Live Review : Barns Courtney + The Struts + James Bruner @ Albert Hall, Manchester on October 1st 2024

Whilst on the face of it this tour may come across as a bit of a hodgepodge of a package, there is a defining factor that links all three acts. That is highly charismatic front men. James Bruner, Luke Spiller and Barns Courtney may all exist in their own distinct musical universes, but they share a compelling magnetism that is absolutely captivating. When each of them are on the stage they are like attention hoovers wielding a gravitational pull that sucks all the interest towards them. They all have the innate ability to hold an audience in their hands and it is that allure that makes this evening so fascinating.

Live Review : Apocalyptica + The Raven Age @ Albert Hall, Manchester on September 29th 2024

Apocalyptica have spent over 25 years refusing to be typecast. Starting life as a classical style Metallica tribute act, their 1996 debut “Plays Metallica by Four Cellos” remains one of the most stunningly unique albums ever released. A further eight albums over a nearly 30-year career has seen them bring in a drummer and vocalist, write their own material and firmly break out of the mould of novelty cover act. All of which makes the decision to record a second Metallica cover album and tour it with a set list made up of exclusively Metallica covers both baffling and bold.

Live Review : Elvana + Unholey @ Albert Hall, Manchester on January 27th 2023

My first gig of 2023 and truth be told I am really not feeling it tonight. It is a major struggle to leave the house and I take with me some heavy thoughts but I arrive in time for the end of the Unholey set. Unholey are twin sisters Charlotte and Stephanie from Newcastle. I recognise them straightaway. They are the backing singers for Elvana and although they can sing, I have a rational (or irrational depending on your opinion) hatred of Hole, and anything associated with Courtney Love.

Live Review : Sleep Token + Northlane @ Albert Hall, Manchester on January 19th 2023

It’s time for me to hit a new venue, as I’ve never stepped foot in Manchester’s Albert Hall before. We get to the entrance queue, and to say it’s insanely long would be an understatement. Fortunately, I can get in and up the stairs as Northlane start-up with opener ‘Clarity’. They are bouncy and energetic from the start with their futuristic look, lighting and vibe, and are a band that has evolved an awful lot over the years. With the last two albums, “Obsidian” and “Alien”, you can see the greater electronic influence, and opportunity to further afford vocalist Marcus Bridge to establish his soaring clean vocals and raw screams.

Live Review : The Sisters Of Mercy + A.A. Williams @ The Albert Hall, Manchester on March 7th 2020

There was a lot of discussion in the virtual ROCKFLESH office (essentially a messenger thread) about whether we should be covering this show at all. There were those that argued that Goth was separate to our world and those (me) that put forward the alternative opinion that Goth and Metal have had an entwined relationship over the decades and whilst separate genres, do have a symbiotic connection. There has been metalheads that have dabbled in the forbidden (and better dressed) pleasures of goth (including myself) and goths that have crossed the divide over into Metal.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Stewart Lucas8 March 2020Albert HallSister Of Mercy, Albert HallComment

Live Review : Sunn O))) + Anna Von Hausswolff @ The Albert Hall, Manchester on October 27th 2019

Anna Von Hausswolff is the personification of effortless cool. She alludes such arty coolness that she makes everyone else in room seem like gorky teenagers with haircuts courtesy of their mums. She and her band of equally hip dudes started slowly and ethereally. There is no typical drums or bass here and the solitary ghostly notes meander their way across the majestic setting of Manchester’s Albert Hall.

Live Review : Ministry + Chelsea Wolfe @ The Albert Hall, Manchester, July 30th 2018.

It’s starting to become de rigueur, to shoot for a racing jaunt into Manchester. Manchester's live scene is so far ahead of my own city’s it is depressing. The Frenchman is in good spirits with a bit of long overdue good news in a what has been a fairly awful year for both of us. The car seems in good shape despite a quick check under the hood. Neither of us have been to the Albert Hall before and as ever, we are absurdly early. It sits in a row of upmarket bars on the north side of Deansgate. They have completely overlooked the plus one request and just confirmed the photographer. After some negotiation I get in on a press pass. The venue is upstairs. The Hall lies somewhere between a hollowed out church and a unused court. It has high sided balconies and is all dark wood. Bars line either side of the theatre and are slightly overpriced even in the live music realm.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Paul Flett22 July 2018Albert HallChelsea Wolfe, Ministry, Al Jourgensen, Albert Hall, Manchester, 2018Comment