Live Review: Therapy? – ‘Hard Cold Fire’ Tour 2023 – Electric Ballroom, London

There’s only a mere two bands for the punters to enjoy tonight but the power in which the two bring to the Electric Ballroom is not to be understated by any means. Therapy? have had along and illustrious career which shows no sign of slowing down just yet with a new album that just landed in Metal Hammers top 50 of the year beating some serious contenders that will be sure to spark debate between mates over a pint or two. Regardless, they’re here and so are plenty of fans.

Three albums deep into their career as Norway’s hottest musical export, kings of stoner punk Bokassa are back in London once again and just like previous, its glorious. Some might argue a tad too glorious for a support slot! When Bokassa come to town, its always fun, its always a party and its always filled with riffs! With a fourth album on the way, it’s an opportunity for the band to showcase a couple of new tracks of which fit right in perfectly into the set list. It’s hard not to notice the sheer magnetism the music offers as plenty of bodies find themselves gravitating towards the party joining those in their Bokassa T-shirts already very clearly having the time of their lives. Their infectious grooves proving to be far too much not to take notice. But this is Bokassa, this is what they do. Those who know, know and those who don’t, quickly find out.

“Who wants to watch us switch guitars for absolutely no reason, like all the big bands do” frontman and attempted comedian Jørn Kaarstad asks. Its hard not to laugh at Jørn and his on-stage jokes which only add to the vibe Bokassa bring to every show with them. There really isn’t anything to dislike about this band. Those that are already fans love them more and more with every performance. And those who aren’t fans are quickly converted.

Therapy? have a big job ahead of them following Bokassa’s set but they’re veterans of the game and while Bokassa may very well have provided the performance of the night, Therapy? fans are treated to a mammoth set list. New songs, old songs and everything in between. ‘They Shoot The Terrible Master’ opens things up with absolute intent to the fans delight. 30+ years in the game and the band are still creating these kind of fan favourites. ‘Hard Cold Fire’ is well represented in the set with every song stoking the energy levels in the room. It further solidifies their placing on the top 50 albums of the year.

Of course, THAT album is also represented generously within the set. ‘Nowhere’, ‘Die Laughing’ ‘Screamager’ and others are all rattled through one by one for the old school fans in attendance, reactions of which prove Therapy? can do no wrong performing these songs still to this day.

There may have only been 2 performance tonight, but my god, what a way to cap off an excellent year of live music.