Immanis, taken from the Latin for ‘Monstrous’, took shape as the current four-piece in the summer of 2006 and have built up an impressive CV in the three short years since. Their debut album ‘War Machine’ in 2006 was followed by the long awaited second album ‘The Carnage Footprint’ in 2008 with much gigging stuffed into the gap. A blistering blend of orchestral and synthesized tones and the heaviest of drum fills create an atmosphere perfect for the mischief and mayhem which Devils Night demands, and a sound that you can feel pounding in your chest and penetrating your very soul.
After a hellish journey stuck in traffic on the M6 and a cancelled support band, you could have forgiven the boys from Edinburgh a less than perfect performance but no such leeway was necessary. Immanis took to the stage with an energy and presence seldom seen outside of a major arena tour. Some of the gathered masses know what to expect having seen live footage and heard the recordings before but even we are stunned by the power and effortless passion eschewing from these Scotsmen.
We were treated to a breathtaking onslaught of tracks from their first two albums including the awesomeness of ‘Waste not want not’ and ‘War Machine’. One of the best covers of the theme from the movie ‘Ghostbusters’ was blasted out to a gathered masses only too happy to join in before they continue the assault with more of their own. Before we knew it the set was over and we had witnessed the passing of an hour without even noticing.
What was the highlight of the night? For me it was watching five members of the gathered hordes playing a rather competitive game of musical chairs for the chance to win a CD or Band T-Shirt. Fortunately I had the chance to do it all again Halloween Night at The Sanctuary, Burnley but for those not as lucky I can only sympathise for the feelings of lost emptiness which must have followed.
Roll on the 4th December when the conquering heroes return to The Ship Inn, Preston.
--- Carol London ---
