Gig review: DEADLY CIRCUS FIRE – The Borderline, London, 23 August 2013

Deadly Circus Fire take their moniker from the Hartford circus fire of Connecticut in 1944, one of the worst fire disasters in US history. Many burned to death while others, overcome by hysteria, were reported to have run round in circles until they too perished, as the flaming tent collapsed – trapping hundreds of spectators beneath it. Glancing at the moshpit tonight seems like miniature homage to that very night’s mayhem – DCF’s hardcore fans erupt as the band hit the stage, with the crowd glowing demonically in the red haze of glow sticks.

Deadly Circus Fire’s progressive metal tendencies are all but left behind in a maelstrom of metal mayhem; jagged guitars, thunderous pounding drums and cast iron vocals. The band really do create ‘dark, ferocious musical landscapes’ and rumours of their awesome live shows are well deserved. The gig is a relentless adrenalin rush and it’s hard to believe a band so tight and professional are relatively new and promoting their debut album (‘The King & the Bishop’). Personal favourites ‘Through the Soil’ & ‘Her Epitaph’ are given awesome live renditions and fans are treated a new song, ‘Rise Again’.

It’s easy to see why Deadly Circus Fire have the likes of ‘Metal Hammer’ (currently cover mounted the band’s debut album), ‘Classic Rock’ & ‘Prog’ on their side. ‘Metal Hammer’ has described the band as “An emotive display of showmanship and musical ability” – I can only agree. Tonight fans are sated and new fans are recruited. Catch the band in small venues while you still can.

Review by Maggie Smith

Photos by William Adams Photography

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)