By David O’Neill
Thekla, the iconic floating venue moored in the heart of Bristol, and one to be regularly featured in these pages, was the stage for an electrifying performance by South of Salem. Having seen them several times over the past five years, the Steelhouse Festival set was one of the weekend highlights last year. The anticipation was palpable among the sellout crowd as fans, both old and new, packed into the intimate setting, eager to witness a band that has rapidly become a force to be reckoned within the rock scene. However, there were two other bands to discover firstly, In Search of Sun and High Parasite
Unfortunately, due to the early start (apparently a regular issue with Thursdays in Thekla) I missed the opening band In search of Sun despite looking forward to the set having spent the afternoon listening to their music.
High Parasite‘s performance was nothing short of electrifying. The doom/gothic metal band fronted by Aaron Stainthorpe (of My Dying Bride note) took the stage with an explosive energy that immediately captivated the audience.
From the opening notes of ‘Parasite’, the band showcased their musical prowess and tight chemistry. The crowd was enraptured by the relentless guitar riffs of Johnny Hunter and Sam Hill, thunderous drumming of Dan Brown, boneshaking basslines of Paradise Lost guitar tech Daniel “Tombs” Lambert, and the commanding presence and booming baritone of the lead vocalist Stainthorpe who also has a very good growling style. This was occasionally accompanied by “Tombs” clean vocals in parts of the set. Thekla’s intimate setting allowed for a close connection between the band and the audience, enhancing the overall experience.
Highlights of the set included ‘Concentric Nightmares,’ and ‘Let it fail’ both of which were met with enthusiastic cheers and significant headbanging from the crowd and one audience member singing along to every lyric. Each song was performed with precision and raw emotion, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
The addition of the track ‘Cold’ (currently not on the album said Stainthorpe, although he commented that he didn’t know why) in the performance was a testament to their dedication and passion for their craft. As they wrapped up their set skipping Hate springs eternal and finishing with Forever we Burn, the partisan “coven” (as the SoS fans are called) had obviously thoroughly enjoyed the set despite their anticipation for South of Salem’s performance. High Parasite undoubtedly set the stage for an unforgettable night of music at Thekla. Although not my usual listening, I actually enjoyed the set too.
From the moment South of Salem took to the stage, the energy was undeniable. Opening with their hit single ‘Let Us Prey,’ they immediately captivated the audience with their powerful blend of gothic rock and metal. The pulsating rhythms and haunting melodies set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night. Adding their version of Savage Gardens’ ‘To The Moon And Back’ was the first time the band had played it live despite having released it a few weeks ago.
Thekla’s unique atmosphere added an extra layer of magic to the evening. The intimate space allowed for a close connection between the band and the audience, creating a sense of camaraderie and mutual appreciation. The sound quality was impeccable, with every note and lyric resonating perfectly throughout the venue.
Frontman Joey Draper was a commanding presence, his charismatic performance drawing the crowd in with every song. His vocals, both raw and melodic, showcased the depth and versatility that has become characteristic of South of Salem’s music. Draper’s interactions with the audience were genuine and heartfelt, making everyone feel like an integral part of the show.
The setlist was a well-curated mix of fan favorites and material from their first album, ‘Pretty Little Nightmare’ and ‘Fallout’ before playing the entire new album in track order (apparently this was the drummer James’ fault according to Joey).
The opening track ‘Vultures’ was accompanied by many of the audience circling their arms above their heads. The audience were again on point at the hook of ‘Jet Black Eyes’ to name just one of the tracks they were on point for. This was again commented on by Draper saying “it’s hard to be a goth band and not smile on stage when you are all singing the songs back to us – thank you very much”. Following ‘Death Of The Party’ (another singalong) James had a short but impressive drum solo while the rest of the band took a rest. ‘A Life Worth Dying For’ and ‘Villain’ “ended” the set before the return to finish with the staple ‘Demons Are Forever’ and ‘Cold Day In Hell’ finishing things off properly.
Guitarists Kodi Kasper and Dee Wolf were a dynamic duo, their intricate riffs and solos adding a layer of complexity to the music throughout the set that was simply mesmerizing. Bassist Dee Vower and drummer James Clark provided a rock-solid foundation, their tight rhythms driving the performance forward with relentless energy.
In conclusion, South of Salem’s gig at Thekla was a masterclass in live performance. It was just a shame that the venue starting time had not been updated to reflect the early curfew. The band’s talent, energy, and connection with the audience made it a night to remember. For those who were there, it was a reminder of the power of live music to bring people together and create unforgettable moments. For those who missed it, be sure to catch South of Salem the next time they roll into town – it’s an experience not to be missed.
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