40,000 Leagues, Prognosis, Technologist, Nameless – Live
40,000 Leagues, Prognosis, Technologist, Nameless
Bank Top Tavern, Oldham
19/01/2024
Live Review by Oli Gonzalez
First gig of the year for me, and one that I couldn’t really miss to be fair! Especially one that featured some of my long standing favourites in the underground scene, bands centred around the alternative/progressive end of the metal spectrum. As well as some new talent for me. A new venue for me too; Bank Top Tavern, Oldham. This has become a crucial hub for underground music in the last 2 years or so, and we have James and Jayne Bennett to thank for that, and the rest of the behind the scenes crew at 0161 Manchester Underground Metal Community Promotions. Shame that the venue was a bit of a ball ache to find by car, being hidden behind a bingo hall slap bang in Oldham town centre, but I got there in the end. Might have been easier to get the tram, with the nearest station being all of 100 yards away. Talk about luxury!
Whilst the venue isn’t really designed for live music – at least from an aesthetic point of view – there was a certain buzz and clear community spirit here. A crowd of like-minded musos had gathered to rejoice in this shared love of live music. Afterall, isn’t that more important than venue cosmetics? Structurally, it’s very much an open plan design offering a decent view of the stage from almost anywhere. Plenty of room for a dance or mosh, or to sit down at the edges and back if you need to. A nice balance really and makes for an inclusive, accessible venue. Especially with the aforementioned tram stop within a stones throw. After a few meet and greets with some friends I hadn’t seen for a while, it was time for the music. First up, Nameless.
Nameless
A new band for me, but one with a following in the area. This was evident by the level of crowd engagement from those right at the front, some of whom were sporting the band’s merch. It seemed like a slightly nervy start, though they grew in confidence and began to move around the stage much more freely. I enjoyed the nu metal/late 90s style sound, a throwback to the likes of Deftones, Coal Chamber, and even Soulfly. They did a solid job of opening the evening’s festivities and the crowd were clearly more energized and awake in the latter stages of their set. Though they go by the title of ‘Nameless’, I’m sure those in attendance will remember their name for all the right reasons!
https://www.facebook.com/NAMELESSMusicUK
Technologist
“My mum says this jacket makes me sound good, does it?” asked Technologist’s standup comic/lead vocalist Andrew Lavender, mid set. Whilst he’s always the joker, he and the rest of the Manchester-based progressive death metal act are no joke on stage! Blending sophisticated compositional patterns, aesthetically pleasing melodies, and blatant balls-to-the-wall heaviness, they command respect whichever stage they perform on. They’ve clearly won the respect of many musicians in the local scene, many of which were in attendance and sporting the bands colours (including all of progressive rockers VMBRA). Some early technical issues were almost impossible to ignore (with the guitars seemingly disappearing for large parts of opening track ‘Brothers’). They overcame this though, and we were treated to a new track ‘Unbroken’ on this fine night. My patch collection had grown by one after a trip to the band’s merch desk after! Another great set! The band are in advanced stages of producing their debut album so keep an eye on their socials for details of this.
https://www.facebook.com/Technologistband
Prognosis
Almost 6 years since I saw the progressive metallers for the very first time, at a basement venue in Liverpool. In that time, they’ve undergone changes in their overall sound, moving from a more raw and gritty thrash inspired sound to a more refined and polished modern metal edge, but still ensuring that an experimental and progressive quality is an ever-present. The introduction of 8 string guitars and modelling amps delivering some bone crushing tones, alongside synth tracks to form the melodic centrepiece in parts have given the band more of a djent inspired aesthetic too.
For the most part, they sounded huge up there and this was clearly lapped up by the audience. Frontman Corban’s energy was palpable up there, as was that of guitarists Phil and Lewin. It was interesting to see the band remix an old hit ‘Drones’, in the band’s new modern style. Unfortunately, the execution was off here. It seemed as though the backing track was far too overpowering and the vocalists were clearly out of time and sync for this song. Whether this is a venue or mixing issue, or simply a bad day at the office, a few more shows like this would give the band more opportunities for refinement. Prognosis have had some such accolades and major festivals to their name, and undoubtedly have the potential to add to that for sure. After all, there’s a real a sleeping giant feel surrounding them.
As a sidenote, I arrived at the venue with no hat. I left with a Prognosis hat. I’m wearing this hat right now as I type this. I like this hat. Support local bands!
https://www.facebook.com/Prognosis1
40,000 Leagues
“40K! 40K! 40K!”. Clear crowd favourites and fitting headliners for the evening, especially with how many were singing their hearts out to their original tracks. Is there a better compliment for an artist? I’ve followed the quintet for a while and had the privilege of working with them back in my promoter days. I had always described them as ‘more of a hard rock band’ to others. However, they’ve slowly morphed into a heavier outfit, especially with the addition of 7 string guitars and breakdowns into their arsenal. Still, the band’s melodic spine remains salient, provided by some scorching lead guitar riffs and the fierce vocals of frontman Nathan. A larger than life character on stage who kept the crowd suitably entertained throughout, even whilst there was some technical difficulties. To the point where it felt like it was planned and not an improvised segment at all! The pits had opened and there was mild carnage. All good fun though. The addition of covers ‘Holy Diver’ and ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’ went down a storm with the crowd. Had it not been approaching midnight by time they had finished, I’m sure they’d have continued long into the night. A solid headline show, and truly earned.
https://www.facebook.com/40kLeagues
Overall, a fantastic night demonstrating the depth of talent in the underground scene and unrivalled community spirit. Especially on cold frosty night in January. A more than respectable turn out too. Who said nobody goes out in January? Follow the great work of the venue and 0161 MUMC below:
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
