Shackled: Live Review

Another warm, if not quite as sunny day at the Smithfield, this time Shackled playing to the packed, socially distancing crowd. Their blend of classic rock covers mixed with their own original music spells a great set for a fun afternoon of drinking and relaxing.

Opening with a set of two covers, UFO's Doctor Doctor and Motley Crüe's Live Wire, it is a strong start to the afternoon. In fact, the covers are stellar throughout. From their unique cover of Chris Issak's Wicked Game to crowd favourites like Crazy Train and Whole Lotta Rosie, they got the crowd going and were played to perfection.

However, personally I would say Shackled’s strengths lie in their original music. Songs like Heavenly and Fight the Power off their latest album, Lost Heroes, translated very well live from the record, keeping the crowd transfixed and high energy even if they hadn’t heard the music before. I would hope it urges those in attendance to check out their albums, as there is some very solid British metal across them!

My only slight gripe with the show was the sound. While I feel like I was practically treated with how good the sound was at the same venue a couple of weeks ago for Junction, Shackled's felt a little muddled. I could mostly only hear drums; the bass and rhythm guitar being completely lost in the mix. While that could be chalked up to where I was sat, I was in almost the same place as I was before and that was fine!

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable gig to sit and watch on a Sunday afternoon, a mix of some good covers and entertaining originals. Would definitely recommend checking these guys out on track and if they're playing a full originals set near you any time soon!

Overall: 6.5/10