Live Review : Tiberius + Atheana + VMBRA + Technologist @ Aatma, Manchester on April 25th 2025

Tiberius are what live performances should be all about – musicianship, energy and fun. The infectiously joyful pop-prog-metal quintet stop-off at Manchester on a mini-tour promoting latest album “Singing for Company”. At each date they’re joined by three local up-and-coming acts, but before we get to the gig at AATMA we grab an interview with the loveable Edinburgers.

We’re just making our way into the venue from interviewing four fifths of Tiberius (see the interview here) as we hear openers Technologist start the proceedings. They’re clearly talented and capable musicians, with a sound rooted in techy, prog and tech-metal influences. Supporters of local peers Waterlines and Where Oceans Burn would do worse than to check these folks out too. Their performance is confident, and the interplay between angular, stabbing guitars and syncopated drumming gives their music that technical energy. However, while the technical ability is evident, the overall package itself still needs some polishing. The songs often blur together, lacking the memorable hooks or dynamic shifts that could elevate them beyond solid genre expressiveness. It’ll be interesting to watch Technologist grow as they carve out their own niche in Manchester’s local scene, and if they can match the technical displays with songwriting mastery it’ll be a fun ride to follow.

Next up we have VMBRA who deliver a sound that feels very much in the vein of Haken, or even more specifically Ross Jennings' side project, Novena. Their music blends old-school progressive rock with fresh, modern elements, much like the afore mentioned acts are known for. Symphonic touches, especially highlighted through the keyboardist's soaring vocals, add an extra layer of richness to the sound beyond any meandering instrumental passages. Though their set features only three songs, by my count, each track is densely packed with intricate prog musicianship. The bassist expertly prowls along the fretboard, while vocally VMBRA impress on all fronts with each of the guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist all contributing individually unique vocal performances, showcasing impressive range and emotive delivery. Overall, VMBRA offer an ultimately wholesome prog experience - a perfect balance of traditional progressive influences laced with a contemporary, groove-driven edge. They're another band to watch closely for sure.

Last of the local support trio are Atheana. They seem desperate to capture the success of bands like As Everything Unfolds, Vexed and Lake Malice, but unfortunately, they fall short in several ways from the start. They just don’t seem to have that musicianship or spark that sets bands apart, and they’re possibly at the sharp end of performing between the impress VMBRA and the headliners tonight. Musically, their sound feels confused and dated, leaning heavily into a kind of clunky Madchester-style guitar tone that clashes badly with their supposed modern metal intentions. Beyond a few simple chords and tired riffs, there’s little in the way of depth or originality. Rather than sounding fresh and aggressive, they end up feeling more like a metal version of Sleeper. Compared to acts like Vexed, who have evolved with a tight, professional, and genuinely exciting live show, Atheana come across as flat rather than heartfelt. Bands like Future Palace or Red Handed Denial bring layered emotion and technical polish to the stage, but Atheana’s attempts feel symptomatic of a muddled identity. Instead of carving out their own identity, they come across more like Spiritbox wannabes — without any of the nuance, creativity, or emotional punch. Overall, it's hard to escape the feeling that Atheana are chasing trends rather than creating something genuine, which is frustrating to see.

And so, to our magnificent headliners from Edinburgh – Tiberius. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, these guys are more fun than any band has a right to be — and thank goodness for that. Tonight, we’re treated once again by the vibrant quintet delivering a typically chaotic and electrifying show that leaves every single person in the crowd grinning from start to finish. Their blend of melodic, quirky, prog-tech metal is a delightfully intricate ride, packed with catchy guitar work, soaring vocals, and irresistibly bouncy rhythms. It’s accessible, inventive and joyous. You could call it a prog-metal Iron Maiden playing fun pop songs, but essentially Tiberius carve out their own space with no comparison.

Frontman Grant Barclay commands the stage with charisma and a voice that's both rich and powerful, before inevitably making his way into the crowd with the wireless mic for wandering and japes. Guitarist Chris Foster wastes no time in joining him launching himself into the crowd, guitar in hand. The entire band’s energy is infectious, creating a party atmosphere that's impossible to resist — including a mini-circle pit, with Chris gleefully leading the charge. The musicianship across the band is outstanding. Bassist Ryan Anderson relishes every opportunity to drive the sound while performing narrative roles, with Nick Kelly the glue that binds the chaos. Jahan Tabrizi’s guitar work is particularly jaw-dropping, firing off every technical trick in the book to weave dazzling countermelodies beneath Barclay’s vocals. This is no gimmick act; Tiberius back up their anarchic energy with serious musicality. Their set is a masterclass in how to marry technical brilliance with pure, unfiltered fun. Their performances are testaments to what live music should be: engaging, impressive, and above all, joyous.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Tiberius + Atheana + VMBRA + Technologist