Live Review: Morass Of Molasses - Manchester : The Razor's Edge

Live Review: Morass Of Molasses - The Star & Garter, Manchester
16th April 2022
Support: Tumanduumband, Callus, Iron Tooth, Sea Bastard
Words & Photos: Neil Bolton

Manchester’s Star and Garter was the location of Morass Of Molasses seventh date of the “The Fall & Rise” spring tour.

Each venue on the tour has different support bands and the first of ours is the two piece Tumanduumband, with black cloaks and Satanic intent these guys entertain with their instrumental style of sludge doom. Consisting of bass and drums, the music is performed alongside all the correct metal poses and stances, inverted crosses and on stage corpses. Their dark, deep, doomy, short set goes down well, adding a sprinkle of horror to tonight’s show.

Live Review: Morass Of Molasses – Manchester

Callus bounce onto the stage full of energy and break into their groovy, thrashy heavy metal. There is a lot of punch and precision with these Lancaster guys. There is plenty of foot on monitor moments to enjoy, with chugging riffs and well performed tunes. Nicely thought out songs containing power and groove blast forth from the stage. Vocals are clean then growled, the tunes are cool and metal, fast and boisterous. A Callus t-shirt is spotted on a fan in the audience, and he kindly gets the next song dedicated to him. Heads bang both on stage and off during the set, compelling myself and surely others to further investigate this band. With the album 'A Breath of Fresh Air' already out there I would encourage any metal loving reader to do the same.

The might of Iron Tooth are up next, with smiles and grins the band seem at odds with the angry heavy music they supply. Fast, noisy and powerful this band have an infectious energy that spreads though-out the room. With two singles under their belt this band display their metal consisting of gruff harsh vocals, robust grooves and bouncing tunes. This band’s tunes are as heavy as lead with a percussion section keeping tight reins on the songs. All this is performed with a grinning bass player who seems to be loving life.

The slow doom of Sea Bastard rings forth from the stage as the bare chested guitar player Oli stands on the edge of the stage with snarling guitar in hand. Sea Bastard are slow, Sea Bastard are loud, Sea Bastard are fucking heavy! Whilst the guitar player's feet latch calmly to the edge of the stage, vocalist Monty growls deep into his microphone while stomping around the stage like a metal zombie. Dreadlocks are flung around as the graphic riffs pummel the audience. Loud is the way SB need to be enjoyed, and this is loud,. When that great slab of a riff lands it hurts and pleases in equal measure. I love this band and find their clout intoxicating.

As the doom subsides Morass of Molasses take their place as headliners. Singer Bones cheekily and affectionally remarks they are the soothing balm to the mega doom of Sea Bastard before. Then both guitarists take their burning instruments into battle. It’s not long before we are given a new song that holds itself in similar vein to their excellent back catalogue. A catalogue that revolves around superior guitar skills, sharp and clever drum beats and massive, massive riffs; riffs so big you can sit in them and rest calmly for hours. This calm state is only disturbed by the inclination to dance to the rhythm these three gentlemen constantly provide. And talking of dancing, Bones does not disappoint with a bouncing stage presence mixed with high kicks Dave Lee Roth would be proud of. The mountain known as Phil stands stage right with smouldering Les Paul in hand. Soaring solos just pour out of this man. There is an obvious love between band members who combine to give emotion and power.

The bluesy track 'Estranger' slows things down a little with Raj on drums showing subtle rhythms and powerful skills. 'Serpentine' is played and the front row continue to sway, dance, sing, and headbang. Most of the crowd know the music that is played, and any new comers will certainly be returning home to a deep dive into their stuff. Bones explains the song 'Death of All' is like being chased and then mauled by an angry bear before we hear it. The energetic flow of this tune is not lost on the room. Both guitars bounce off each other while the infectious rhythm flood the venue.

My personal favourite 'Wrath of Aphrodite' completes tonight’s set. A set that contains guitar hero moments, sublime riffs, and enjoyment. The audience yells its appreciation, the band reciprocate the feeling, and it's all over.

Morass Of Molasses continue to prove they are one of the best underground bands in the U.K. at the moment. Their recent signing to Ripple Music can only seen as an excellent move for both fans and band. I for one am looking forward to their future.