Spirytus Gig at The Old Angel,
Thursday 28th April 2005

Review by Alex Kleanthous
(Freelance journalist)

Spirytus took to the stage last night for what was their first appearance on the circuit. The five man main attraction (which only formed at the end of January) was all dressed in black as each member confidently; you could even say defiantly took centre stage. I had heard so much hype about this band that as I stood there waiting for them to begin there was a definite dreaded excitement running through my veins. The dread that I might be disappointed and the excitement that I might be about to hear something fresh, new and organic. The words ‘Don’t believe the hype’ came to mind as I waited. In fact, the build up and buzz surrounding their debut gig was so frantic that even the local police had heard about it. Apparently after catching a fan illegally fly postering a building. Asked by the officer what their music was like the fan looked rather baffled and blurted out ‘no one has heard them; we just know they’re awesome’. Word has it that particular copper was in attendance moshing like a mother….er.

As each band member took to the stage – your usual white, skinny, skin pierced, longhaired, baggy-trouser-wearing, skater boy type – except, er, wait a minute, a black, muscle bound, six pack wearing, finger pointing animal of a front man. How refreshing, something different. And they hadn’t even started playing yet.

But when they did, all I can say is that this journalist was literally blown away. Spirytus rock hard and are loud. They never let up for a moment. Thundering melodically from one song to another with none of the usual boring banter.

Having obviously listened to the entire set I was surprised they started with Musical Freak, the weakest of their songs. Nonetheless, they more than made up for it with Life, Blessed is the Man, and the slower but sonically mesmerising No One Really Knows.

If the gig had finished there, it would have been great. But it didn’t and thank he who is the God of rock for that. The song One Minute had the crowd, who were already frantic, in spasms of what I can only describe as euphoria. This song deserves airplay now and forever, so requests it every day until it gets its due recognition. Personal was the supposed final song of the set and this lit the place up like an explosion. The band were now looking superhuman, moving rhythmically, sweat pouring off them, completely animated and at one with each other. A mosher’s dream, it took you to dizzy heights and violently seized control of all your senses.

As for the encore, yes it was my favourite, One Minute, executed in true metal fashion.

Unfortunately, I don’t get as excited about bands as I used to. Unless something truly original comes on the scene. Spirytus are certainly that and more. So I suggest you watch this space and prepare for your senses to be heightened. Their gigs are well worth attending so tell your friends and family. Don’t miss out on one of the best performing bands in the UK today.