Live Review : Alcest + Svalbard + Doodseskader @ Academy 2, Manchester on December 12th 2024

And here we are, yet another intriguing package tour bringing together three bands that exist within this genre but are doing decidedly different and inventive things within its conventions. Alcest, Svalbard and Doodseskader all distinctly exist within our world, but all feel duty-bound to stretch and contort its conservative confines. The former act as headliner for this jaunt, and even though they last dropped anchor in this very room just over 12 months ago, this distinctly unconventional cavalcade draws a mighty impressive crowd for a Wednesday night this close to Christmas.

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.

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.