Creeper are a Southampton formed band who have been making their name known for about 10 years now. The band have a macabre background, with vampiric tendencies tingling their lore. After a successful tour promoting their newest album, Sanguivore, last year, Creeper are embarking on a UK tour supporting smaller venues and promoters.
I made it just before the opener started their set. Naut had me enthralled by their theatrical gothic sound that’s reminiscent of bands like Iron Maiden. It was like listening to something from a cult classic movie from the nineties. The stage was kind of ruined though by a massive black curtain hung up. Cutting the stage in half and also covering some of the lights. I can’t tell if this was intentional or just something they had to accommodate.
Regardless, the crowd below were definitely vibing to Naut. The crowd is already full, meaning they’re here for the long haul tonight. After every song, there’d be a “WOO” and cheer. As I looked to the centre of the pit and barrier, I could see almost everyone bobbing their heads along to the music.
The members of the band I could see (couldn’t see the drummer…I assume there was one…or maybe it was just a stem…) were all moving and moshing in their spots. The vocalist especially was carrying that theatrical vibe with his movements and sways to the songs. The guitarists were throwing up their instruments and making a show to the audience.
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Zetra is up next. I’ve actually seen the band before, and they for sure seem to be more suited for this line up than when I saw them at a deathcore gig. The duo set up the stage in jumpsuits. Making me wonder if they’ve ditched the robe look and instead gone for something more nu-metal. The stage dims and out they come in their signature robes and chained mic stands. The band opens with audio explaining the lore behind the band as they kneel in front of their curtain.
Though the band aren’t the type to cause any mosh pits, I could definitely tell the crowd were along for the story the band was telling. The barrier especially becomes packed making it hard to walk through. Pretty much every fan was adamant about not moving. I’m sure making my way to the photo pit for Creeper won’t be difficult at all. I swear I could hear the distant shouting of someone singing back the lyrics to the band but where they were I couldn’t see. But Zetra are steadily building up that fan base…or cult…I don’t know which they call it.
The two members never interact with the crowd much. That’s just their vibe though. Instead of going nuts in the crowd, they seem like the type of band you stick on with a wine glass in hand and succumb to your feelings whilst it rains outside. People had all eyes on them (with their beverages in hand), never tearing their gaze away from what was being presented on stage. One thing I will say about this band, I don’t know if it’s what they go for but the vocalist is always drained out by the bass and guitars. It’d be great to see them one day when I can confidently tell you any of the lyrics I hear.
The crowd started packing tightly well before Creeper came on. An older man blocking me going to the photo pit and being stubborn about where he stood (until it was pointed out I was here to work). Some people are ready to fight tonight. God knows why. Pick your battles, guys.
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Creeper came on to the chanting of their name. People went wild, especially when the singer made his appearance. I have to say the vibe from the get go, with their opener “Cry to Heaven” went down an absolute treat. Hearing the crowd chanting back the lyrics made the impact all that more powerful too. I can’t emphasize enough how loud the crowd was for Creeper.
The members at the front of the stage were putting on a show for all. Interacting with almost every side and the singer especially was going back and forth to each side and pointing and even at times pointing the mic to people who had handed him a rose. Two guitarists in particular were definitely handling some of the crowd too. They would either be dancing to make the crowd “WOO” or they’d be standing on the edge of the stage shredding their instruments. The drums were going hard, the only downside with that was I couldn’t actually see the drummer for most of the show because they were so smoked out.
The sound of Creeper has that classic rock with the campiness or Rocky Horror. It’s hard to describe but it’s a vibe and clearly one for all ages with the diversity of the crowd tonight. We had our first crowd surfer too, swiftly followed by another immediately after. The vocalist leaned over the stage for the surfer to sing into it. It was great seeing a live set so open to the audience. Where the band is knowingly playing with you and not to you.
The bands tonight have a very distinct thespian sound to them. Will they be for everyone? No, probably not. But you can’t deny that they have something special with how they’ve encapsulated these fans. Creeper will be on tour until the end of March, where they then will be featuring at Takedown festival and even embarking on an American tour supporting Black Veil Brides in Spring.
Photos by JSM Slater Films
