Live Review: The Raven Age - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
9th December 2021
Support: Hawxx & Endscape
Words & photos: Shaun Hulme
I'm back at KK's Steelmill in Wolverhampton for the start of The Raven Age headline tour. We are in the cosier, intimate lounge room tonight which means the crowd can get right up and personnel (within covid guidelines of course) with the acts on stage and I can get my camera even closer.
First up we have a West Midlands band by the name of Endscape who are Karl Ficarotta (Vocals), Jay Dodkins (Guitar), Josh Warhurst (Guitar), Jake Barnes (Bass) and Chris Threlfall (Drums). I will be honest I have never heard of these guys and wasn't really expecting much from them but O.M.G. what an awesome band.
I believe this was only their 3rd gig and you would never have said that after watching them. They were perfectly tight and played like a band who have been touring for years. They absolutely smash through their set with thunderous riffs and electronic sounds but with energy, purpose and melody.
These guys only released their first single earlier this year and have recently had their latest track "Bloodlines" played on Planet Rock radio and I can really see a big future for them. As I write this review I am listening to them on spotify trying to decide which is my favourite track and can not decide between 'Never Fade', 'Not Worth Saving' or 'Bloodlines'. I can not wait to see them play live again and I urge everyone to give them a listen because these guys really need to be heard!
So after such a great opening act it is time for Hawxx who are Hannah Staffs (Guitar), Anna Papadimitriou (Vocals/Guitar), Iman Ahmed (Bass) Jessica Dann (Drums).
It has to be said the crowd are being spoiled tonight as Hawxx are another excellent band who seem to be going from strength to strength. This year saw them play Bloodstock Festival to rave reviews and it is easy to see why as they have an incredible presence on stage as they get the crowd moving with an amazing strong set with a great catalogue of music.
Anna has a massive powerful voice and she is on point with her vocals throughout the set along with Hannah's fretboard work. You get the sense of a really good bond throughout this band of excellent performers. Defo check their new video out for their new release 'Hologram', brilliant track!
So now it is time for the main act, The Raven Age who are George Harris (Guitar), Matt James (Vocals), Jai Patel (Drums), Matt Cox (Bass), Tony Maue (Guitar)
They come running out onto the stage with their guitars already in hand and blast straight into thier set working their way through a big back catalogue of songs including 'Promised Land', 'Betrayal of the Mind', 'No Mans Land' and my favourite 'Grave of the Fireflies' before finishing with their big track 'Fleur De Lis'.
I don't think I have ever seen such an energetic band as these guys and you could clearly tell they were so happy to be back on stage doing what they love most. The Raven Age are one of those bands that any rock fan can appreciate and enjoy, brilliant riffs, big beats, great vocals that make up songs you can really get into.
Tonight the crowd have been treated to one of those rare nights where every act as put in a incredible set and blew the roof off, and all for a mere £12...bargain!
All Photo Credits: Shaun Hulme / SRK Lens
