DECEPTION AND HYPERMASS EMBARK ON UK TOUR AT BRISTOL’S FAMOUS GRYPHON PUB
Hypermass (Shona Hoey / Northern Exposure)
A chilly Thursday night marked the beginning of a joint headline tour for Norwegian bands Deception and Hypermass, who packed out a scuzzy little metal bar in Bristol – The Gryphon. This pub is everything you want from a metal establishment, friendly and welcoming, full of nerds and LGBTQIA+ folks, and a fantastic selection of ales (including many non-alcoholic options). As it was their first tour of the UK, it was surprising that they managed to cram this room as much as they did; that is surprising until I experienced their sound.
I’ll be the first one to say I know pretty much nothing about metal, I have just found myself in those circles because metal-heads are some of the nicest people. But one thing I do know is that there’s an undeniable energy at a metal show that’s infectious. Even if you’re not a fan of heavy music, the power and excitement in the room create a vibe that is hard to resist. This gig was a celebration of that sound and movement, with everyone immersed in the same raw energy. Metal shows are known for their emotional intensity, and this Norwegian double bill was no exception to this. You could feel a lot of release and passion in their music, providing a cathartic experience of being able to let go, feel the music, and share in that moment with others.
For Bristol-based Esca, it was their debut gig, and they for all intents and purposes, smashed it. Getting their name from the light on the top of an angler fish, Esca lured their prey (sorry, audience) and kicked off the gig with style with their incredible skill, fast-paced guitar solos, complex drumming, and impressive vocal techniques glowing in the dark. I know I’m not alone in my eagerness for them to release music, but at the moment I feel like the ultimate hipster because I’ve heard something no one else can hear yet.
Hypermass followed and took the mantle of maintaining that energy. These guys have been playing together in some form or another since they were 14 or 15, and it shows. Their frontman was full of charisma, stepping out into the audience to get everyone involved, screaming along whenever possible. Mixing metal with synthesizers, their music is groove-oriented whilst maintaining that heavy sound. They were great, and I’d be sure to catch them again if I had the chance.
Finishing off the night, Deception and their melodic death-metal sound blew everyone away. Despite being down a member, they still managed to produce a hard-hitting, technically beautiful sound. Their music can only be described as a majestic orchestral soundscape, complete with brutal vocals and killer guitar riffs.
Author
