Svalbard, Cage Fight, Knife Bride – LIVE
Svalbard, Cage Fight, Knife Bride
Rebellion, Manchester
November 20th 2025
Live Review by Oli Gonzalez
Bittersweet. A sense of pleasure tinged with sadness and pain. Which perfectly encapsulates this Thursday night in Manchester as Bristol’s Post-hardcore icons Svalbard were playing the final few notes of ‘Greyscale’, the final notes of their last ever Manchester show. The band have touched many hearts and ruffled a few feathers over a decade and a half long career with their unapologetic and outspoken themes, and for their sharp lyrics that go straight to the jugular. On this painfully close to selling out show, they enlisted the support of two up and coming acts in the UK’s metal scene who may well fill the void Svalbard are going to leave behind. The first of which took to the stage at 7:30 sharp…
Knife Bride
A new entity for many, this meant only one opportunity to make a lasting impression. They took that opportunity with an interesting and exciting blend of Shoegaze, Progressive and Post-Metal experimentation, as well as good old fashioned Metalcore rhythms. Fronted by the energetic and enthusiastic vocalist Mollie, the band made for an entertaining but short 30 minute set, one that led me wanting to discover more of the band’s work post-show.
https://www.facebook.com/knifebride
Cage Fight
It’s a minor miracle that the band were able to perform on this night. This was due to the band’s guitarist for the evening being entirely seated as he had damaged his leg a few days prior. That would have been a valid reason for cancellation but fair play for not wanting to let his bandmates or paying customers down. As such, this didn’t feel like the usual Cage Fight show we’ve come to expect. This line-up change may have been responsible for what seemed to be an overpowering bass, Rachel’s vocalist getting lost in the mix, and an overall lack of energy and connection from the crowd.
https://www.facebook.com/cagefightldn
Svalbard
Finally, the moment had come. Svalbard’s final Manchester show! A setlist comprised of songs from their earlier work (‘Greyscale’, ‘For The Sake Of The Breed’) as well as hits from “When I Die Will I Get Better?” and “The Weight Of The Mask”, as well as the band’s final ever single ‘If We Could Still Be Saved’ felt fitting and expertly documented the band’s history. The band’s glassy Shoegaze style guitar riffs were staples in the band’s show, as well as drummer Mark’s underrated drumming masterclass, along with the tandem vocal attack from both Liam and Serena. Serena explained in her usually soft spoken style that the band are finishing on good terms and are still friends, as opposed to bands who ‘go on forever and hate each other’, in her words. The silver lining on an emotional farewell show to their fans in the city.
https://www.facebook.com/svalbarduk
Being somewhat introverted, normally talking to the band members after the show would fill me with anxiety. This was no different but I couldn’t not take the chance to tell Serena how much the band’s music has meant to me over the years. I remember discovering the band’s music when, quite frankly, I was going through hell on earth! Songs like ‘Silent Restraint’ made me feel as though someone understood me and gave a voice for those intense emotions I felt at that time. As such, I thanked Serena for her band’s music and wanted her to know how it affected me. There’s no denying I’ll miss Svalbard, but I’m happy they’re ending on good terms. Maybe a reunion gig in the future?
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