Damnation and Night Of Salvation Preview
Damnation and Night Of Salvation Preview
01/11/2024 – 02/12/2024
Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester
Preview by Oli Gonzalez
We go again! It’s that time of year when some of the finest extreme and left-field acts in the world descend upon the Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC) Manchester. Despite what some may consider some teething problems in previous additions here, the festival has developed a phenomenal reputation and a partizan-like following since with 1000 tickets selling on the very first day (before a band had even been announced)! It’s no wonder given the dedication that Gavin and the team demonstrate time after time, and their commitment to doing the right thing for their loyal fan base. Given the speed that tickets are being purchased, there’s a material risk of this weekend celebration selling out. If you haven’t got yours, maybe this will give you the final nudge you need!
(Disclaimer: the line up and bands mentioned are accurate at the time of writing; 06.10.2024).
Blistering UK Exclusives and Damnation Debuts
Damnation chief Gavin McInally reported that the pressure was on to deliver and repay the faith for those who had supported the festival by purchasing tickets ‘blind’. What a way to treat that fan base with multiple gargantuan UK and European exclusive sets! Turning back the clock and reliving the early metalcore days, Bleeding Through return to the UK after several years with an exclusive play through of 2003’s “This Is Love, This Is Murderous”. What makes this set more remarkable is that they’ll be performing on Headbangers Boat only 48 hours or so prior to this, so will be jetting halfway across the world especially for us in the UK! Nails reasserted themselves back onto the extreme metal scene and got tongues moving with the stunning release of “Every Bridge Burning” this September. There surely will be limbs swinging and bodies flying over the barriers like homing missiles in a set that will be pure carnage. If neither Powerviolence nor old-school Metalcore are your thing, Russian Circles will bring their brand of instrumental post-rock to the main stage in their first ever appearance at the festival.
Old School Rituals and Kabuki Drops
Making their Damnation debut are British extreme Metal legends Cradle Of Filth, a band that need very little introduction. What is an old school ritual, you may ask? Maybe songs from “Midian”, “Dusk And Her Embrace”? Who knows? What is for certain is that Cradle always delivers a stunning live performance and it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll take full advantage of the resources available to them at the BEC this November and will deliver a memorable cinematic performance. Another band set to deliver an elaborate theatrical performance (and who can also be abbreviated as COF) are Czechia’s Cult Of Fire! Headlining the Black Metal themed Cult Never Dies stage on the Friday evening. A quick visit to YouTube will give you an idea of what their live show is all about, a show which will feature a stunning kabuki drop in what will be one for the memory bank.
‘I was there’ Moments!
Ask any Damnation fan what their fondest memory of the festival was, and there’ll be a few likely suspects. Bolt Thrower’s 2014 headline set, Cult Of Luna and Julie Christmas’ rare “Mariner” set, or perhaps even Nordic Giants’ breathtaking opening performance of 2023’s edition. After this year’s addition, there’ll be another moment fans will fondly discuss; Dragged Into Sunlight’s “Hatred For Mankind” set which marks a return to the stage after a half-decade hiatus! Perhaps the most hotly anticipated set of the weekend, this announcement got tickets shifting and bank accounts emptied in what will be reportedly the final ever performance of the band’s seminal album.
German Progressive Metal The Ocean also announced that this will be the final performance of one of their proudest works, “Pelagial”. It’s easy to see why the festival organisers described this as ‘an offer we couldn’t refuse’ as we will also see some significant line-up changes after the final note of this special set has been played. Just make sure the band stay away from any nearby balconies (if you know, you know!).
Dedicated Album Sets
As is tradition, the weekend will feature multiple album sets. In addition to those already mentioned, Australian progressive-metallers Ne Obliviscaris celebrate 10 years of “Citadel”, Employed To Serve play homage to their breakthrough album “Conquering”, whilst Poland’s Decapitated headline A Night Of Salvation with 2004’s blistering effort “The Negation”. Album sets that you will not see anywhere else in the world!
Access?
In the name of transparency, the BEC isn’t the most convenient place to get to, though it’s certainly not the hardest either! Yes, it’s in an industrial estate just outside central Manchester. Though you have a ridiculously consistent and reliable tram service running ‘til long after the headline band and the nearest stop being around 10 minutes’ walk away. The arena is simple to navigate with maybe 100 yards absolute maximum between each stage! There’s a range of food vendors catering to many different dietary needs, as well as a seating area outside should you need to take a break. While other festivals can feel overwhelming and daunting in size, Damnation is a more compact and welcoming affair.
Final Thoughts
With a killer lineup featuring exclusive sets that you may never get a chance to see ever again at a ridiculously competitive price, now may well be the time to grab your ticket before the meter slides over to sold out!
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Disclaimer: This preview is solely the property of Rory Bentley and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this preview, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
