Flint, Michigan, might be known for the crime, cars, and crisis. Yet this down-and-out town has more to offer than that. Music fans know it best for being home to The Machine Shop. This nationally acclaimed music venue has been hosting, supporting, and celebrating bands for twenty years. This special concert lounge has gained its reputation because of their genuine love of live music and doting on its patrons. They bring to mid-Michigan audiences an enthusiasm and care most venues don’t bother with anymore. It was a bright, spring evening last weekend when a group of goth kids formed a line outside this beloved hall’s doors. They were exposed to more sunlight than what they were probably used to, but it was worth it because the Symphonic Black Metal Titans, Cradle of filth, were in town.
The evening kicked off with opening act, Frayle slithering onto the stage. This blossoming Ohioan Doom Rock group quickly grabbed everyone’s attention by their hauntingly enticing look and sound. Frontwoman Gwyn Strang dominated the stage with her decked out appearance as a sorceress queen. Her dramatic aesthetic drew in every onlooker with ease. The band’s heavy drudge and trudge boomed with a calculated care. The chilling, velvety tones and vocals created an eerie atmosphere carrying intrigue and mystery. The ambient moments were full of a soft seductiveness and their breakdowns full of indignation. Strang stood poised and proclaimed her emotional lyrics with certainty. The crowd was puddy in her hands. One adoring fan brought her a bouquet of flowers, and they were graciously received. The musicianship proved dynamic, thoughtful, and robust. The witchy, pagan vibe made it seem like they should be from some ancient Northern European Forest and not Cleveland, Ohio. They had an impressive light show which made their jam different from most other doom-like acts. The impressive dance of moving, vivid colors assisted with transporting the audience to the band’s uncommon clamor. They played a new number called ‘All the Things I Was’ that will be on their second full-length album that is coming out this summer. Cries of praise resounded as Frayle wrapped things up. It was Friday night and folks were ready to party so things were off to a good start.
The headliners hit the stage with theatrical whimsy and maleficent flare. The presence of these horror-themed experts sent the filled venue into a frenzy. Frontman Dani Filth carried a confidence and tenacity that reeled in the already hooked crowd. They opened with a track off their newest release, Existence is Futile (Nuclear Blast) called ‘Existential Terror’ and the elaborate, explosive sound vibrated the walls. The thunderous drumming from Martin ‘Marthus’ Skaroupka administered a fervent force that each member built upon with their own pandemonium. A small, but solid circle pit formed and remained throughout the set. Even though this act has had countless member changes, they played like a well-oiled machine.
They were cogs running smoothly to spread their sinister sounds. The unique, shrill screeches and canine-like yips from Filth provided a delightful terror. He sliced at the senses with his dark lyrics which were weighted down with angst and foreboding. Gothic dreams came true when they played ‘Lilith Immaculate’ and ‘Nymphetamine Fix’. Their Death Metal roots peaked through on newer numbers like ‘Us, Dark, Invincible’ and the oldies like ‘Lustmord and Wargasm’. Each member was entertaining to watch. They all peered into the crowd with evident pleasure which proved their love of performing. The front row leaned against the thick chain that kept them separate from the stage that stood only a few inches away.
The catchy choruses and orchestral movements had everyone bobbing their heads. The spooky and exotic tones conjured an atmosphere of other worldliness. The raw, rough riffs lured in and enveloped the enthused fans. The competent guitarwork provided by Richard Shaw and Marek ‘Ashok’ Smerda added to the enchanting epicness of the evening. After ten songs, the band cleared off for a short reprise. The crowd grew hysteric and began chanting ‘Cradle’ as they eagerly awaited the encore. Leather and studs swung about as cheers were raised when the band returned to play their final three numbers. They ended with their classic ‘Her Ghost in the Fog’ and cries for more rang out. Though the fans did not want their magic moment to end, they were grateful for what they were given and all left Flint’s best music spot satisfied.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY RAGIN ROSIE