Photo: Lee Holden-Rushworth
On a brisk Sunday evening in Bristol, a palpable excitement fills the air outside the O2 Academy. Die-hard metal fans, sporting corpse paint and clad in black, line the streets, eager to witness a night of unbridled metal madness. Cradle of Filth is headlining, but the support lineup, featuring the powerhouse acts Butcher Babies and High Parasite, has fans buzzing just as much.
Tonight, my focus is on High Parasite, a band I've followed from their very beginnings. There's an electric sense of anticipation surrounding them, and it’s easy to see why. Everything they do—from their music to their stage presence—oozes precision, passion, and raw talent. Seeing them rise has been thrilling, and tonight, they have the chance to kick things off due to an unexpected lineup change.
As the lights dim, High Parasite steps onto the stage with an aesthetic that’s both fierce and compelling. Each member has a distinct look, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their presence. The moment they strike their first chords, it’s clear that their live sound is as polished as their image. The mix is on point, every note cutting through the venue with clarity and power.
Dan Brown’s drumming anchors the band’s sound with impressive precision, his beats sharp and relentless, laying the foundation for the band’s sonic assault. Tombs, on bass, delivers a gritty, sinister tone that matches his dark, devilish style. His bass lines pulse with an intensity that’s hard to ignore, and the mysterious depth of his sound begs to be explored.
Guitarists Sam Hill and Jonny Hunter craft thick, immersive layers of sound, tipping into an ’80s-sounding creamy distortion that feels nostalgic yet refreshingly unique. Their guitar tones complement each other perfectly, creating a dense soundscape that is both heavy and hypnotic.
Then there’s Aaron Stainthorpe, a commanding presence in stark white, contrasting with the rest of the band's black attire with white guitars. Previously known for his work in My Dying Bride, Aaron brings a theatrical, storytelling quality to the performance. Between songs, his eloquent, almost poetic stage chat adds an air of sophistication, reinforcing the band’s unique blend of character and class.
Visually, High Parasite makes a striking impression. The juxtaposition of their all-black attire against Aaron’s all-white ensemble and instruments creates a memorable visual statement, underscoring their ability to weave powerful aesthetics with their formidable sound.
One of the evening’s standout moments arrives with “Wasn’t Human,” a fan favorite and one of my personal highlights. The crowd instantly recognizes the opening riff, and a ripple of excitement sweeps through the room. It’s clear that High Parasite is revitalizing the old-school Goth Rock sound, blending it with fresh energy and theatrical flair that feels both timeless and modern.
High Parasite is more than a band; they’re a force, a journey, and a movement in the making. Their set tonight is a reminder that they’re on an unstoppable rise, bringing something new, thrilling, and thoroughly their own to the scene.
As the final notes ring out, it’s evident the crowd is captivated. Every note, every lyric, every dramatic pause is met with eager attention. High Parasite has the crowd eating out of the palm of their hand, and I have no doubt their journey is only just beginning. With each performance, they’re building a rollercoaster that’s only heading one way—up.
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