Perched on the brink of the dimly illuminated stage like a venomous serpent poised for the kill, Kitty fixates her gaze upon the crowd. A predator sizing up its prey, she bides her time, a daughter of Lucifer ready to unleash chaos and carnage within the tightly packed confines of the venue. The crowd’s screams and thunderous roars, horns thrusting aloft, resonate as they clamor for their heroes.
In a split-second flash, she strikes with ferocity, uttering the words, “Bloodsucker, motherfucker,” and the room teeters on the brink of disintegration.
Lurking in the shadows, Jon (guitar) adorned with strobe-lit aura, grins demonically, sensing the impending spectacle. He’s spot on. The atmosphere crackles with an electric charge, neck hairs tingling, as “Animal” hurtles forth at breakneck speed. No respite for either band or crowd. Battle scars, earned through blood, sweat, and spit, adorn the band with pride as they reach this hard-fought pinnacle.
Reflecting on my last encounter with S.A headlining in Bristol at Crofters in late 2021, the crowd’s metamorphosis is awe-inspiring. They grasp this band’s essence; they comprehend their role in the S.A gig ritual. This is the haven where freaks and weirdos can unleash, refusing obedience, embracing rebellion.
Midway through the set, 2020’s “Daughter Of Lucifer” raises the dead, a collective exclamation from band and crowd, “This is my family, This is, this is my home.”
It seems fitting that S.A nurtures this familial vibe, evidenced as Kitty descends from the stage to deliver “This Is Not The End,” a poignant tribute to her late mother amidst the crowd. The displayed respect is impeccable, etching a pin-drop moment into my memory.
Amidst the maelstrom, a momentary oasis of calm emerges before we plunge back into the blistering riffs and full-throttle war cry of “Repent.” Front-row veins threaten to hemorrhage as Kitty immerses herself in a sea of outstretched limbs. Andy’s drumming is an exorcism of demonic forces, while Maxine’s bass blisters in a spectacular display, stepping in to cover the tour.
The culmination arrives with the anthem-in-waiting, riot-inducing “Middle Finger,” encapsulating Saint Agnes in a relentless three-minute barrage.
This band epitomizes channeled rage, pent-up frustration, standing unrivaled in delivering one of the most electrifying live performances across these isles. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝📸 @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
