What better way to spend Friday 13th than at a post-black/shoegaze show in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland. Descending upon the bustling city are French post-black sorcerers Alcest accompanied by post-hardcore/progressive metallers Svalbard and sludgey experimental duo Doodseskader.
Kicking proceedings off is Doodseskader (“death squad”), a sludge/post-metal experimental two-piece from Belgium. Trudging, sludgy sections of sheer aggression supported by maniacal hardcore vocals with the addition of jarring electronica and nu-metal elements. Raw emotion, rage and attitude are at the forefront of this band’s intentions and although this was an unusual band to open the show, it certainly peaked the crowd’s interests.
Svalbard enters the stage with a subtle elegance before unleashing their densely progressive shoegaze power onto the crowd. Balancing intricate guitarwork, impassioned screams, roars and soaring cleans with constantly shifting time signatures and thunderous drums. Lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist Serena commands the stage with grace and ease, interacting with the crowd in a warm and friendly manner. Her vocal style ranges between screams and cleans which compliments rhythm guitarist and co-vocalist Liam Phelan’s guttural growls perfectly.
The night, however, was not without its humour as after the second song of the night, Serena let the crowd in on a “not so fun fact” about herself. She informed everyone that she was, in fact colour blind, especially with the colour red and kindly asked the light technician to not use red lights as “I couldn’t see a fucking thing for the last two songs.” Sure enough, the lights for the rest of the set were every colour other than red.
Ploughing through track after track, the band paused for a moment to reminisce about playing guitar as teenagers with Slipknot posters on their wall before launching into “Defiance.” Serena is softly spoken but showcases her sheer power and musical prowess whilst in performance mode, a juxtaposition which is admirable.
The crowd evidently enjoyed the show; a mix of weathered fans and newcomers headbanging, singing and jumping to the music, catching the vibe and reciprocating the energy back to the stage before Svalbard leave to a rambunctious applause.
If you like what we do, consider joining us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
A brief reprieve ensues before the night’s headlining act begins. The stage is being set and there is a subtle buzz of anticipation in the air. The lights dim and the bright glow of the moon lights up the stage, framed by two mystical birds and feathered reeds. A celestial God illuminating Neige and the rest of Alcest as they float onto the stage.
Alcest shows hit differently from other metal and metal-adjacent shows. Despite the black metal elements which are prevalent throughout their material, not one mosh-pit erupted, no crowd surfers or walls of death. Alcest bring an otherworldly power to their shows, a religious experience with ethereal atmosphere where each attendee experiences a spiritual awakening. Heads may bang slowly, and hands may be raised to the skies in unison but the crowd also sways and floats with the band and their enigmatic energy.
Mystery, intrigue, beauty and brutality shroud Alcest as they play a mixture of new material and old. Tracks from new album Les Chants de l’Aurore such as “Komorebi,” “L’Envol” and “Flamme jumelle” to fan favourites such as “Protection” and “Sapphire” from Spiritual Instinct, each song was welcomed by the crowd with a fevered hunger and need.
The highlight of the night however came in the form of the last track; the aptly named “L’Adieu.” Evoking emotion from the crowd throughout their entire set, this became even more palpable when Neige invited the crowd to vocalise along with him whilst alone on stage. A magical and intimate moment shared between the artist and his fans, one of which will not be easily forgotten.
A sign of a good live performance is when all sense of time has been lost. Time stands still yet accelerates all at once. As Alcest leave the stage, they are met with thunderous applause and an electrifyingly emotive atmosphere. A truly unique adventure which everyone should have the privilege of experiencing.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Photos by Angela Heeb
