Warhorns Festival 2015
Broken Amp – By Jim Parry-Smith on
With the unfortunate news of four bands having to cancel their appearances for various reasons, Red Rum’s vacated slot goes to Old Corpse Road, a band who are no strangers to this very festival, having performed at Warhorns twice previously. I’ve never been entirely convinced by the Darlington sextet’s gothic black metal approach, yet every time I see them becomes another piece of the puzzle to what will hopefully become their fully realised — and much deserved — bigger picture. Their work ethic and strong fan base have together proven to be their guiding light over the years, and with choice cuts played tonight from acclaimed début album ‘Tis Witching Hour… as Spectres We Haunt This Kingdom, their tales of British folklore are as captivating as they are ear-piercing. Bass guitarist and spoken word vocalist The Wanderer guides the band from the front, and from well-executed keyboard melodies through to the high-pitched black metal screams emanating from various members, all six of the troupe feel fully utilised amongst the sprawling, and often ambitious, compositions. Closing with an older fan favourite, ‘The Old Corpse Road’ induces mass headbanging before receiving a well-deserved ovation.
Jorvik Viking Festival, Fibbers, York - 22nd February 2014
Soundscape Magazine Review
Up next was Old Corpse Road, who always put on a great show. With them making an announcement that they were trying to fit a 35-minute set into a 30-minute one, it did unfortunately mean that the crowd interaction was a little lacking but the set didn’t suffer as a result. It was a highly atmospheric set and it really was fantastic to see just how into the music they were – when a band really makes an effort with their performance, it really pays off and it was incredible to see near-enough the whole crowd head-banging in tandem with one another.
Warhorns, The Duchess, York - 28th September 2013
Ave Noctum Review
If you can be judged by your fans and the reaction of other bands name checking you from stage, Old Corpse Road are one very cool band. I’ve kind of had a mixed history with them as I seem to get frustrated by what I see as huge potential not quite getting there. Plus a couple of weeks prior I had watched them turn in what I found to be a relatively unimpressive set in Leeds so I was kind of dreading this. Well, second time in one day I eat my words as these hard working road dogs turned in an excellent set. Overcoming a couple of technical niggles they delivered a haunting, atmospheric set that was as tight as anything. Great keyboard sections drawing the mists in, proper use of a stage lights and some fine harmony vocals on tracks like the evergreen ‘Witch Of Wookey Hole’. Drawing on the country’s rich folklore heritage, in a city as old as York, they totally won me over with their dark tales and haunting sound. Excellent.