Andracca head up a four band bill at The Fulford Arms, York, courtesy of Steelheart Promotions.
THE FULFORD ARMS
What better way to spend a Sunday evening than in one of York’s finest live music venues, surrounded by people who know exactly what they’re there for? The Fulford Arms has quietly earned its reputation as the go-to spot for heavier, more adventurous nights in this city, and Steelheart Promotions put it to good use with a tight four-band bill of UK black metal and its various dark neighbours.
If you haven’t made the pilgrimage before, The Fulford Arms sits just outside the ancient castle walls that have watched over York for centuries, and there’s something I love about coming to a gig in this city. You’re stepping out of a city steeped in history into a warm, dimly-lit room that’s about to get loud. It was busy in the way you want a Sunday metal show to be busy, never so rammed that you can’t move. Familiar faces, a receptive crowd, and that particular anticipation that comes with a bill where you know some of the names and are genuinely curious about the others.
DARKENED VOID
Darkened Void are first up. I’ll be honest, they weren’t a band I had on my radar going in. They sit somewhat further down the melodic death spectrum than the bill might suggest. But that’s no slight. They were a solid and genuinely enjoyable opening set. Tight, energetic, and clearly a band building momentum. I’d expect to see them popping up on more northern bills over the coming months, and I’ll be paying closer attention when they do.
BRUUL
Bruul were described as “barbaric black metal from Yorkshire” and on paper, that’s an immediate yes from me. In practice, they delivered something with a bit more texture than that billing implies. There were moments that lurched comfortably into doom territory, and some less orthodox breakdowns that caught me off guard in the best possible way. Their sound is genuinely difficult to pin down, which I mean as a compliment. The crowd were fully on board throughout, and with a new EP reportedly landing in May, now is a very good time to get acquainted.
MISKO BOBA
I had been looking forward to seeing Misko Boba again. I caught them a couple of years back and they left a real impression, and Sunday confirmed that they haven’t lost a step. Their atmospheric black metal sits comfortably alongside the likes of Drudkh in terms of tone, expansive and immersive. What really elevates their live show, though, is the context they bring to it. Their music draws from Lithuanian folklore, and their song introductions, delivered first in English then shrieked in Lithuanian, add a genuine sense of ritual to proceedings. The set closed with Queen’s Harlot, and it was a phenomenal note to finish on. Their material isn’t currently on streaming platforms, so do yourself a favour and track down a physical copy. I came away with a tape of their debut Gedulas ir viltis.
ANDRACCA
The name I was most looking forward to seeing was Andracca, and they didn’t disappoint. I’ve been following them for a few years now, live and on record, and I genuinely believe they are one of the very best atmospheric black metal acts operating in the UK at the moment. Their 2024 album Bare the Weight of Death, released through Vendetta Records, announced them to a wider audience and fully deserved the attention it received.
Opening with the title track, the room felt it immediately. What began as the singular vision of Kieran has grown into a full band, and the power that comes with that is palpable. There are new tracks that get an airing too. If they’re any indication of where the next record is heading, the wait is going to be worth it.
I had a brief chance to speak with Kieran after the set, and he was clearly energised by the tour’s reception overall. He mentions that the new record is currently being recorded and pieced together, and having heard those previewed tracks on Sunday, I’m excited to hear more when the time comes.
A huge credit to Steelheart Promotions for putting together a show that spanned a broad and interesting spectrum of black metal and its close relatives. This leg of the tour was a welcome addition to what had originally looked like a more southern-focused run, and nights like this are a reminder of just how strong the northern scene is right now.
Andracca: Bandcamp
Misko Boba: Bandcamp
Bruul: Bandcamp
Darkened Void: Facebook