Brum Shots

Is it 2012 again? It must be, because the one and only Fearless Vampire Killers have just strode on stage! Devoid of their previous trademark talc powder white faces and panda eyes (Claudia Winkleman has since claimed that look I guess), they launch into a set of tracks mainly released since their 2022 comeback.

I’m not sure whether it’s vocalist Kier Kemp encourgaing a bun wiggle to accompany a guitar solo or the unexpected ‘Bootylicious’ cover, but their set is nothing but fun and good cheer. It’s good to see them back.

Next up is the brutal stylings of Conquer Divide. Warmly received by the crowd, many of whom are clearly already fans. Tracks like ‘The Invisible’ garner a respectable sing-a-long and they get a full on mosh pit going rather than just some gentle headbanding – an impressive feat for any support act.

Finally the lights drop and it’s time for New Year’s Day. It’s at moment we’ve waited too long for (the tour was originally scheduled for last September), but the anticipation tonight seems to have manifested itself in pure noise from the crowd.

It may be their 1st uk tour in a good 5 years, but the set starts exactly as you’d expect from this Cali-bred bunch. Syncronised guitar moves a plenty, vocalist Ash Costello’s hair flailing in time with her headbanging and devil horns to the sky last the duration of the set.

The band seem genuinely shocked at their reception tonight. Have we let them down in the past? Or have they forgotten that they are literally in the home of Metal? (Side note: this is possibly my first metal gig in this great city where the band have not mentioned this). But either way, the set is a non-stop ride of them giving their all and the audience responding in kind.

‘Shut Up’ is an anthem for all of the girls out there. But Costello And guitarist Nikki Misery swanning into the crowd for ‘Skeletons’ takes the prize for moment of the night. Happily posing for selfies, they navigate the swathes of adoring fans.

The set is a mixture of nostalgia and good old fashioned metal music – just what is needed to blow away these January blues.