LIVE FROM THE PIT: Voivod, Midnight and Cryptosis

Some bands clearly need no introduction. VOIVOD are clearly progressive thrash metal legends, and are definitely capable of selling clubs wherever they go. Pair them with  blackened thrash heroes MIDNIGHT, and an appetising yet bizarre menu is set. Unusually, Rebellion hosted this co-headline monolith which is strange as the iconic Manchester venue rarely hosts shows where more than one headliner is involved in, so not only is the lineup slightly random, with having blackened death metallers CRYPTOSIS open the night, the Mancunian live music staple had a brand new challenge as well, making for a fascinating evening that was easily one of the most energetic the venue has ever had. 

After being let in at Seven in the evening, even though most people expected to be let in an hour prior, the room, which could fit in a few hundred people, started filling up in no time. At half past, CRYPTOSIS took to the stage, and immediately left no prisoners. The incredibly skilled three-piece kept the crowd engagement to a near minimum, letting the music speak for itself, which worked incredibly well. This has been a common theme throughout most of the evening up until the second headliners came on.

There were a few speeches though, notably frontman Laurens Houvast thanked the crowd, which at this point in their set, at just about halfway done, for showing up this well and early. The audience at that point rammed the venue, almost filling the club up completely, showcasing how hungry the audience was for a night packed with brutal riffs and vocals. Finishing their set with Transcendence, the three-piece proved that not only is their music irresistibly catchy, but it is also melodic and energises the audience as if CRYPTOSIS supplied an opening performance akin to 45 minutes of a constant supply of your favourite energy drink. 

After a short wait, the first headliner of the night, which was the black n roll band MIDNIGHT, came onstage to one of the biggest ovations Rebellion has surely ever had. With the church bells tolling  in the background, the hooded and somewhat masked three-piece ran onstage, and from that moment on, the American outfit delivered a co-headline set that would be almost impossible to beat. There were constant crowdsurfers and a moshpit that never stopped for a second. Seeing this, the band matched the energy with two of the members stepping on an elevated platform musicians use to gesture to the audience, but this time, on top of this, the members of the anonymous outfit started slapping the speakers on each side of the stage.

Musically, this band is near flawless live. The solos are exceptional and the drumming is exceptional, especially the blast beats. Songs such as Necromania caused a wave of energy and passion of the likes you will only ever see at a hardcore gig. Proving that not only this set was a monumental success, but that MIDNIGHT must return, as every single person in the room chanted the band name constantly at every opportunity they got in their set. A audiovisual sight that is rarely seen at a show of this calibre. 

Once MIDNIGHT finished, a slightly longer wait begun as the crowd eagerly awaited for the legendary VOIVOD to hit the stage, and when they did, fist bumps and handshakes were given constantly between each member apart from drummer Michel “Away” Langevin. Already proving that no matter what happens, this set will be a undisputed triumph before the opening track even starts. Once the set-opener Experiment did begin, just as the crowd did with the previous act, the moshing was instant. This time though, there were maybe two crowd surfers throughout the set.

Musically, the four-piece are unbelievable, with guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrainbeing the clear highlight of the set. Another moment that stood out was the fact that a cover of a PINK FLOYD track, Astronomy Domine was performed. This showcased just how unorthodox this thrash and progressive metal hybrid band is, and evening in general, has been. This cover won the attendees even more, and encouraged the outfit to play an extra song. This ended the night on the best possible way for the mega fans of the progressive thrash outfit, which clearly adored this performance. 

This evening was a showcase of a band that at this point is considered as a classic act, and two bands that are current, and clearly younger. This created a fascinating contrast between all three acts, but one that evidently worked better than it should have. With both headliners delivering sets that were both engaging and energetic, the audience clearly thought that this was a win, and was one that Rebellion will remember for the foreseeable future.

Words: Itay Gilad

Photos: Ace Cheng