Hanabie have been making waves over the past couple of years, with two great albums, a boat load of singles and even playing download in 2024, so it’s safe to say I jumped at the chance to cover their show in Birmingham on their 2025 UK/EU tour, a bonus, the nights only support was Lake Malice, who have been turning heads themselves over the past couple of years too. As I arrived at the Institute, the queue was the largest I’ve seen at the venue all year, easily spanning most of Digbeth High Street, with fans armed with light sticks, Harajuku-inspired outfits and most importantly, good vibes all around.
After a short wait, spent chatting to the crowd around me and the other photographers at the show, Lake Malice hit the stage and played a damn good set, which may also be the loudest set I’ve seen at the venue to date, too. Contagious energy flooded the room from the moment the band’s performance started, with multiple pits opening up within the first few songs, including one where guitarist Blake Cornwall jumped in with the audience. Vocalist Alice Guala was on top form for the entire performance, delivering
phenomenal vocals throughout the whole set, and drummer Emily Ainger kept the beats steady with effortless (or at least it appeared so). The set covered a range of fan favourites, including Blossom and Scatterbrain, as well as a brand-new song from their upcoming album. A great warm-up, and a band that seriously needs to be seen.
Photography: Dan @ Pulse Media Visuals
After a short changeover, Hanabie took to the stage. Within moments, it was easy to see how much the band rehearses every moment of the set, and the professionalism was refreshing. Within moments, though, the thing that truly stood out was how much
fun the band have performing. Vocalist Yukina has some of the most powerful vocal delivery I’ve heard from a metal vocalist, with both beautiful clean vocals and harsh screams and gutturals cutting through the instruments. It wasn’t long before I found myself dodging crowd surfers, singing along with the crowd while photographing and getting absorbed into the experience. Once I finished photographing, I stood in the crowd watching the set, and was continuously blown away. Guitarist Matsuri was smiling endlessly, something the crowd and band had in common, and once again, the sheer love and passion for performing came through in abundance. The setlist was also simply great, covering the bands biggest and most beloved tracks, from Spicy Queen, Ware Amatou, NETT GAME, GIRL’S TALK and more.
If you weren’t there, you missed outon an incredible show from one of metals most interesting and unique projects. The energy of the crowd was the genuine highlight of the show though, with a room of people all screaming along, moshing their hearts out and sharing in a truly great night.Once again, another great night of live music, and one you had to be there to witness. A phenomenal night and one that has easily hit the top show of the year for me.
Hanabie Online:
Photography: Dan @ Pulse Media Visuals
