Live Review: Svalbard - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
11th March 2022
Support: Mountain Caller and Underdark
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
In the post-pandemic live music era it’s safe to say Svalbard have been one of the hardest working bands around. So much so that we’ve managed to catch them five times in the last twelves months, including stunning sets at Bloodstock and a double header at Damnation Festival (including a Night of Salvation).
On the bands latest U.K. tour they take in cities and venues not covered by their November 2021 tour and on this blustery Friday evening they land at our favourite music venue KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton.
Tour openers are Nottingham post-black metal outfit Underdark. As the venue fills up they take to the stage, Abi’s haunting vocals dominating the bands offence. Bloodcurdling screams layered atop dark, biting, terrifying riffs. The fierceness of the set dominates, interspersed with mellower moments, which still possess that black metal undertone, but more reflective, they take a step back before snarling in your face once more.
Mountain Callers stature is growing fast, following critically acclaimed releases we were witness to a mesmerising set at Damnation Festival last November and a similarly stunning set at Portals in London just a few weeks ago. Now they bring their show on the road supporting Svalbard.
Their understated stage presence is all a rouse as when the music kicks in its powerful enough to blow you off your feet. Not aggressive, yet striking all the same. Sweeping soundscapes protrude forth. Wave after wave of instrumental magnificence. Each night on the tour they have challenged themselves to play a different set, a challenge in itself, yet they pull it off with aplomb. In an interview with El last year she spoke of introducing vocals to the bands sound and tonight we get a taster of this which adds an extra dimensions to the bands already multi layers sound. We can only look forward to what is to come from this band as tonight is simply stunning.
It's left to Svalbard to close the night and by the time they take to the stage, KK’s Steel Mill is packed and there is an air of anticipation, the fans ready and waiting. The distressing cries of "When I Die, Will I Get Better", the sample introducing the band's set never fails to make the hairs on your neck stand on end. Whilst that sample is now familiar to us all, the band mix up their set from previous recent performances with 'Throw Your Heart Away' kicking things off.
'Silent Restraint' follows as the tone of the band's music sets an atmosphere, it envelopes the crowd, drawing them into the performance. Serena and Liam's dual vocal, guitar movements work together, complementing each other and allowing the music to hit the fans from all angles. The crowd lap it up and there is plenty of appreciation for the epic sounds Svalbard create in the room tonight.
The poignant "Revenge Porn' sits mid set, whilst the set is closed out by 'Click Bait', "Grayscale' and 'Open Wound'.
Svalbard are one of the most important bands of our generation, delivering a message that many need to hear. Whilst they may not know it yet, Svalbard's upwards trajectory from here knows no limits. Where they will be a year from now we do not know, but the stages get bigger, the lights get brighter and the fans adulation only increases from this point on.
All photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
