Esprit D’Air – La Belle Angèle – Edinburgh 21st Feb 2023

22nd February 2023 0 By Jon Deaux

A mild night in the Scottish capital and I arrive at the venue at 6:30 pm. As I round the corner I’m amazed at the size of the queue. I wasn’t actually sure how many would be at this particular concert as I went with an open mind not knowing what to expect. It was busy.

The support act Diamond Black hit the stage at around 7:30 and surprised the hell out of me. This power trio were tremendous. Fronted by the Sisters Of Mercy‘s very own Ben Christo on vocals and guitar along with drummer Vincent Velazco (Pendragon, Gus G) and multi-talented bassist Adam Hart (whose bass tone could erupt active volcanos) provided the gathered masses with some Goth/AOR tinged music. I was very impressed.

Of course I’m here to witness Esprit D’Air. What I saw and experienced was something otherworldly.

Esprit D’Air (Kai) is the definition of DIY progressive Metalcore. I’m so glad I did absolutely no research on what to expect as I was totally immersed in the experience. The musicians Kai has selected to be on tour as his band (Kai IS Esprit D’Air on CD) have had to learn some incredibly technical music and learn it well.

Kais vocal range is simply fantastic, to go from absolute clean with a dynamic range to suddenly switch to death grunt coupled with screamo without blowing the vocal chords takes a massive amount of talent.

The setlist was predominantly the new critically acclaimed album Oceans (an essential purchase by the way) which features Dead Zone featuring Diamond Blacks vocalist Ben Christo. Kai and Ben work so well as a duo and their voices meld and weave around each other with no effort. (thank you to the original uploader for the video below)

(thank you to the original uploader). The audience celebrated Kai’s birthday with a rousing version of ‘Happy Birthday’. Kais band disappeared much to their surprise before reappearing with a vegan-friendly cake.

To finish the night off and Kai‘s birthday celebrations an incendiary version of Iron Maidens The Trooper. Simply brilliant.

The band put together to be Esprit D’Air was absolutely incredible and a special mention has to go to drummer Vincent of Diamond Black for playing 2 sets.

An incredible night was had with both bands putting on incredulous sets.

If you happen to see an advertisement or tour poster for Esprit D’Air and you’re a fan of technical metalcore, go along. You won’t be disappointed. I certainly wasn’t.