LIVE: Saor, Can Bardd, Domhain
Saor, Can Barrd, Domhain
Rebellion, Manchester
28/07/2024
Live Review by Oli Gonzalez
2014. Whether from a political, personal, or professional point of view, the world sure was a different place back then! A decade ago, Scotland’s own Saor released their masterpiece of an album, “Aura”, and on this night brought a special anniversary set for this here to Manchester. Brought to life by mastermind Andy Marshall, the band’s unique Caledonian Black Metal has won legions of fans and admirers locally, across Europe, and further afield! On this special occasion, two Black Metal acts Domhain and Cân Bardd were summoned as support. Though not a night of corpse paint and multiple references to Satan. No, all 3 were focused on the progressive, post and folk edge of this genre’s continuum. Truth be told, this was one I had circled in my calendar for months and could not wait to get down for this night’s festivities at Rebellion, Manchester, a venue I’ve lost count how many times I’ve frequented this year alone. Let’s get into it, with Northern Ireland’s Domhain kicking off proceedings
Domhain
It’s funny how something’s in life come full circle. Back in autumn 2023, I was introduced to the band via the medium of reviewing their EP “Nimue”. I described them as a sleeping giant then, and after seeing them in the flesh, I still hold that assertion! All the ingredients seem to be there for a successful career. A unique sonic quality elegantly shifting from soothing Shoegaze to skull shattering Doom, all with a delightful Black Metal undertone! The fierce growls from Andy and Anais’ calming ethereal vocals complement one another elegantly, adding to the bands signature sound.
Details matter, and with the custom light show and full length backdrop, this only enhanced the visual performance. We were even treated to a new track; ‘Feather From A Raven’s Breast’! When this does release, make sure you check out THAT guitar riff…you’ll know exactly what I mean when you hear it. The icing on the cake for a solid opening set!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Domhain.band
Cân Bardd
Next up, Switzerland’s Cân Bardd on what I believe was their first ever Manchester show! The lack of gimmicky outfits and just a simple yet devastatingly effective silhouette effect light show ensured that the focus was on the music.
As anticipated, the set was focused largely on hits from the “Devoured By The Oak” album…and why not?! It’s an absolute scorcher of an album! Hearing the title track to that album as well as the likes of ‘Une Corroune de Branches’ was an audible feast, with good old fashioned Black Metal ferocity infused with the band’s signature injection of Fantasy and Folk elements! Would it have been better to hear the lute and pipes instruments played live rather than via backing track ? Maybe. Will I see Cân Bardd again though? Hell yes! Please come back to Manchester!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanBardd
Saor
The moment we had all been waiting for, it was time for Saor.
The band’s leader Andy cut an imposing figure as he took his place on the stage, saying more with a single stare than many ever could in a 10 minute monologue! As did all the band members. No need for silly pandering to the crowd, just sitting back and letting their music do the talking. Let’s talk about that music then. Now, I’ve seen some quality over the years. Even in this venue alone, I’ve seen quality. Saor were an absolute juggernaut, forcefully inserting themselves right to the upper echelons of the finest sets I’ve had the pleasure to witness! There’s not many band’s like Saor at all! They’re special. Scorching blast beats, thumping bass lines, soaring leads and furious growled vocals are only a small portion of what make’s this band great. The presence of pipes and other traditional woodwind instruments played live and in the flesh by Ella add a much welcome flavour of authenticity and wonderful dimension to the bands overall sound. Genuinely, you can feel yourself being transported to the glorious mountains of Scotland and the luscious landscapes in your mind’s eye, such was the equally glorious atmospheric quality invoked by the quintet. A truly immersive experience!
My only gripe? I can’t help but think an album set would make more sense if it was played in track order, from start to finish. Though does it really matter? This takes nothing away from what was a phenomenal set! I definitely need to revisit this band and catch them live again!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saorofficial
So, what does the future hold for each of the 3 bands tonight ? Will we see a 10 year anniversary set for either or all of them in a decades time? That’s an idea I can get behind!
