Alcest, Svalbard, Doodeskader – Manchester Academy 2 – 12.12.2024

French post-metal act Alcest forcefully reinserted themselves into the consciousness of metal fans this summer with the critically acclaimed release of “Les Chats de l’aurore”. Now with those warmer days spent in the festival fields seeming like a distant memory in the British winter, the passion project of mastermind ‘Naige’ had made its way to the UK as part of the European tour to promote this release. Enlisting the support of British blackened hardcore powerhouse Svalbard and Belgian experimental metal act Doodeskader ensured this was going to be a night with most metal subgenres accounted for, those certainly veering towards the niche and left field. Having missed the opportunity to see Alcest just over a year previously, this was a chance for redemption, and an opportunity to see a truly seminal and leading act.

We had received notice that doors had been pushed back to 7 pm a few days prior (a change that been communicated very well I must add). This may have accounted for what appeared to be an oddly quiet Academy 2 room for the opening act, especially with those traveling and battling the mid-week rush hour traffic for the only Northern English leg of this tour. The clock struck 7.30, the lights went down, and it was time for our opening performance.

 

Doodeskader

Roughly translating as ‘Deathsquad’ in English, the Belgian act was an unknown entity to me, though learning that this was essentially the side project for Amenra’s Tim De Gieter was an instant seal of approval for me. Also learning that their style blended hip-hop and sludge metal raised my eyebrows. Curiosity enthralled me. Well, this exceeded my expectations I must say! Consisting of only drums and bass, they sure made themselves sound so full and heavy, as heavy as a 5piece death metal band. I’ll admit, I was wriggling and jiggling more than I thought I would be, as I witnessed others doing. The sparse attendance was a little disappointing but what can you do? For me though, it was the visual aspect that was most intriguing. In particular, the backdrop with what was essential a lyric video for each song. It’s a masterstroke really as it makes you feel so much more connected to the music, rather than having a static band logo. Something I do wonder if more bands should incorporate into their music. 30 minutes felt way too short for them, which sums up what a positive impression they made

 

Svalbard

Anybody who’s engaged in a conversation with me lasting for less than 1 minute will know of my admiration for this band. I’m sure they had many other similar admirers tonight given the quantity of people sporting their merch, as well as how large a crowd had assembled near to the barrier.

After slogging away in the underground for several years, the band are appearing on tours and festival lineups across the globe, from Australia, Japan, Eastern Europe, and tonight roughly 3 miles from my home here in Manchester. Vocalist Serena later spoke of her admiration for the city given how a visit here many years ago watching Slipknot was her maiden metal concert (their song ‘Eternal Spirits’ which featured on this night was dedicated to late drummer Joey Jordison – rest in power, sir).

2023 was a special year for Svalbard that saw the maiden release of “The Weight Of The Mask” the first on the renowned label Nuclear Blast. The set tonight featured many songs from this album, showcasing the more refined polished modern side of them musically. Though older songs such as ‘Disparity’ and ‘For The Sake Of The Breed’ were a nod to the band’s more primitive and hardcore roots, and a testament to Svalbard’s no-nonsense fearless approach to providing a much-needed commentary on society’s toughest issues. How vocalist Serena could be a sheer force of nature on that stage yet shift into a softly spoken, smiley, genuinely grateful sweetheart when addressing the crowd in between songs was remarkable. Guitarist/vocalist Liam is just as crucial a component in a tandem vocal assault, whilst the thunderous and underrated backline contributions from both drummer Mark and bassist Matt held the fort for Liam and Serena to work their magic. Overall, a fitting reminder of why Svalbard is such a revered and respected quantity in the UK’s metal scene.

Alcest

The main event. Just marveling at the rather impressive stage set let you know that Alcest meant business tonight, on an EU/UK tour that was now reaching its end. A set consisting of a full moon and life-size bird props, a fitting testament to the band’s latest album artwork. The light display suitably enhanced the music adding much welcome dynamism and atmosphere.

Musically, this was simply a 100-minute post-metal masterclass! Whether it’s a crack of the snare drum, the pulsating strike of the bass, or a gorgeously aesthetic lick of the atmospherically driven guitars, you just knew every single note was as valuable and crucial as the last in the mix, creating an overall densely layered and textured mix. This a testament to the creative genius of frontman, guitarist, and chief songwriter Neige.  Vocally, I had seen some clips of him via the power of YouTube. If I’m honest, I don’t think these videos showcased his vocal abilities in the best way, especially compared to what I saw tonight. Honestly, his voice here was flawless! Haunting, ethereal, and soothing, his voice’s capacity to heal broken hearts and souls should be studied! Though his fierce growls point to his black metal roots and when used sparingly add an extra welcome layer of emotional depth to a performance already dripping in raw human sentiment. Much like Svalbard’s Serena, Neige was so softly spoken, simply saying ‘thank you’ between songs. Perhaps a man who prefers to let his music do his talking? The set choice employed a stellar blend of older classics (‘Souvenirs d’un autre monde’) to satiate the appetite of older fans and whilst more recent singles (‘L’Envol’, ‘Flamme Jumelle’) to satiate more recent discoverers of Alcest’s stellar discography. I scanned the room a number of times and I saw the attendees doing one of three things; people singing along with arms in the air, smiling and swaying like an uncle at a wedding, or a few who were sobbing unable to control their emotions. Or if you’re like me, you were doing all 3 at some point.

 

Final Thoughts

A moment of reflection on the tram ride home, as I held and marveled at my prized at my newly acquired band merch, as well as allowing the newly formed memories to consolidate in my mind. A new band discovery, the chance to see one of my all-time favorites, and the pleasure of seeing a seminal act in the genre, Christmas came early for me that night.