On a chilly January evening at Marble Factory, Southampton-based sextet Bury Tomorrow set the stage ablaze, initiating The Bristol Gig Guide’s live coverage for 2024. The venue was bursting at the seams from the moment the doors creaked open at 6 pm, with the crowd eagerly soaking in support acts Kingdom of Giants and We Came As Romans.
By the time Bury Tomorrow emerged onto the stage, there was barely room to move as the first notes of ‘The Seventh Sun’ erupted, which aptly happens to be the title of their 2023 album that this sold-out tour is in support of. Next up was the furious ‘Abandon Us’, with Dani Winter-Bates’ obliterating vocals instantly igniting a mosh pit in the heart of the crowd, prompting a steady stream of crowd-surfers which continued throughout the entirety of the set.
The setlist unfolded as a meticulously curated journey through the band’s discography spanning over fifteen years, featuring both fan favourites and tracks from the latest album. Each song was a visceral experience, enhanced by the dynamic lighting displays and atmospheric effects that added a visual dimension to the auditory onslaught.
Ever-appreciative frontman Dani Winter-Bates and his comrades appeared more as a collective entity than a lead singer and supporting musicians, with each member commanding the audience in their own captivating way thus making it difficult to know where to fix your eyes. Their no-frills presence held a magnetic synergy that bound the set together consistently for the night. A notably outstanding performance was from Tom Prendergast, who effortlessly snapped back and forth between his roles of keyboardist and clean vocalist in a matter of milliseconds, transforming tracks such as ‘Black Flame’ and ‘Knife of Gold’ into a melodic feast for the ears.
As the final notes of the brutal ‘Cannibal’ and ‘Choke’ rang through the venue, the exhausted yet exhilarated crowd bore witness to a performance that transcended the boundaries of a typical metal show, showcasing over fifteen years of rich experience as a band. Bury Tomorrow’s sold-out spectacle at Marble Factory was a truly cathartic experience that left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to be in attendance. They may be well-established in their career, but there was an excitement lingering in the air that suggested that this night was just the start of something far bigger for this talented band.
Words: Phoebe Messenger Images: Adie White (@bristolnomad_gigphotography)
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
Role: Reviewer
Outside of my day job, I’m a regular gig-goer and have always enjoyed writing articles to fuel the passion even further, whether that be through reviews for live shows or for full albums.
Available for: Gig reviews, album/single reviews and artist interviews.
First attended gig: The first show I bought a ticket to myself was 30 Seconds To Mars supported by Enter Shikari at the Brighton Centre.
First gig reviewed: The first gig I reviewed was a showcase of underground DIY rock acts dubbed ‘Deprestlemania’ at The Victoria in Dalston.
Dream gig: There are too many to choose from. It would have to be either Def Leppard, Pearl Jam playing every song from Ten, or Deftones (preferably playing their entire discography). Or even better, all three!