Live Review of Heathen Apostles and Fields of the Nephilim – Dark Country Influences
The O2 Institute in Birmingham was cloaked in darkness and anticipation on October 25th as Fields of the Nephilim kicked off the first night of their six-date UK run celebrating an incredible 40 years of gothic majesty. The lineup promised a night steeped in atmosphere and history, with Balaam & The Angel and the Heathen Apostles setting the stage for the legendary headliners. Opening the evening were Heathen Apostles, bringing their distinctive blend of Gothic Americana to the Midlands. For myself, this was the first opportunity to see the Los Angeles-based outfit live and they did not disappoint. Their seven-song set was short but potent, weaving dark country influences with brooding gothic undertones. “Be Careful What You Pray For” and “Red Brick Dust” drew the crowd in with their haunting storytelling and moody instrumentation. By the time they closed with “The Reckoning,” the Apostles had made a clear impression, proving that their unique brand of shadowy Americana translates powerfully onstage.
Set-list:
Deaths Head
Paint The Stars
Careful What You Pray For
Shadow Of The Crows
Red Brick Dust
Two For The Road
The Reckoning
Then, as the lights dimmed and the familiar haze of smoke began to roll across the stage, it was time for Fields of the Nephilim. True to form, the band emerged as spectral silhouettes through a dense fog, instantly transforming the venue into a cathedral of shadow and sound. Opening with “Intro (The Harmonica Man)”, the atmosphere was nothing short of ritualistic, the perfect invocation for what was to come.
Over the course of a 12-song set, Carl McCoy and company guided the audience through a journey that spanned decades of their mystic, desert-drenched mythology. Highlights included “Love Under Will” a stunning back-to-back pairing of “Dawnrazor”, and “Moonchild”, each one met with roars of recognition from the devoted crowd. “At the Gates of Silent Memory” offered a slower, more introspective moment, drenched in melancholic grandeur, before the band closed the main set with the thunderous “Psychonaut.”
But the night wasn’t over yet. As the smoke settled momentarily, the band returned for a well-deserved encore, launching into “Last Exit for the Lost” to near end a night steeped in mystery, nostalgia, and raw power. McCoy’s commanding presence, the band’s unwavering precision, and the hypnotic visuals created an experience that felt almost otherworldly.
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell
Review: Steve Wickham & Ray Coen; Heathen Apostles at 100 Club
Review and photos by markosgigarchive, visit for full review: Blimey little did I know this was going to be an ace night given I’d never heard of the support acts or indeed Ray Coen – but being an ardent Waterboys fan and a lover of the Irish fiddle Steve Wickham was a no brainer. It ended up as a weird and wonderful surprise plus I’ve no got 2 new bands to check out. Quick summary: Sarah Vista are a mix between a Mexican mariachi band and an Ennio Morricone spaghetti western soundtrack. Heathen Apostles at the 100 Club were Tennessee bluegrass with a gothic country twist aptly named ‘bloodgrass’ by their singer.
The Heathen Apostles definitely have a dark western image – hat, hair styles, beards/sideburns – it could easily be 1873 in Tennessee. To me they looked like a cross between Jason and the Scorchers and Aimish undertakers, and the attractive lead singer was the antithesis of Stevie Nicks.. So after a bit of investigation it turns out Chopper was with the Cramps for a while – great education 
.
The band are: Mather Louth (vocals/guitar/ bodhrán); Chopper Franklin (guitar/mandolin); Thomas Lorioux (Upright Bass), Luis Mascaro (violin).
Being a small gig the band have to do their own humping – thankfully they don’t have much gear. Dressed all in black and wearing hats they looked mean and ready to kick ass. Mather, dressed like the wicked witch of the west, immediately commands attention and her screeching eerie voice blends perfectly with the dark nature of many of their songs, even the up tempo ones.
Obviously I don’t know any of the songs but did manage to video them in action singing Death’s Head a rather wonderful tune. There was plenty gothic foot stomping rhythms that would go down well at any hoedown! I really enjoyed there set and will check them out for future gigs.
The “fuck Trump” comment was unnecessary – there are way too many people need fucking!
PS – Alex Cox, the director, is using the band’s ‘Careful What You Pray For’ in his upcoming ‘Dead Souls’ film.