BANDS – Kalandra VENUE – O2 Academy Liverpool

DATE – 27th May 2025

Words and Photographs-Graeme Wright

Kalandra

It was touch and go whether I’d be able to make it to this show due to dodgy trains, a dodgier back, a previous earlier commitment and the fact I’d probably be travelling solo for the show. Luckily the stars aligned, and I managed to not only get to the show, pick up a compadre, arrive early and even find time to visit the local Metal hostelry for a quick Guinness beforehand. I knew that two of the band members had spent time in Liverpool and that the band was actually formed in my fair city, so I couldn’t wait for this show.

The band are best described as a Rock/Folk band who play bewitching, almost ethereal songs that are highly affecting and uniformly beautiful. Every band member is technically of the highest order and the vocal quality from singer Katrine Stenbekk is absolutely incredible as well as being heartfelt and moving.

The venue was as busy as I’d seen it in a while and the buzz of anticipation was palpable this evening, with almost as many Scandinavians as Scousers in the crowd tonight. After an atmospheric intro we are straight into set opener ‘The Waiting Game’ which immediately sets the stage for what is to follow. It’s a song that starts with a haunting vocal that builds and builds throughout its duration to the huge approval of the audience and it’s clear we are in the presence of a band at the top of their game. The relaxing ‘Slow Motion’ seamlessly blends with ‘Naïve’ and virtually everyone in this room is swaying from side to side with eyes closed, just fully immersing themselves in the experience.

The whole band, from Florian and Jogeir on guitar, with Oskar on drums are ultra-tight this evening and the big guns are starting to arrive, with the double whammy of ‘I Am’ and ‘Virkelighetens Etterklang’ hitting us in quick succession. ‘Borders’ is an amazing song that wouldn’t have been out of place on the Lord Of The Rings soundtrack and is a huge highlight for me. ‘Untie The Knot’ is mesmeric and ‘Segla’ is wonderfully performed this evening. ‘Ensom’ kicks in with an insistent drum beat and an urgent vocal, while ‘Are You Ready?’ Is ominous and impressive. ‘It Gets Easier’ flows seamlessly and Katrine then gives a beautiful speech about the horrendous events that had occurred in Liverpool a couple of days earlier at the football teams parade. This segues into my favourite song of the night, ‘The State Of The World’ which left many in the crowd visibly moved.

This leaves us with the songs the band are renowned for, beginning with the cover of the Wardruna song ‘Helvegen’ which Kalandra have almost made their own. It’s an amazing, impressive piece of work which is followed by ‘Brave New World’ which displays the ability of this outfit to have you almost in tears one minute before you are suddenly rocking out, all the while fully invested in the music.

The show closes with ‘Bardaginn’ and it’s smiles and beaming faces from both band and audience who have truly come together tonight and produced an amazing, heartwarming experience for this jaded old hack. Quite simply one of my favourite shows of the last five years and you simply must see them next time they come around if you get the chance. An absolutely stunning couple of hours.