Live Review : Alcest + The Devil's Trade @ Academy 2, Manchester on October 15th 2023

Manchester has become a veritable post-metal paradise. Alongside its own burgeoning scene, we’ve got Alcest tonight, Cult of Luna passing through on Thursday and Damnation festival taking up residency in under three weeks, bringing with them Nordic Giants, Maybeshewill, and the emotionally wrought juggernaut that is Amenra (if you haven't done so, get your tickets now). However, if I'm honest I will be struggling to find 45 minutes more scintillating and mind-blowing than the ones I get to spend with tonight's opening act, The Devils Trade.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Stewart Lucas17 October 2023The OutpostAlcest, The Devil's Trade, Academy 2, Manchester, 2023, Live Review, Stewart Lucas, Johann WierzbickiComment

Live Review : Alcest + Birds In Row + Kælan Mikla @ Gorilla, Manchester on March 5th 2020

Kælan Mikla are an interesting proposition. This Icelandic trio come across as a mismatch of Fever Ray, Bjork and the Perturbator. Its all dark, synthy and haunting. Like the soundtrack of some forgotten eighties Vampire movie. The rapidly filling Gorilla take to them instantly and the audience reaction grows as the sold out crowd file in from the cold Mancunian night.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Stewart Lucas7 March 2020GorillaAlcest, Birds In Row, Kælan Mikla, Gorilla, Manchester, 2020, Live Review, Stewart Lucas, Johann WierzbickiComment