So if you know me, which a couple of people do, you’d know my love for prog metal is minimal at best. I generally don’t care at all for it. So when I found myself on the way to review an EP launch gig for Progressive Dark Cinematic Djent band Vanitas, I was a little apprehensive. Wrongly so. Vanitas and their cohort of phenomenal supports put on an amazing show.

Opener, Amethyst, set up the night fantastically, with a great mix of songs, both high energy, and slower, and an absolutely crushing cover of Spiritbox’s Holy Roller alongside Vanitas’ Jade Maris. Earthbound and local legends, Netherhall, both played fantastically, with crushing riffs, and well trained vocals they provided the perfect lead up to headliners Vanitas.

With a flare for dramatics, and a newly updated light show, Vanitas put on a stellar performance, that rivals that of bands with ten times the followings, songs that are catchy headbangers, mix with emotional moments of musical therapy, and bring an excited crowd together with great energy. Moshpits and swaying flashlights consume The Flappers tiny downstairs gig room, and at every moment throughout the show you can sense that everyone there from band members to gig-goers is having the best time possible. Watching Vanitas’ roster of insanely talented musicians work through an, already impressive, catalog of new and older songs really is a joy, and listening Jades unrelenting and powerful vocals is best described as awe inspiring.

If you’ve never seen Vanitas before, they are well worth checking out for any lover of metal, and you should definitely try and catch them as they work their way round the UK on their upcoming tour and various festival appearances.