Live Review : Wheel + Monosphere @ Rebellion, Manchester on November 19th 2024

On a freezing Tuesday night, fans of Wheel are treated to an extensive, value-packed set, rewarding those who braved the cold for the Finnish-based prog-metal band. For some, the dedication runs even deeper - like our Scottish mate, who made a 7-hour round trip from Scotland just to catch their performance!

First though we have tonight’s only support act Monosphere. Since their debut album ‘The Puppeteer’ back in 2021, the Mainz-based four-piece have been steadily building a reputation as one of Germany’s hottest prospects in prog and post-metal circles. Tonight, we’re here to see for ourselves whether they can rise to the hype. They take to the stage with a confident presence immediately grabbing the crowd’s attention and interest. Opening with a thundering intensity, their set dives straight into layered atmospheric and crushing riffs and beats that act as their signature sound. They’re heavily supported by layered backing tracks, but they generally help the band deliver a dense, textured soundscape that feels close to overwhelming at times, but undeniably powerful and subversive. Vocalist Kevin Ernst is the focal point with some standout guttural harsh vocals, but it’s the frontman’s anguished expression when delivering cleans that adds a theatrical extra layer of raw emotion to their performance. His cleans are arguably a bit thin though, but do bring that needed contrast with the stomping, churning rhythms and his own guttural roars, in turn creating an intriguing push and pull.

The set is heavy on atmosphere, but it feels like the music is holding back from fully breathing. The guitars are straightforward, and while the bass and drums drive the songs with a deep resonance, they lack technical complexity, leaning into a brooding simplicity instead. It’s atmospheric metal, but not extreme or sophisticated enough to satisfy alone. There’s still something compelling in the tension the promise of a band that’s still discovering its full potential. Though the set feels a touch too long and at times weighed down by its own ambition, Monosphere’s conviction is undeniable, blending influences while steadily evolving into a band on the cusp of something, but how far they’ll go we’ll eagerly wait to see.

And so to the headliners Wheel. They triumphantly take to the stage one by one, strong silhouettes against the bright backlighting. The drums and bass begin opener ‘Fugue’ as Jussi Turunen makes his way across the stage, before frontman James Lascelles makes his way on and takes in the crowd’s cheers before settling into the song. Their set showcases the intricate musicality they’re well known for. The basslines nimbly dance across the fretboard with precision and flair. Santeri Saksala provides a masterclass on the drums, demonstrating metronomic precision, seamlessly shifting into bursts of tribal syncopation, adding layers of rhythmic intrigue. Lascelles delivers vocals that are both delicate and powerful, soaring above the mix with clarity and emotion. His singing evokes shades of Maynard James Keenan, amplifying the emotive and expansive sound further with each melody. Each song combines atmospheric, churning technicality with unexpected catchiness - a balance reminiscent of Karnivool and Tool, yet Wheel are totally their own beast.

The verses built around rumbling yet intricate basslines, syncopated drums, and delicate clean vocals, steadily grow into climactic choruses, marked by angular guitars and rasping vocal peaks. However, the warmth of the bass feels subdued in the mix tonight, certainly compared to the relentless drive I’ve heard at earlier gigs, creating moments where the energy wanes. While the overall performance is technically brilliant, it occasionally lacks a spark of enthusiasm to jolt the crowd even further. But there’s a transparent authenticity that translates from recording to live performance, as the band confidently walk the line between intricate prog-metal precision and emotive rawness.

Fans of The Ocean will always find plenty to love with these guys, but Wheel carve out a unique space with additional nods to grunge, post-rock, and Gojira-like grandeur. They’re the real deal…they wheely are.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Wheel + Monosphere