Reaper Agency pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat once more with an incredible line up of extreme bands.

With such a plethora of talent around amongst the extreme metal scene, getting a stack of bands all in one place like this is fantastic. Reaper Agency are booking some amazing shows and this little all-dayer is no different. We were at Reaper Agency’s last day session at Manchester Rebellion which saw Stormkeep head a bill that included Winterfylleth, Saor, Arð and the headliners for this show, Ninkharsag.

IMPERIAL DEMONIC

Imperial Demonic take the stage in dramatic fashion. With punters still rolling in, the crowd grows during the bands set. “Come on, then,” comes the cry from the stage.

The quintet, featuring members of Overoth, Darkest Era, Celtachor and Alestorm, deliver a solid start to the day with an impassioned and energetic performance. Plenty of nodding heads in the crowd show their approval as the day gets underway.

“Thank you very much Manchester…and surrounding areas!” is greeted by cheers and horns aloft. The Dawn Of The Infernal Age is furious in its opening;; singer, Andy Heathen, cuts an imposing figure at the front of the band. It would not be wrong to say that the band gained plenty of new fans.

ANDRACCA

Anticipation around Andracca’s latest album was high. The treasured early presses of the vinyl are all gone, and the record is destined to bother end of year lists amongst the metal fraternity. Playing all tracks from the album, Andracca have a near full house for their set.

All sporting Emperor shirts, Andracca set about their business with precision. Tempos vary and the guitars are pummelling. The crowd gets involved raising their hands and horns upon request.

“We are here to bare the weight of death for the first time – this one is is Rise, or forever be Fall’n.” The solo guitar melody to open sounds epic as the stage is awash with red light and dry ice.

In every aspect, Andracca are a phenomenal band. The drumming throughout is terrific and the bass rumbles non stop. Lead and rhythm guitars add dark layers to the excellent mix.

Antithesis Of Hope concludes the set as the band leave to rapturous applause after a blistering ending to their set.

THE SUNS JOURNEY THROUGH THE NIGHT

We last encountered The Suns Journey Through The Night at Damnation Festival in 2023. The masked group bring a different darkness to proceedings. The corpse paint is substituted for face masks and skulls.

Performing Worldless, the band have plenty of the black metal tropes but introduce more breakdown type tempos than the traditional BM merchants do. Although there are two guitars and drums with no bass player, there is still a sonic low end that rumbles.

“Manchester….become Worldless.” The crowd obliges with a headbang in unison. For all the slower passages that create the bands musical aura, it would mean nothing without the devastation the band offers when they cut loose. Breakneck drumming and guitar riffs are unforgiving and bring the extreme.

Inbetween songs there is no let up as swirling and moody synths keep the intensity high. As the band finish up, they offer their thanks to the jubilation of the crowd.

ABDUCTION

Whilst most other bands have new releases out, or imminent, Abduction get way more exclusive and play their new album which hasn’t been announced or the like.

Their long intro tape gives an uneasy tension in the room and when the band take the stage, singer and band leader, A|V, has a look that is the stuff of nightmares with hood up and face covered.

By now, the crowd are a little more loose, and there has probably been some alcohol consumed. For a band to be playing completely new songs that are unreleased, the crowd are fully into this.

The new material, as expected, is absolutely relentless. Abduction’s set is the first instance of a pit breaking out. Enthusiasm is high as the crowd chant back to the band. It is the loudest crowd of the day so far.

We can only wait in anticipation of the new Abduction album. One thing is for sure, the crowd that witnessed this set, will not forget it in a hurry.

DEVASTATOR

After Abduction, Devastator had something to top. Before the band takes the stage, the crowd are chanting for the band as they ready themselves.

When Devastator strode on stage and hit their first notes, there is immediate pit action.

Their latest release is Black Witchery; the lead track from the forthcoming album, Conjurers Of Cruelty. The song is dedicated to The Infernal Sea (who also have a song of the same name on their new album). Unforgiving and pummelling, the song contains some great soloing; the crowd are again, giving their all – blow up pineapple and all!

Devastator might be the band that move furthest away from black metal on the bill, but make no mistake, this is still dark stuff.

With nooses draped on mic stands, the band ask if they want to hear something fast? Could it get any faster?! Well, yes. It gets faster and more vociferous. Some of the pit action gets more frenetic.

One thing we learn is that Devastator have some special guests on the their new album and they’re joined by Abduction’s main man,  A|V, on one of the new tracks off Conjurers Of Cruelty. The crowd in Manchester also got the chance to own that album before its March release date.

THE INFERNAL SEA

Having recently released their brilliant new album, Hellfenlic (our review here), The Infernal Sea have much to celebrate. Decked out in their trademark gowns and masks, the band take us on the journey of Hellfenlic.

From the off, it is clear to see that The Infernal Sea pride themselves on their music AND their presentation. Candlesticks, lavish mic stands, more refined lighting and a general attention to detail make this a spectacle as well as a great set.

Hellfenlic is a brilliant record, so hearing it front to back is a real treat. With the dry ice jumping up a notch, the four piece cut shadowy figures in amongst the smoke.

“I am the witch finder,” is the opening salvo of Lord Abhorrent. Immediately, the band go full tilt. Witchfinder is a triumphant slice of black and roll whilst Bastard Of The East is dedicated to ‘every bastard here.’

The closing track on Hellfenlic is Messenger Of God. It is an epic song with an acoustic intro (over tape) and the addition of violin. Having the band use a live violinist for the show really adds to the drama, and makes for a show stealing ending to a celebratory set.

NINKHARSAG

To round off a day of exclusives, Ninkarhsag once again grace the stage at Rebellion for one of Reaper Agency’s shows. The band were also on the bill back in August 2023 with Stormkeep et al.

Tonight, the band get a rammed Manchester Rebellion to showcase their brilliant, forthcoming EP, The Black Swords Of Winter.

With a headlining, hour long slot to play with, Ninkharsag pad out their set with a clutch of songs from their latest full length; The Dread March Of Solemn Gods. Discipline Through Black Sorcery, Lunar Hex: The Art of Mighty Lycanthropy and show opener, Night Wrath are all highlights.

Material from The Black Swords Of Winter sits excellently with previous material. Ninkharsag are solid and reliable; they give the crowds what they want and have a tonne of fun giving it.

As the curtain comes down on a brilliant day, Ninkharsag leave the stage content that they have put on a great show that is worthy of topping such a stacked bill.

Check out Beneath The Cloak of Nightfall from the new Ninkharsag EP, below.

All that is left to say is thank you. Not only to the bands for their performances, but also to Reaper Agency for putting on such a deadly show. Then there is the security guards who are all brilliant, the people on sound and lights and all the staff at Rebellion. There is nothing but good vibes on offer at these kinds of events. Long may it continue.

If you want more Reaper action, we heartily recommend their two day Fortress Festival in Scarborough. It boasts a huge line up with Triptykon taking top billing. Find out more here.

Reaper Agency: Website

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