Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
This Wednesday night was just what we needed. If you’re looking for a show that transports you to another dimension, where the boundaries between metal, electronic, and rave music blur, then this is definitely one you won’t want to miss!
The energy was palpable. Shepherd’s Bush Empire felt like a totally different place, and I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Getting to the venue was quite the surprise! It was amazing to see so many people lined up outside for such an incredible lineup. This excitement is a testament to the longevity of Igorrr, the unique musical project that is now getting close to 20 years of creation, all thanks to the talented French musician Gautier Serre.
The tour is set to keep going into next year, hitting up a bunch of European cities. But first, let’s jump right into the London show!
These days, it’s not really the norm to define a band just by how they look. Imperial Triumphant has really shaken up the metal scene, no matter what genre they’re diving into. Visually, they’ve brought a fresh vibe to their stage presence, moving away from the usual black attire and heavy music routine. They’re quirky, ghostly, and a bit intimidating, kind of like characters straight out of an old noir film, where every gesture is full of drama. This visual spectacle translated seamlessly to their live show. At the London performance, I saw it all firsthand. Their performance was theatrical and a bit weird, but also super dramatic, all paired with the complexity of their music and their incredible instrumental skills. A lot of us were kind of wandering around in it, and the flashy lights just added to the fun of it all.
Photo: Peterson Marti.
And in a minute we’re diving into the time when computers were first invented and floppy discs were actually a thing, not just an icon sitting in the corner of every app. It felt like we were being transported to a whole different universe as the Italian band took the stage. Their unique style was so captivating, it was almost like they were hacking into our senses while we stood there, completely absorbed in the performance.
They call it “computer metal,” and the setlist just flies by, shifting from intricate guitar solos played on a fluorescent guitar to pounding drums that seem to go on forever. The computer and game graphics on the screen really draw us in, letting us enjoy every moment, especially with all the mosh pits happening in the crowd. Did I mention the floppy disc tossed to the crowd or the fax printing happening during the set? That was a really nice touch!
Photo: Peterson Marti.
The set began with the sound of a heartbeat, and the song “Daemoni,” their most recent single, was immediately played. The theatrical vibe of this song and the ones that followed really showcases Serre’s philosophy on music composition: make music without limits. Or, as he put it, it’s like a “big party with metalheads, electronics nerds, classical and baroque enthusiasts, and violinists all getting together, having a good time, and blending the best of every genre.” And believe me when I say I’ve never seen the whole crowd moving like waves, not even in mosh pits. People were physically moved by the music, and for those of us watching from the seats, it was truly mesmerising!
To pull off such an ambitious vision, what started as a solo project has grown into a seven-piece band, with each member adding their own unique charm to the mix. The combination of JB Le Bail’s intense Death Metal energy and Marthe Alexandre’s stunning mezzo-soprano vocals really brought the show to life, both in sound and sight. The vibe was really all over the place, shifting from heavy blast beats to stunning, quiet moments that felt almost like an opera. The entire setlist was carefully crafted to blend intricate baroque music with electronic exploration, all while keeping those heavy guitar riffs in mind. Igorrr isn’t just a concert; it’s like a wild, modern metal opera that had the London crowd going wild, headbanging, and totally caught up in a sort of “dance party.”
This commitment to the dramatic extended naturally to the visual presentation. Everything about the stage and performance was calculated meticulously, from stage moves to props. With Marthe dancing and capturing the music changes with her body movements, at times dramatically, it was all about capturing that theatrical vibe. Honestly, I think this is one of those shows that’s going to be tough to beat.
Photo: Peterson Marti.
