordinary band. The London two-piece are nominally Adam (guitar and vocals) and Jordan (synths and vocals) and they’ve been knocking about since 2018. In that time they’ve gathered a collection of supporters from successful bands across the scene, including Sammy from Employed to Serve.

Zetra are difficult to pigeonhole, and as such are a perfect fit for SKYND. You might describe them as synth-goth, or futuristic deconstructed industrial, or…well…Zetra. They’re very polished and confident in their delivery. It’s backed with a classic old school goth drum machine (obviously a stylistic choice), and interesting angelic vocals. It’s a dreamy-industrial mix and reminds me of Stabbing Westward especially with the guitar tone and style. That dreamy sound though always there, which makes it even more apparent that their look seems totally incongruous with the music - holding their positions on stage in stationary fashion complete with long goth robes and corpse paint. It’s fair to say they have difficulty holding the crowd’s attention at all times through the set, and it occasionally drifts in repetition with the mid-tempo vibe. Zetra do have plenty to offer though, with their post-grunge elements really exciting, and any fans of the more atmospheric passages by Loathe should checks these guys out.

Now, it's time for the headliner SKYND. SKYND herself spent some time with us before the gig (watch the interview here), and that fascinating experience is ably matched by her and the band’s stunning live performance tonight. To some it’s a twisted set of themes but to those who understand the perspective and purpose it’s an important and, at times perfectly bizarre, vibrant set of themed stories upon which SKYND can weave their musical magic.

They deliver elements of pop, rock, storytelling, electro and genuine avant-garde industrial that is unique and astounding. Imagine Die Antwoord and Sleep Token spewing forth a curious offspring and you’ve a starting point to imagine SKYND. The pure theatre, both visually and musically, brings to mind some of the most impressive staging and unique songs from the best parts of Eurovision. It’s like a performance art installation but with cathartic purpose, reason and a core.

Vocalist SKYND's ability to switch styles at the drop of a hat, even within a single line, is mind-blowing. Voice effects on record pitch-shift them one moment high, then to low, then modulated, distorted, inhuman and always delicious. But live none of that variation is lost and SKYND herself performs the majority of vocal switches with her own unaffected voice – a voice that is entrancing and stunning. The enigmatic and hooded ‘Father’ (producer/instrumental genius) drives the landscape behind the vocals through keys and bass, striking wide-stance dramatic poses throughout, with the help of a further hooded figure on drums. That air of theatre and mystery continues throughout – but it’s not a gimmick and it adds rather than detracts to the performance, lifting the already fantastic music even higher. SKYND is a focal, fluid, weaving, strutting horror-doll complete with lashing ponytail, and she’s visually a jagged blend of beauty and nightmares you can’t keep your eyes off. The fanbase for SKYND is clearly growing, and the sky really is the limit for one of the scene’s most exciting acts.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
SKYND, Zetra