Since forming in 2015, it has been full steam ahead for Japanese steampunk metal band FATE GEAR. Having left a tantalising trail of albums and extended plays, the band are now making a name for themselves as an explosive live act. As their third European tour came to a conclusion, the band stopped by London for what promised to be one heavy evening.
Live Report: FATE GEAR – Boston Music Room, London, 20.07.2023
The finale of a tour always generates mixed emotions; sure, it is an exciting time now that FATE GEAR have come to town, but there’s a touch of sadness that this European jaunt is reaching a finish. However, the overarching feeling tonight is celebratory, and a fevered chatter electrifies the air as the hardcore fans pack themselves tightly in front of the stage. There is no support act tonight, so there’s not too long to wait for FATE GEAR, but a strong sense of anticipation crackles the atmosphere nonetheless, and that sensation is heightened by 朱に染まる穹 (Syu ni somaru sora), a thunderous introduction that creates the requisite amount of tension. However, it proves to be the calm before the storm as the light which bathes the stage becomes an angry blood red as the band arrives, like a crack of lightning splitting the sky, and launches into Unbreakable Wings. FATE GEAR prove themselves to be a musical tornado, a bunch of headbanging maniacs who get their follicles flying, and the crowd respond in kind by punching the air and chanting in unison.
We are currently living in the golden age of all-female Japanese metal bands, yet FATE GEAR has a certain something that sets them apart from their peers. Maybe it is their steampunk look, or their fresh take on metal, but I think it’s because of Kurosaki’s keyboards. Usually, keys are hidden away in metal, yet here they are placed boldly in the mix, creating a retro Deep Purple-ish vibe that jars nicely with their futuristic sound and it makes for an interesting dichotomy. Yet, the whole band are on fire and Captain Mina proceeds to pull some devilishly good sounds from her guitar that appear to be dredged from the depths of Hades. The rhythm section of bassist Erika and drummer JUNNA lock in tightly to create a punchy sound, and one that shakes the ground beneath our feet. It’s vocalist Nana who threatens to steal the show with her impressive range and energetic stagecraft, and becomes a blur as she barrels from stage left to stage right. The five band members combine to create a maelstrom, and the result is a feast for the ears and eyes, and one that overloads our senses with a full-force metal attack.
From the soaring opener Unbreakable Wings to cutting closer Scars In My Life, FATE GEAR deliver a set that touches at most points along their illustrious career. It’s a highly energetic performance that leaves no one disappointed, and when the crowd demand an encore, the band are happy to oblige, and a rip-roaring run-through of Headless Goddess sends everybody home happy.
FATE GEAR promise they’ll return to London again, and judging by tonight’s reaction, that moment can’t come soon enough.
Setlist:
1. 朱に染まる穹 (Syu ni somaru sora) (introduction)
2. Unbreakable Wings
3. Adventure In The East
4. Draw You Dagger
5. Battle Against Justice
6. The Sky Pirates
7. Isolation
8. Live In Blood
9. MAGABULLETS
10. Skykiller
11. Be Invincible!
12. Romancer
13. Scars In My Life
Encore:
14. Headless Goddess
