Concert Review: Obsessive Compulsive – Satan’s Hollow Manchester Friday 13th May 2011

Obsessive Compulsive – Satan’s Hollow Manchester Friday 13^th May 2011

Venue – Satan’s Hollow, Manchester

Bands – Arke, Erase Replace with Obsessive Compulsive headlining

I’d never have been to the location Satan’s Hollow, situated just behind the Portland street hotel, in Manchester. On entry to the venue I found it slightly amusing as we had our bags searched for security reasons and my photographer Adam had his mouthwash confiscated upon entry to the club.  As you climb the stairs you are met by the main club with the stage being in the centre and two bars either side of the venue. The decoration was ornate in a highly gothic and twisted, almost like in the waiting room for one off the many realms of hell. I must admit the staff were extremely friendly, with their own unique style to match the alternative cliental that they attract and visit the club. I was very glad that the beer wasn’t like most clubs and had a very nice pint of Tuborg.

As we were there before the performance, we were extremely lucky to be present during the sound check, listening and watching the bands set up and tuning their equipment and getting ready for the actual gig.  It really opened your eyes to the effort and dedication that bands put in before the public turn up to watch the performance. As our main focus was to see and interview Obsessive Compulsive, during the sound check, we met the supporting unsigned bands, and had never heard of the opening acts before at all.  Poor Keli’s voice wasn’t in the best state and was trying to rest her vocals before the concert, but she a total professional and determined to do the gig, give it her best for her fans.

Arke were the first band to appear on stage they opened with an instrumental which blew us away.  It had very funky but yet melodic metal undertones.  This opener set the stage for what was to come.  The next song was played and Taz’s vocal announced the music and tracks they were playing.  With undertones of the likes of Kyuss, Clutch and Monster Magnet they played and impressed all of whom were at the gig.  I was personally set a back by the sheer talent of these guys.  As they played more tracks the crowd was wooed and they just seemed to build the songs up.  I had so many good feedback from my crew, Adam the photographer was clicking like mad and my assistant Emma was smiling and telling me just what she liked about the music which was quite a lot, comparing the vocal talents and music abilities to other famous bands.  It seemed the entire crowd including ourselves were sad to hear that Arke were finishing with all of us shouting for an oncour.  I must admit these guys were extremely good and entertaining and the first in the line up was a great choice as they complimented the next two bands on.  I got chance to catch up with Taz and the crew after they came off stage, such a nice bunch of lads and glad to say they agreed to give us a Grave Concerns an interview.  Look out for it because it’s going to be a good one.

Erase Replace were the next band on.  We were all amazed to hear that this was their first gig and no better bill to be on for your first gig.  To follow an act like Arke was a very hard thing to do but they managed it.  The music and vocals were good but it could have done with the vocals being a little louder and more intense, as the vocalist had some amazing lyrics.  As it was quite difficult to hear them over the awesome rifts of the guitars and the drummer dishing out immense sound, on the skins. This aside they belted out some absolute corkers.  I was seriously impressed with the sheer skill of Erase Replaces drummer.  His beats were solid and in time unlike some drummers I have seen at gigs.  Xan the bassist was really good too, wielding his axe like Conan with his sword.  All in all we enjoyed Erase Replace and look forward to seeing more of them in the near future.

As we were waiting for Obsessive we decided to head out for a cigarette.  The smoking area was outside as it would be, we found it very amusing that the sign in the smoking area was very reminisant of the film District 9.  To which we all shouted ‘No prawns in the smoking area’. It was funny to see every one taking part in the little joke, and made being outside in the typical Manchester drizzle weather more fun.

So it came time for Obsessive Compulsive to go on stage and the crowd gave them an excellent response as they set up.  You could tell there were a lot of diehard fans in the audience.  Even though Keli’s vocals weren’t too good, like a true artist, she didn’t let her fans down. She gave it more than her all proving how much of an excellent vocalist she is.  Obsessive showcased some of the excellent tracks from their new album Dreams of Death and Death of Dreams like A Cocktail of Toxins and Spit the Medicine.  Keli’s vocals were on form and the rest of the band were too, the formulation of the all playing in harmony it was easy to tell why they won album of the year at this years The Pure Rawk Awards in London.  Keli was on fire blazing out some true energy filled metal vocals followed by some amazing deep dark melodies.  It was really good to hear a great polished band with so much love of what they do and it really showed.  The crowd were singing along to every song and really enjoying themselves.  Obsessive showed exactly why they are at the forefront of today’s British rock pumping out fresh new tracks with their own definitive style and flair.  I must admit this was the first time I had seen Obsessive Compulsive and it won’t be the last.

It was an excellent gig where all bands showed the real talent they possess.  I firmly feel we shall be seeing a lot more of all the bands but especially Obsessive Compulsive. To add to the success of the band, they are at the Download festival this year in the UK. So check them out on the Jaeger stage.  They are also opening for The Damned Things and Puddle of Mud in London on the 8^th of June this year. It is yet another string on the bow off success that a band of their calibre is well deserved of. We wish them all the best of luck for the future and will enjoy following their success throughout the various fantastic opportunities they have been very lucky to receive.

What an amazing gig which was a sheer joy to attend.

Reviewer – Phill Bruce

Assistant – Emma Wilson

Photographer – Adam Astley