LIVE REVIEW: Igorrr – O2 Ritz, Manchester – 23/10/2025

It is set to be an evening of immersion into the avant-garde. Leaving behind all semblance of order at the venue’s door, the O2 Ritz’s theatrical stage setting feels apt for the intriguing array of genre fusion and chaos about the be witnessed. It’s the final instalment of Igorrr’s European and UK Tour 2025, joined by New York’s Imperial Triumphant and Italy’s MASTER BOOT RECORD.

Imperial Triumphant unveiled their latest album Goldstar back in March of this year. The New York City-based avant-garde act delivers a theatrical blend of black-metal with jazz-inspired characteristics. The dimly lit stage, draped with red velvet curtains, sparks eerily into life with a ‘60s-esque Disney style animation accompanied by their barbershop-style track Goldstar. Something sinister lies beneath the cheerful harmonies. Despite the low light, the band members’ distinctive gold masks glint as they enter the stage, their black hooded cloaks floating across the floor. The raw quality of the guitars and bass is met with pounding percussion and powerful harsh vocals. A juxtaposition of grandeur against the monstrous. Imperial Triumphant’s setlist begins with their shorter tracks, before delving into the more atmospheric, longer arrangements. Their ritual reaches a theatrical peak with the appearance of a brass horn held aloft containing dancing flames, like an Olympic torch to an ominous droning backdrop. The trio draw a significant crowd early in the evening, and by the end of their set, both the lower floor and balcony are full.  

Describing themselves as creating avant-garde, chiptune, synthesized metal and classical symphonic music, MASTER BOOT RECORD brings an industrialised edge to their highly melodic sound. Brought to life from the mind of Italian producer V, the razor-sharp synth textures are abrasive against thundering heavy. Their set is a joyous experience for gaming fans. Before their set even begins, the mood is set with industrial EDM bursting from the venue’s speakers throughout the change-over. The stage is now adorned with old PC screens, retro game visuals and coding graphics, it’s a striking mood shift from the haunting vintage theatrics of Imperial Triumphant. Even MBR’s logo is a reference to IBM’s logo design. It’s a performance filled with nostalgic elements from the band’s cover of the Doom soundtrack to the frequent throwing of floppy disks by the band into the crowd. The instrumental set is fully immersive; crowd members are dancing, moshing and headbanging throughout the venue nonstop. 

There is an eager anticipation to see the Igorrr’s distinctive brand of magnificence and chaos brought to life on the live stage. Classical piano pieces omit from the venue’s speakers ahead of the headliner’s arrival. As Igorrr’s logo is illuminated dramatically above the band, the show begins with haunting tones with the dark manifestation of Daemoni, the opener of their new album Amen. Igorrr’s live performances are incredibly impressive and the setlist this evening gives space not only to the ferocious and heavy, but also to the electronics, as well as the operatic and orchestral elements. Marthe Alexandre’s ethereal operatic vocals are immaculate as she dances across the stage, while JB Le Bail’s harsh carry a bloodthirsty, demonic quality. It’s clear throughout the show that Igorrr’s mastermind, French producer Gautier Serre, not only loves what they do but is appreciative of the audience’s fierce support. With a setlist comprised of some new classics including Blastbeat Falafel, ADHD and HEADBUTT, as well as other fan favourites Nervous Waltz and Camel Dancefloor, it’s an epic show that celebrates all aspects of Igorrr’s sound.  

Words by Holly Royle