Skarlett Riot, Phoenix Lake, Dacara – Rebellion, Manchester 09:02:2025 Live Review

First impressions. You get chance to make one, and one only. My first impression of Skarlett Riot was formed at Bloodstock 2022, during THAT year of the heatwave. The band were promoted to Sunday’s main stage opening slot very late on to fill the slot vacated by Life Of Agony. Whilst their set was respectable, I equally felt there was much more that they could have offered.
Though you should never judge a book by its cover (all the clichés are flying) and tonight would be Skarlett Riot’s headline set alongside tour partners Phoenix Lake and budding local support Dacara, in a night showcasing bands centered around melodic metalcore and alternative metal theme. Would this headline slot – with the inherent extra attention to details to their sound and a more intimate smaller venue – offer a better insight into what Skarlett Riot are truly capable of ? Let’s see…

Dacara
“This isn’t normal”, I thought to myself.
Even if it was a hometown show for the opening act, there were many draped in the band’s T-shirts and a queue forming at their merch stand before they had even played a note. Normally you see the empty semi-circle of doom emerge for the opening band, a vacant space of no engagement or interest. Not for Dacara, no. This space was very much occupied and alive! Hair was flinging wildly, heads were banging and bodies were moving throughout the whole of Rebellion in a 30-minute set that felt too short. Is it any wonder? Offering an industrial nu-metal sound with a fresh and sharp modern twist, the production values were sublime, far exceeding what you’d expect for a band at this level.
Whilst the music was punishing and heavy, vocalist Emma offered a more aesthetic and radio-friendly accessible tone in her voice. Both she and backing vocalist David could handle the more aggressive growling vocals when required though! You could see many singing along also which was an additional nod to the band’s emerging popularity! Visually, this was stunning, especially given the synchronized light display and custom screens to offer additional engagement (even if they did sadly cut out for a short period). The only slight on what was otherwise a solid opening set!

Phoenix Lake
What happens if your vocalist loses their voice prior to the show? You either cancel or get your drummer to play host and take over crowd interaction duties. Phoenix Lake chose the latter in an awesome the-show-must-go-on effort. As such, we knew this wasn’t going to be them at their very best. Still, this was a more than adequate introduction to and positive first impression of the band. I really enjoyed the progressive metal vibe combined with the subtle symphonic element. Much like Within Temptation; melodic and aesthetic yet has enough venom to ensure caution when handling. Speaking of venom, some of the blazing lead guitar riffs and solos were worth the price of admission alone, clearly doing his homework in crafting superior tones. Vocalist Lara was a trooper and, despite being in physical discomfort, gave a good performance. Being drowned out slightly by the instruments at times was more than understandable. I’m pretty sure I’ll be making my way to the Sophie stage this summer at Bloodstock or to schedule time to see them again at Mangata Festival, or both!

Skarlett Riot
Here we were, 2.5 years since first laying eyes on the band. Away from the scorching fields of Catton Hall Park, and here in Rebellion only 2 miles from my home to witness Skarlett Riot again. Spoiler alert; this set was far FAR superior to that Sunday in August 2022!
With due respect to the support acts this performance represented a clear step up in class and quality! In particular with Chloe’s vocal ability, her voice soared majestically above a flawless live mix. The band’s bassist offered tremendous support with his thunderous backing vocals (we learned that he had basically had to learn to do this on the fly making this even more impressive).
If you’re going to check out Skarlett Riot and have time for one song only, make it ‘Black Cloud’. An infectious number dripping in raw sentiment, a burst of encouragement to endure and keep on going during times of struggle and when you’re feeling low as things will get better! I’m listening to it now as I write this, but seeing this in the flesh amplified that emotional output tenfold and felt more special. Speaking of special, let’s talk about moments you can’t download or experience digitally.

The house lights went down, the room illuminated by only camera phone light as the pace of the show slowed right down in a much slower and calmer ballad. This was Chloe’s wish to create a special intimate moment made only possible here in the intimacy of Rebellion and would have been impossible to pull off at Bloodstock all those years ago. Despite the dimly lit room, the band’s undeniable talent shone brighter than ever in a true ‘I was there’ moment. The crowd finally erupted into a good old-fashioned pit towards the end of what was truly a wonderful set. The band returns to Manchester this Halloween; I’d like to be there.

A solid evening demonstrating insight into the UK’s vastly deep talent pool with the underground scene. Some bands I had seen before, some I hadn’t. All of which I now have tremendous respect and admiration for.