Words and pictures by Callum Linklater.
It’s all Hallows Eve in Southampton, darkness falls on a sold out Engine Rooms as our hometown vampires rise once again greeted by a congregation of the faithful – cloaked and crimson lipped gathered to celebrate the release of Sanguivore II :Mistress Of Death tonight the ordinary fades away and Southampton belongs to the night.
Before Creeper rise to the stage, a short film in collaboration with horror aficionados bloody-disgusting.com plays out where the rest of the band members rush to save William Von Ghould (Lead) from the Mistress of Death subsequently leading to a very gory stake to the eye. It was unfortunate that we weren’t treated to a visit from Darcia the Vampires Familiar to perform her staple opening monologue scattered with film references and jokes.
The band emerge through the mist and shadows commencing with instant hits from the new album ‘Blood Magik (It’s a Ritual)’ and ‘Headstones’ both throbbing with the dark romanticism of The Sisters of Mercy a clear nod to the bands gothic alignment.
Midway through the set, the band pause to take in the moment. There’s sincerity in Will Gould’s voice as he thanks the crowd and admits the band’s touch of nerves performing songs that haven’t been heard before – will people like it perhaps? But he adds there’s nowhere he’d rather debut them than at home they also take time to thank The Joiners for putting the show on. Reflecting on its vital role in shaping Southampton’s music scene and its enduring importance to the community.
As the night rolls on before Performing “More than Death” Will takes a quiet moment to dedicate the song to the late fan and friend Max Reed. With the words “I will love you more than death” reverberating through the room this performance felt heavy and raw. The most emotional and personal it’s ever been, you can feel it in the room. This is not just a performance but a heartfelt tribute through and through.
The encore arrived in a wave of gothic theatre ‘Further Than Forever’ with grand and operatic moments packed with emotion before slipping into ‘Midnight’. Finally concluding with ‘Cry to Heaven’ the crowd singing every word like they were preaching gospel. This felt something more than just an intimate show but a requiem. This is a band that should not be slept on.
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