Sikth – Camden, Koko – 12/11/2014|Live Review

Source: Romina Andrea

Camden’s Koko is the setting for the final date of Sikth’s reunion tour. UK bands Idiom and Heart Of A Coward in tow, the night displayed the versatility that UK metal had to offer.

Idiom had their work cut out for them from the start. Mutterings of ‘hipster metal’ and ‘pretty boys’ permeate the crowd, but as they’ve toured with everyone from DevilDriver to Bring Me The Horizon and winning over crowds is nothing new to them. Matt Sharland as usual works hard and never lets the ‘why are we waiting‘ chants from the crowd dent his enthusiasm. Idiom’s musical influences run all over the map: from post hardcore to rap metal. So naturally their heaviest track ‘Beast Of Bodmin‘ gets the biggest reception, but they earned the crowds respect long before that.

Source: Romina Andrea

Heart Of A Coward have been on an almost meteoric rise to the top. Their music has been critical acclaimed in many circles, but it’s their live performance that has put them on the map. ‘Shade‘ kicks off the set and it feels like a homecoming show. Jamie Graham commands the stage and any doubters can’t deny the riffs on ‘We Stand As One‘. The band are solid and deliver a near headline performance, but as closer ‘Around A Girl (In 80 Days)‘ winds down, it’s clear Heart Of A Coward have another couple of hours in them, and have definitely won a few fans.

Source: Romina Andrea

The band finally (but promptly) hit the stage with ‘Bland Street Bloom‘ and the atmosphere was electric. None of the technical aspects of the music were lost in the live performance. James Leech‘s bouncy basslines translate perfectly.

The whole band feel settled in their songs, and are simply having fun watching people appreciate their music. Mikee Goodman‘s wide range of high pitched wails to father time sounding deep baritones were pitch perfect. In particular his performance of ‘When Will The Forest Speak’ is an early highlight of the show. Despite delivering a great performance, Justin Hill’s mic did fail occasionally during the second half of the set. Simply unable to handle his ear piercing screams. Still, by this point the audience were in an absolute frenzy, so technical aspects failed to truly mar the show.

Source: Romina Andrea

When a band haven’t toured for around 7 years, when they do it’s almost certain someone’s going to be disappointed when their favourite song isn’t played. But the omission of ‘How May I Help You’ was a little surprising. But the mood wasn’t affected and the focus on more album tracks went down well.

All nostalgia aside Sikth delivered a mesmerising performance. And the news that it wouldn’t be their last ensured their position as one of the UK’s strongest metal acts.

Review by: Aaron Page
Photos by: Romina Andrea