Satan’s Satyrs kicked the night off with a unique, high-energy set, wasting no time in showing people what they were about. The Virginia-based quartet are a blend of doom, punk, and classic rock with a touch of glam sleaze, creating a sound that’s equal parts chaotic and captivating. Some songs carried the ominous groove of early Sabbath, while others leaned into a more swaggering, upbeat rock ‘n’ roll vibe, showing off their wide-ranging influences.
One of the most refreshing things about their set was their DIY attitude. After their set, the band were found running their own merch table, a rare sight at a venue as big as the O2 Ritz. It’s this hands-on approach that makes them feel so authentic, reinforcing the connection between artist and audience.
The mix on the night was solid, with a particularly punchy bass tone that cut through the wall of guitar fuzz beautifully. However, the vocals did sit a little too low, which made them hard to pick out at times. Despite that, they powered through any sound issues like pros, delivering a killer set packed with energy, groove, and grit.
This was their fifth time playing Manchester as an independent band, and it’s clear they’ve built something special. If tonight was anything to go by, they won’t be staying underground much longer.
If Satan’s Satyrs were all fire and fury, Unto Others brought a brooding intensity that turned the atmosphere on its head instantly. Their blend of gothic rock and heavy metal wrapped the room in a dark haze, with deep, resonant vocals shining through melodic yet crushing instrumentals. Unto Others proved that energy isn’t just about speed or aggression, it’s about mood, and they nailed it perfectly.
From the moment they stepped on stage, their presence was undeniable. Gabriel Franco’s vocals had that perfect mix of melancholy and power, shifting effortlessly between haunting croons and full-throated intensity. There was a sense of theatre to their performance in the best way, amplified by the moody lighting and their carefully crafted soundscapes.
What really stood out was their ability to balance stark emotional passages with heavier, more driving sections. The set had a natural ebb and flow, keeping things engaging without ever feeling repetitive. The audience was fully drawn in, swaying through the more atmospheric moments before erupting into headbanging when the riffs kicked in.
Unto Others proved once again that they’re a band with a unique ability to bridge gothic rock and heavy metal. Their performance was polished yet deeply emotive, and left a lasting impression on every person in the room.
Closing the night, Green Lung saw the level of performance that we’ve come to expect from them as fans, and surpassed it tenfold. Their mix of classic heavy metal, folk horror storytelling, and progressive rock flourishes created an immersive experience that had the crowd hooked from start to finish.
The energy in the room was undeniable. While their doom and classic rock influences were front and centre, they had a vibrancy that set them apart from more traditional doom bands. The moment they launched into their set, the crowd was right there with them, completely captivated by their eerie yet exhilarating sound.
A standout addition to the night was The Oosettes, whose backing vocals gave an extra layer of richness to songs like ‘May Queen’ and ‘Songs of the Stones’. Their harmonies added an almost ceremonial feel, elevating the band’s already grand, atmospheric sound.
Tom Templar commanded the stage with ease, blending occult-inspired theatrics with genuine charisma. His vocals soared over the band’s dynamic instrumentals, while the chemistry between band members was seamless. Every transition in their set felt effortless and purposeful.
The crowd’s response said it all. Fans across the rock and metal spectrum were united in appreciation, hanging onto every riff and chorus. Green Lung’s ability to pull in such a broad audience speaks to the strength of their songwriting and the power of their live show.
This was more than a mere gig, it was an experience from start to finish. Green Lung’s ability to translate their unique sound and aesthetic into such a compelling live show proves that they’re ready for even bigger stages.
The night was a perfect showcase of just how diverse and exciting heavy music can be. Satan’s Satyrs brought raw, untamed energy, Unto Others delivered gothic intensity, and Green Lung wrapped it all up with their spellbinding, doom-infused storytelling.
What made it truly special, though, was the connection between the bands and the audience. From start to finish, there was a shared energy that made the whole night feel bigger than just three sets, it was a celebration of heavy music in all its forms.
For those who missed it, this gig was a testament to how the underground scene is thriving, and these bands are leading the charge. If you haven’t seen them live yet, now’s the time.
Words: Vee Richardson Photos: Simon Arinze
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