Reaper Agency bring together another rarefied line-up of black metal to the masses in Manchester; it serves as a precursor to summer’s Fortress Festival and the newly announced Tynebound in September 2026.

Words: Dominic Walsh
Pictures: Andy Pountney

SATURDAY

Reaper’s latest assault on Manchester comes hot on the heels of their newly announced Tynebound event. Featuring a slew of extreme metal bands, primarily in the black music realm, Reaper Festival again showcases up and coming/new bands as well as a few seasoned vets. Sprinkled throughout are exclusive performances in the form of UK debut shows, debut performance, and anniversary sets.

VESTIA

Vestia are all cloaks and mystique as they prepare to unleash their Greek themed black metal. They fly through a range of moods in their thirty minute opening slot. There are plenty of break neck tempos, like the furious opening to Goddess, but there are plenty of moody diversions (see Hearth & Home) and some nice lead guitar work throughout. They manage to make their sound soar and have some great little passages that nod to the second wave of Norwegian black metal, but also to bands like Iron Maiden. ‘Manchester…bang your fucking heads!’ Screams singer, Elegy. At 2pm, plenty oblige. There’s a really good feeling in the air. Vestia gets a great reception and you can bet they’ll have themselves on plenty more bills like this going forward. It’s also not the last we’ll see of Elegy over the weekend.

LUNAR MANTRA

A throaty incantation opens Lunar Mantra’s set. It’s a gateway into their spiritual, ambient infused cacophony. The bass and drums churn as the guitars lay dense and deadly on top. There are shifts in pace from the repetitive drone like the opening to full black metal throw-downs. The songs of Lunar Mantra need time to breathe; time is taken to allow this to happen, and the way the songs develop, like Vestia before, showcases a load of variety at play. At times, the slow trudge ramps up oppressively to help shape the mood further; punters in the crowd have their eyes shut as they allow the music to wash over them.

SWORDS OF DIS

In an exclusive first, Swords of Dis make their live bow. ‘Hello Manchester; we are Swords of Dis,’ says singer Alice Corvinus ethereally, before the band begin their ceremony. The drama is ramped up with various bits of paraphernalia onstage. A skull topped incense stand is decorated with what looks like shed snake skin, and there is a ceremonial font front and centre as Corvinus douses her self in dark crimson. Clad in an already flowing red dress, she falls to her knees in her blood soaked state, her hands glistening in the red light. It’s dramatic and theatrical, but it’s not style over substance. Musically, the band sounds tight, and considering this is a first live outing, Swords of Dis sound superb. Their mesmeric presence and blistering sound enchants. The vocals move from shrieked to sung and the riffs are nice and heavy, adding to the mood created.

IMPERIAL DEMONIC

A hush descends as Imperial Demonic’s intro tape swirls. Andy Heathen strides on holding up his hands and screaming ‘Come on Manchester.’ His corpse paint is reminiscent of Abbath and his call to arms doesn’t fall on deaf ears. There’s a confrontation that hasn’t reared its head just yet in Imperial Demonic’s delivery. You can also throw in a little bit of chaotic energy too. The Norn Iron outfit certainly takes no prisoners; their sound is probably the most traditional black metal of the day so far. ‘You’ve brought your A-game,’ remarks Heathen as the band offer no drop in the relentless nature of their sound. Those that are seeking a more pure sound need look no further.

ÄERA

Äera arrive from Germany, giving proceedings a more continental feel. Whilst being from mainland Europe, music is the great leveller; a universal language. There are no theatrics here; no face paint or skulls…just four guys delivering top class black metal in pristine fashion. Harmonic breaks in songs glue the songs together with shifts in tempo and intensity providing variation in sound. The collective head nods and communal raised fists of the crowd in unison are a joy to behold. Äera go down a complete storm and kick off a double header of UK debut performances.

NAXEN

In contrast, fellow Germans Naxen, are a lot colder in their sound. A cinematic ambient intro is pierced with full on fury. Bassist, SP, is particularly energetic in his delivery and commands attention. The cheers of the crowd ring stronger with each passing song. Throughout the day, the standard of band on show has been top class. Some of the drumming in Naxen’s music is utterly tremendous and shakes the ribs aplenty. As Naxen reach the end of their set, there is a certain epicness to their sound; the tempo is slower but no less crushing. Along with Äera, they are making their UK debut.

What is clear after both debut sets, is that people show their love at the merch desk. It is all part of the communal feel of the festival, but speaks more on the community of people that attend. Bands happily chat with fans; there is no hierarchy.

BARSHASKETH

Originally hailing from New Zealand, but now located in Scotland, Barshasketh hit the stage at a prime moment. By now, those partaking are lubricated with alcohol just enough. It means that Barshasketh get decidedly more movement in front of the stage; the energy levels from all make the performance a real highlight. Singer, KG, sings with full throated abandon whilst crashing his face off the mic, almost knocking it into the front rows. Radiant Aperture sees the crowd getting fully drawn in, and offers another take on the black metal sound.

KRYPTS

To finish off day one are Krypts. Hailing from Finland, the quartet showcase a slower tempo. This is where black metal meets doom. Singer and bassist, Antti Kotiranta, is hooded throughout and the band create imposing silhouettes. From the opening intro tape to the final strains, Krypts create a dense, claustrophobic wall of sound that encircles the masses. It is crushingly heavy and sends people out into the cold Manchester with lungs full of musical darkness.

Day one saw a huge variety of music delivered in top class fashion. Huge kudos to everyone involved in putting on the event from the organisers, to the staff, the bands, security and fans. These events are so enjoyable. Roll on day two!

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