On Friday I headed to Manchester to see Amon Amarth. One of the opening acts at this gig was a big factor in why we went in the first place: a band called Orbit Culture, who I only learnt about last year from a recommendation from a friend whilst travelling to another gig.
Soilwork were the other opening act. I think I’d heard of them before but wasn’t really familiar with their material. That said, they were incredible! We were listening to them on the way down in the car.
Orbit Culture were on after Soilwork and they were insane, so heavy! The only song they didn’t play which I wish they did was Inside the Waves. That’s easily in my top 3. They played Hydra though, which is my favourite Orbit Culture song, so I was very pleased! I was also able to pick up an Orbit Culture T-shirt from the merch booth. I had to resist very hard to not buy an Amon Amarth beanie hat with Viking horns. I was able to resist successfully this time. Next time though, I’m not so sure.
Then it was time for Amon Amarth! This is a band who I’d listened to in the past, but wasn’t really a daily listen for me. I knew a lot of songs, perhaps not by name, but I knew what it was as they started playing. Amon Amarth put on one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. The stage set was amazing. They’d have extras come on at different points in some of the songs, and their set even included a sword fight towards the end, which is a first for me! They also had a campfire going to do an acoustic song (I told you I’m not good with names!).
Overall, it was a great gig and all 3 bands put on a fantastic performance.
