A Blanck Mass show isn't quite like any other and has introduced many to an entire genre that few knew about. Through their experimental styling of hardcore, industrial electronica and interstellar graphic projections, tonights show at The Haunt is certainly one I wont be forgetting anytime soon.

Tonight’s only support is Pharmakon, a New York based experimentalist by the name of Margaret Chardiet, who is about to bring one of the most bizarre performances ever witnessed. Without saying a word, the lone artist approaches her mixing desk and hits the opening buttons, forcing a darkened atmospheric sound to fill the entirety of the room, so far so good. The dungeon like tones continue for a few minutes before things are taken to the next level. Margaret proceeds to bounce across the stage and run into the crowd as though she were at a heavy metal concert, screaming into the microphone, screeches of pure pain and agony as opposed to anger. The audience is fixated on her and this process continues for the entirety of the thirty minute set, completely knocking me for six. A Pharmakon set is definitely not for everyone but not in a bad way, her music seems far more of a statement and art piece than actual listenable music. It feels as though she instead offers an intense insight into an extremely twisted mind it’s a refreshing take on experimental music, not something I would choose to listen to, but definitely worth experiencing at least once.

Blanck Mass then approach the smoke filled stage and through some beautifully animated backing projections, begin their set. Frontman, Benjamin John Power, also doesn't say a word and the pounding, ear piercing tones of his music begin. They fill the room and create an immense cacophony of noise, slowly building up into an almost military style beat. The accompaniment of some gruesomely disturbing background imagery from the projections really add to the piece and make for an engaging artwork, whilst sharing similarities to Pharmakon’s it’s by no means as brutal.

There is a brilliant amount of intricacy and dexterity behind Blanck Mass’s music, you can see Ben frantically twisting mixers and pounding buttons in what seems like an attempt to see just how far he can push these machines before they reach their breaking point, but the overall effect is beautiful and allows for each beat to pack an immense punch.

A definite fan favourite tonight is ‘Please’ which sparks a number of different crowd responses that are truly spectacular. It is clear that the track means drastically different things to different people. Some head-banging while others sway as though listening to the aura of the earth and some remain fixated staring at the disturbingly mesmerising graphics. Never before have I seen a song spark such a variation of emotions and I suppose that is one fantastic aspect of this style of music that goes completely unmatched.

Whilst Ben does remain static for the bulk of his set, there are times where he picks up his augmented microphone and proceeds to scream fanatically adding further depth to the pieces. Towards the end of the set, he emphasises this madness by clambering atop his amps, a gesture which the crowd respond to greatly. No encore is needed tonight and only two words are said throughout both act’s sets tonight. A simple “Thank you Brighton”, a very mysterious ending to a very mysterious show.

Experimental music is always a fantastic method of surprising yourself and can be considered the ultimate form of musical creativity through the incomprehensible amount of variation avalible, but how far is too far? For me, Blanck Mass seem to have found that border, a beautiful balance of insanity and brilliance. Perhaps one of the best ways to envision Blanck Mass’ sound is to say that when robots inevitably take over the world, Blanck Mass will certainly be on their playlists. I would definitely recommend seeing a Blanck Mass set at least once, as it will certainly be one you wont be forgetting soon.
Ben Walker

Website: blanckmass.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/BlanckMass
Twitter: twitter.com/BlanckMass