Stripped Sessions: Westenra & Black Rain

Summer on the Dark Side of the Tyne - while some may be worshipping the sun, we'll we at the altar of the almighty musical pairing of Westenra and Black Rain

Since exploding onto the UK goth scene in 2019 ::WESTENRA:: have been building a reputation for captivating live performances of their stylish and atmospheric sound. Their debut album First Light was released in January 2021 to rave reviews, followed by a cover version of the Cliff Richard classic Devil Woman in March 2022 - a taster for the new, bigger sound featured on the four track EP BREATHE which was released in July 2022. Their version of Iron Maiden's Number of The Beast - originally meant as an exclusive live performance to celebrate their headlining the Whitby Krampus Run Ball - was released in February 2023, with proceeds going to the Whitby Krampus Run chosen charities. 18 months after originally being scheduled to be part of the inaugural Dark Side of the Tyne Weekender, they finally touch down at the Black Bull this June

Alongside Westenra, Sunderland's own Black Rain who have been going from strength to strength - the mantra of "too punk to be goth, too goth to be punk" gives creedence to the fact that there's no pigeon-holing their sound, it's guitar driven, rich, dark and intense.
This is all alongside our usual-unusual mix of post punk, industrial, Goth rock, deathrock, EBM, New Wave, Coldwave, Darkwave, Neue Deutsche Hart, and various other alternative musical goodies. From the vault, hot off the press or anywhere inbetween, of course your requests are very welcome.