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

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Power Plays w/c 27 January 2025

MARINA V Symphony & Metal (indie)
TOUGH ON FRIDAYS Nosedive (Golden Robot Records)
ROYAL SORROW Evergreen (InsideOut Music)
H.E.A.T. Disaster (earMUSIC)
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Grayer Than Blue (Journeyman Records)
ELLIS MANO BAND Count Me In (SPV)
MADELINE HAWTHORNE Ghost In A Shell (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 27 January 2025

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