Otherworldly is perhaps the best way to describe the live show of Caligula’s Horse. Their set feels ethereal, offering an intriguing glimpse of what Viggo Mortensen might be like if he channeled his “Lord of the Rings” character into a band. On their first tour in South Africa, the Australian band did not disappoint.
As with all major shows, the night began with a strong supporting lineup. New Earth delivered a captivating performance, setting the stage for an exhilarating evening. Next, fresh off representing South Africa at Wacken, Sunken State electrified the crowd.
Deity’s Muse, local legends and veterans of the metal scene, followed with a chilling performance that kept the audience fully engaged. Their set included a nostalgic nod to their 2005 release, The Eyes Don’t See What The Heart Bleeds, showcasing why they’ve remained a mainstay.
The venue filled up just minutes before Caligula’s Horse took to the stage, with a diverse audience eagerly awaiting the epic show. Words like “magnetic” and “majestic” perfectly describe the band’s first show in Jozi, which also marked the end of their South African tour.
Their playful banter energised the crowd as they played a mix of songs from their back catalogue and their new release, Charcoal Grace. The intimate yet powerful show featured a “Time Travel” theme, and in a special moment, a couple got engaged during the set – a first for the band.
The choice of venue for the band was also spot-on; Sognage’s lighting rig provided the perfect accompaniment to the band’s enchanting performance.
The diversification of genres and representation, both in the bands and in the audience, highlights then longstanding efforts of Turning Tricks. The event was a huge success for several reasons: it showcased the eclecticism of the local prog rock scene and treated fans to a fresh experience, while illustrating the value of a well-chosen venue.
The inclusion of a metal-core band in the middle of the lineup was another brilliant way to break the ice. Turning Tricks founder Duncan Bell summed it up well: “We are excited to be back doing what we love. What inspires us is seeing the smiles and tears of joy in our audience’s eyes when the bands play; this means we’ve done our job.”
A happy fan captured the night perfectly, saying, “We saw amazing South African acts supporting an incredible international band. There was also such an incredible sense of community throughout the show. It’s definitely in my top ten live performances ever.”
Different experiences are vital for the growth and development of any emerging scene. Caligula’s Horse brought their A-game to South Africa, and so did every opening act. The spellbinding experience is one many of the attendees will cherish forever.
All images courtesy of Chloe Sanderson.
