LIVE REVIEW: Bokassa @ Corporation, Sheffield
April 18th 2025
Support from Mother Vulture
Last week at Corporation, I got to enjoy an exhilarating set as two explosive bands tore through a night of contemporary rock energy. The headliner was the Norwegian underground favourites Bokassa, best known for touring with Metallica in 2019. But up first were Bristol's Mother Vulture, a band that really surprised me with their energy and presence on the stage.
Mother Vulture came out swinging with a set that spliced an almost nu-metal swagger with the best of Alice in Chains and a sound truly all their own. Their stage presence was undeniable and got the crowd invested from the get-go.
A standout moment came with their track "Honey," which kicks off with a dirty groove, and moves towards a catchy chorus that evokes the best of Rock’s heyday, but with a strong metal twist. They also debuted a new track, "Slowdown," which leaned into a heavier tone with a pounding bass building to a crescendo of hardcore noise. It was a promising taste of the range this UK band has to offer, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, they’re hitting all the right notes.
Then came Bokassa.
The Norwegian power trio hit the stage with confidence, staring out at a strong crowd of loyal and merched-up fans. From the first note, and even before that thanks to frontman Jørn Kaarstad's natural charisma, it was clear why Bokassa have garnered international attention. They’ve even toured with the likes of Judas Priest and Metallica, so it was quite the treat to see them on a local stage.
They’re offering a sound that really stands out, utilising elements of metal, pop punk and classic rock in equal measure. Touring in support of their latest release, last year’s ‘All out Of Dreams’ Bokassa demonstrated just how powerful a sound three musicians can put out when locked in.
One of the night's clear highlights was the drumming. Precise yet brimming with intricate flair, Olav Dowkes plays with a relentless and impressive energy. “Vultures” was a particular standout from the setlist, with an epic breakdown and infectious lyrics that’re still playing in my head. Another standout were the creatively named “Bradford Death Squadron” and “Let’s Storm The Capitol,” that definitely leaned into the heavier and punkier side of things respectfully to great success.
The band’s rapport with the crowd was definitely worth noting—playful, authentic, and peppered with self-deprecating humor that only made their onstage ferocity more compelling. Bokassa are a band who have found their audience, and it’ll be exciting to see them grow from strength to strength in the future
Mother Vulture lit the fuse and Bokassa brought the explosion at Corporation, a lineup I’d definitely see again if given the opportunity.
