Review and Photography by Manuela Langotsch
Last week at the sold out London’s Islington Assembly Hall, support act Silverburn delivered an electrifying performance. Fronted by James ‘Jimbob’ Isaac, the band – a debut solo project of Isaac since 2020 – showcased their unique blend of rock and metal, leaving the audience in awe and craving more.
As the lights dimmed and the first chords rang out, the crowd erupted. Isaac’s commanding stage presence was immediately evident. His powerful vocals set the tone for the night, capturing the audience’s attention from the get-go.
The haunting melodies and atmospheric lighting created an almost otherworldly experience. Isaac’s vocal range was on full display, seamlessly transitioning from deep, gritty lows to soaring highs.
The new tracks from the album ‘Self Induced Transcendental Annihilation’ were received with enthusiasm, hinting at a promising future for Silverburn.
The rhythm section, comprising bassist Ross Barrington and drummer Adam French Henderson, was rock-solid throughout the night. Their tight performance provided a strong foundation for the more melodic elements, allowing the band’s sound to remain balanced and dynamic.
Overall, Silverburn’s performance was a fantastic modern rock and metal show. Jimbob Isaac’s dynamic frontmanship, combined with the band’s exceptional musicianship, created an unforgettable experience. For fans and newcomers alike, Silverburn proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.
Up next was the legendary metal trio High on Fire, crushing riffs since 1998, as their Instagram profile states. They delivered a blistering set that captivated the crowd. Known for their heavy, sludge-filled sound and relentless energy, High on Fire did not disappoint, providing an extraordinary night of raw power and unbridled intensity.
From the moment they hit the stage with “Burning Down,” the crowd was swept into a frenzied state. Frontman Matt Pike’s gravelly vocals and crushing guitar riffs cut through the air like a battle cry, setting the tone for an evening of pure metal mayhem.
The setlist spanned their impressive catalogue, included the epic “Snakes for the Divine” – a sprawling track that encapsulates everything High on Fire stands for. Each song was delivered with a ferocity that showcased the band’s incredible musicianship. Coady Scott Willis’ drumming was a force of nature, providing a thunderous backbone to every track.
Bassist Jeff Matz held down the low end with gritty, driving bass lines that added depth and dimension to their wall of sound. His interplay with Pike’s guitar work was a testament to the tight-knit chemistry of the band.
Despite the heavy and often dark themes of their music, the atmosphere at the venue was one of camaraderie and shared passion.
The band poured every ounce of their energy into the final moments, leaving the stage to thunderous applause and chants for more. For fans of Heavy Metal, High on Fire remains a must-see live act, continuing to set the standard for metal performances.
Set List – High on Fire
- Karanlik Yol (from tape)
- Burning Down
- Turk
- Fertile Green
- Hung, Drawn and Quartered
- Last
- Cometh Down Hessian
- Cometh the Storm
- Rumors of War
- Carcosa
- Fury Whip
- Sol’s Golden Curse
- Snakes for the Divine
- Darker Fleece
