Battlesnake at Classic Grand, Glasgow 2024

Battlesnake! If you can’t remember their name, don?t worry?they’ll remind you after every song. This six-member Australian ensemble (though technically a seven-piece) took the stage at Glasgow’s Classic Grand last night, proving that theatrics and fun still belong in metal. Their sound is a wild mix, blending Lord of the Rings, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard?s psych-rock, old school 80’s heavy metal a la Judas Priest and the showmanship of Queen. There?s even a touch of drum and bass in there with the song “Pterodactyl Firehawk.” Despite missing a member, they filled the smallest room in Classic Grand with an unstoppable energy.

Frontman Sam Frank undeniably has the confidence and charisma of a star entertainer. One minute he?s growling “satanic” lyrics, the next he?s hanging from the roof in his underwear. It’s clear the band isn?t taking themselves too seriously. Their self-awareness and cheeky persona make the performance all the more entertaining, turning what could have been a standard rock show into something uniquely fun. The audience were beaming with smiles for the whole show.

The setlist featured a solid mix from their last two albums, The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple (2024) and Battlesnake (2023). This was their 14th stop on a 16-date overseas headline tour, yet they played with the energy of a band just getting started. No filler, no encores?just an hour of high-energy rock, theatrics, and fun. As their tour nears its end, it’s clear Battlesnake is only gaining momentum (on their Motorsteeple).