KK’s Steel Mill/Wolverhampton: Devin Townsend, support: Fixation and Klone April 4th, 2022

 

It was still a bit nippy outside, but the three bands sure brought some serious heat to the venue.

Norwegian 5-piece band Fixation were first to go on stage and while their songs were often reminiscent of early 2000s bands of the rock genre, their eclectic mix of styles made them interesting to listen to.

Their self-described ‘melancholic aggression’ wasn’t really all that aggressive which is probably a good thing because the fact that one could clearly understand the lyrics is always a bonus.

Especially Fixation’s tune ‘Ignore the disarray’ sounded phenomenal.

Great start to a great night.

Following on from Fixation, ‘Klone’s offerings were quite different, often progressive rock especially when it comes to their twin guitar work. They played many songs from their 2019 debut album ‘le grand voyage’ and their songs allowed for some evocative images forming in one’s head. I really enjoyed Klone.

 

While they were rocking it out energetically at the steel mill, musically there was always space to be thoughtful and to get carried away within their songs.

Finally, it was time for the main man and his band to play: Devin Townsend.

The evening marked the last gig of the tour and Devin’s interactions with the audience were very entertaining and funny while the music packed a punch.

Because the stage at the KK’s steel mill is sort of sideways, meaning quite wide,  nothing felt crammed and it gave Devin room to move about and he utilised the available space well.

He may not be a household name, but he pulls a considerable crowd and with 30+ years of a career under his belt, he is well at ease on stage.

Sonically the tracks sometimes shift drastically from pure metal to more subdued sounds with a hint of classical influence and it is these polar opposites that make Devin so unique.

Many songs from his latest album ‘Lightwork’ were performed and as the man said himself on his website: ‘it is a bit more direct and simpler’ and to the point is always great.

Three great bands and a superb night. Thanks to Dan, James & Sam of Dirty DC fame for giving us a lift to and fro, much appreciated.