Wheel / Beta @ Rock City / Nottingham
“Life is like a wheel. Sooner or later, it always come around to where you started again.” – Stephen King
People always ask you, whats the best gig you ever saw….. For me the answer is simple. I saw Life of Agony at the O2 in Birmingham, supported by Doyle and it was an incredible night. More of this later…..
Until recently, I knew nothing about Wheel except that they were a Finnish Prog-Rock/Metal band from Helsinki, along the lines of a band like Tool. Since then, I’ve had their latest album ‘Moving Backwards’ (2019) on repeat play on Spotify along with their earlier EP releases The Divide (2018) and The Path (2017). I was blown away by their sound. Beautiful clear vocals, sweeping guitar riffs and booming bass and drum beats underlying it all. Their music is not just good it’s a true sonic experience like a film score, blending these elements together flawlessly (check out Tyrant).
Just like Grave Pleasures, fronted by London born Mat ‘Kvosht’ McNerney who moved to live in Finland, Wheel were formed when British born frontman James Lascelles left his homeland to move to Helsinki to pursue music as a career. Here he met up with bassist Mikko Määttä, drummer Santeri Saksala and guitarist Saku Mattila. Later on Saku was replaced by Roni Seppänen, and wheel were born.
Prior to the 2020 tour Wheel announced the departure of bass player Mikko Määttä and Roni Seppänen, and that a replacements had been found in the very talented Aki Virta (bass) and JC Hulttunen (guitar). Rehearsals had been going on behind closed doors and the band were ready to hit the road with their new line up.
The new line up did not disappoint at Beta @ Rock City tonight. The band took the energetic crowd on a very enjoyable journey. New bassist Aki fits in perfectly, his bass lines a highlight of their signature sound. James’s vocals were flawless throughout, pitch perfect and able to hold an impressively long note.
Opening with the impressive ‘Lacking’ which showcases James’s vocal skills beautifully. Slowing the pace (a little) we then had ‘The Path’ from their debut EP release in 2017. The eager crowd were then treated to the impressive ‘Vultures’ and ‘Tyrant’ from the new album which showcase JC’s exceptional guitar playing skills. The band ran through their setlist with skill and outstanding technical ability. What is impressive about Wheel is their balance between heavy riffs, stylish ambient sounds and crisp clear vocals. They genuinely mix these elements brilliant for a unique sound. The set was rounded off with ‘Where the Pieces Lie’ and the incredible self-titled track ‘Wheel’ rounded off the night.
A solid performance worthy of this historic live metal venue. The crowd loved every beat, every bar and were cheering loudly at the end as the band thanks the crowd and filmed their reaction. Stepping off stage into the bar area, the band members mixed with and talked with fans long after the end. Humble and talented – a great mix.
Wheel are a fantastic live band, and one not to be missed. I’ve got a feeling that 2020 is going to be a massive year for Wheel, and I can see them reaching out to a wide new audience with their style and sound, the kind of act you look back on and say…. I remember seeing them at Beta @ Rock City.
Support was also excellent (see below), and I mentioned earlier that my best gig ever was an easy call….. Not anymore ! Last night was a great show, by two incredible bands in a lively and intimate venue…… Metal just doesn’t get better than this….. I think I have a new fave.
Set list: Lacking, The Path, Vultures, Tyrant, Up the Chain, Skeletons, Please, Where the Pieces Lie & Wheel
The New Death Cult from Norway provided excellent support tonight and join this tour on the back of their self-titled 2019 release ‘The New Death Cult’.
Consisting of Alpha (vocals & guitar), Beta (lead guitar), Gamma (bass) and Delta (drums) the quartet deliver a loud heavy rock sound once dubbed a brilliant cross-over between Queens of the Stone Age, Biffy Clyro and Pink Floyd. They have a great stage presence and look, dressed primarily in black with half face skeleton masks and luminous face paint, it certainly makes for a striking image. But it works too. They effortlessly mixed heavy riffs, with ear-tingling melodies and choruses of considerable grandeur. Highlights were the new track ‘Alive’ ‘Light Spills Over’ and the outstanding ‘Zeitgeist’. Lyrically they deliver a message of peace hope and unity…… to make the world a better and safer place.
I have to say, if you spend an evening listening to The New Death Cult….. that in itself helps make the world a better place and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. When they next get over to the UK, make sure you grab a ticket, they are well worth the entry fee.
Set list: Blood of Babylon, High + Low, True Eyes, Zeitgeist, Moon, Alive, Light Spills Over, Home
