Esclavage @ Cockpit
By Michael Starkey
Misled Vision have come a long way since the last time I saw them, when they were a good band but were too inexperienced as musicians and as a band to make any real impact, but the fact that they played the Cockpit today shows how far they have come.
They opened the set with a melodic and powerful number. I was impressed and surprised that their unique style has changed completely in the space of a year. They have taken their darkness to a new level, and it works. The singer's voice has taken an amazing power shift, and she really gives her all. Her stage presence was also immense, and she took all the attention with her style. She has become a great lead singer. The set seemed to get stronger as it went on, but really lacked a powerful ending.
Individually they have all improved and collectively they have come a long way. The rhythm section really connect, they know how each other's moves like they have been playing together their whole lives.
My main fault with Misled Vision isn't musically; it's their stage show. There is no real gap in-between each song, and the lead singer doesn't interact with the crowd anywhere near as much as she should. I would love to hear call out for a "Oo yeah" or something. They don't have the ego, they are in a cool band so they should act like it a bit more. Overall, they really are impressive, and their ages seem incomprehensible with the amount of talent they have.
Esclavage are another band I haven't seen for a long time, and their line-up has changed considerably since then with two new guitarists. They have become a much more solid band, and really are worthy of their headline spot. They are very tight, and I didn't notice any errors. Their singer is comparable to Phil Anselmo; he really has a great stage presence. He talks to the crowd so naturally and you can tell he feels at ease as a frontman. They opened their set powerfully and I was blown away with their original material. The only weak part of their set was a dodgy Sepultura cover; there's no need for Esclavage to play covers anymore. Their set was never weak, however I would love to see a few more clean songs. Every song is distorted all the way through which restricts any variation in their music.
Their best attribute was the guitarists; they really work well together, with the lead guitarist, although looking like Zakk Wylde, fitting brilliantly over the rhythm guitarist. They have become a real metal band, and have relinquished their nu-metal status. Bands of this style are quite rare and they really have turned into a great band. Very tight and very powerful, and with high quality music I was certainly impressed. Overall, an excellent gig.
