Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
It’s a cold yet dry night in Belfast as we walk past the Rory Gallagher statue on the way to the Voodoo for tonight’s gig. The streets are quiet and it’s hard to believe that there is a gig on until we hear the music blasting as we approach the Voodoo. Once inside the venue it’s always a pleasure to see band members at the Merch stalls mixing and greeting fans.
Kill the lights is a Welsh/American metalcore and classic metal supergroup consisting of James Clark, clean vocals (Throw the Fight), Michael “Moose” Thomas, drummer, (Bullet For My Valentine), Jason “Jay” James, Bassist Dirty Vocals (Bullet For My Valentine), Travis Montgomery, Guitar (Still Remains). Their debut album ‘Sinner’ was released in 2020. Their second album ‘Death Melodies’ was released in March 2024.
Despite the intimate size of the Voodoo, Kill the Lights launch into a ferocious set fit for a stadium audience with ‘Shed My Skin’. The band are tight musically and the comradery is evident as they enjoy blasting out every note. Charismatic Clark engages with the crowd encouraging them to move closer as he uses the platform to great effect to raise awareness of mental health and anxiety. He smiles throughout and mouths the lyrics of James who compliments his mate with growling vocals and thunderous bass. Thomas was on fire with technical and intense double bass drumming. Montgomery’s guitar was scorching. The lads were on fire and delivered an amazing setlist.
Originating from Corby, Northamptonshire, Raging Speedhorn are a British extreme metal band who have been delivering sludge and stoner metal and hard core punk since 1998. The band comprised of band members of Box and Soulcellar. Raging Speedhorn’s final tour, to the devastation of their fans was in 2008. The lads reformed in 2014, following the success of playing Damnation and Sonisphere Festivals and a sold out hometown show. Raging Speedhorns videos for Every Night’s Alright for Fighting and Night Wolf encapsulate the lads sense of humour whilst unleashing rifftastic songs and blistering vocals.
The current line up consists of Gordon Morrison Drums, Frank Regan Vocals, Daniel Cook Vocals, James Palmer Guitar, Daf Williams Guitar and Andy Gilmour Bass. The lads take to the stage with the two vocalists, hoodies on with their hoods up, an unsuspecting gig goer wouldn’t be blamed for expecting a rap duo.
Instead Raging Speedhorn erupted with ‘Every Nights Alright for Fighting’ and the atmosphere was electric. The bands energy was contagious and soon had the “Wednesday night – school night” crowd bouncing along to ‘Buzz Killa’. Cook praised the crowd for coming out on a work night. The lads bounced around the stage not deterred by the lack of space. They were determined to show everyone a raucous time and they definitely succeeded.
Throughout their savage set Regan and Cook hung from the front beam of the stage nearly joining the enthralled and eager crowd. Pounding basslines and heavily distorted riff-thick guitar hung heavy in the air. We were treated to a number of tracks from the new album and these were met with great enthusiasm.
Cook at times through the set leaned upon and rubbed the head of an eager fan at the front of the stage. Regan playfully used a drumstick to preach and conduct the crowd and at one point it ended up down the waistband of his jeans, I’ll leave the gesture up to your imagination! The crowd lapped up the antics whilst being swept up in the consistent heavy waves of metal. The bands engagement with the crowd was met with delight and jumping and banging of heads.
Nearing the end of the set,’ Thumper’, ‘Night Wolf’ and ‘Knives and Faces’ had the Voodoo bouncing. The bands energy never diminished and the crowd were pogoing, dancing and singing along to both the new tracks and classics. The band welcomed the crowd to join them at the Merch stand for drinks afterwards – which many took up the offer of this genuine invite. The buzz at the end of the night was fantastic, it was definitely worth venturing out on a cold Wednesday night. Both bands left a lasting impact on a very satisfied crowd.
Photography by Mark McGrogan
