Combichrist 08.08.2024 @ Manchester Academy

Credit for this page goes to: John Gilman

Having heard plenty of buzz about Combichrist over the years, I finally had the chance to catch them live at Manchester Academy. My previous encounters with their music were scattered—a track here and there at the legendary Sin City club night in Manchester (now rebranded as Control)—but I had never fully immersed myself in their sound until now. Walking into the venue with an open mind and no firm expectations, I was ready to experience what many have called one of the most intense live acts in the industrial metal scene.

Combichrist, originally formed in Norway in 2003 by Andy LaPlegua, has become a cornerstone of the industrial metal genre. The band is renowned for their aggressive fusion of electronic music, industrial beats, and metal elements. Their music often plunges into dark, intense themes, delivered through heavy beats, distorted vocals, and a wall of sound that hits like a sledgehammer. LaPlegua, the creative force behind the band, initially conceived Combichrist as an experimental side project.

The evening’s setlist was heavily dominated by tracks from their latest album, a move that could have easily alienated the audience if the new material didn’t hold up. But any concerns quickly dissipated as the band launched into the opener, “Planet Doom,” a track that immediately set the tone for the night. It was a high-octane start that blew away any cobwebs and made it clear that Combichrist had no intentions of easing into the performance. From the get-go, the band had the crowd in the palm of their hand, and they maintained that grip throughout the entire show.

One of the most striking aspects of this gig was the sheer intensity of the performance. Combichrist’s music is relentless, and their live delivery amplifies that energy to almost overwhelming levels. The pounding rhythms, snarling guitar riffs, and heavy synth lines created a soundscape that was both punishing and exhilarating. LaPlegua’s vocals, dark and brooding, cut through the noise with a commanding presence that drove home the visceral nature of the lyrics.

What made the experience even more remarkable for me was the fact that I was largely unfamiliar with their back catalog. This meant that even though the majority of the set was composed of new songs, it all felt fresh and exciting.The music's aggressive edge and the raw power of the live performance made it easy to get swept up in the moment, even without the nostalgia that long-time fans might have had.The setlist was a well-crafted journey through the band’s latest work, interspersed with a few older fan favorites that kept the crowd engaged. Tracks like “Wolves Eating Wolves” and “Only Death is Immortal” showcased the band’s ability to blend ferocious energy with an almost anthemic quality.As the night progressed, the relentless pace didn’t let up. “Throat Full of Glass” and “Modern Demon” stood out as particularly intense moments, with the band pushing the envelope on what a live performance can deliver in terms of raw energy and emotional impact. By the time they reached the set’s climax, it was clear that Combichrist had given everything they had, leaving nothing on the table.

The encore was the perfect capstone to the night. “My Life My Rules” and “D for Demonic” were both blistering tracks that left the crowd buzzing with adrenaline. As I exited the venue, it struck me just how powerful live music can be. Exactly 36 years ago, in 1988, I was at another gig in Manchester—standing on the Maine Road pitch, watching Pink Floyd. That show was a life-changing experience. Whether it’s stadium rock or a hot, sweaty bar gig, there’s something about being in the moment, with the music washing over you, that can’t be replicated.

So, my advice to anyone hesitating to see a band live? Don’t put it off. Go to the gig. You never know—it just might change your life.

Setlist:

1. Planet Doom

2. Wolves Eating Wolves

3. Compliance

4. Children of Violence

5. Not My Enemy

6. Only Death is Immortal

7. Electrohead

8. Sonic Witch

9. Throat Full of Glass

10. Modern Demon