Mario Radetzky and Moritz Hammrich of Blackout Problems. Photo by Chyrisse. VNT_0135 — Mario Radetzky and Moritz Hammrich of Blackout Problems. Photo by Chyrisse.

By Wendy Hunter, Journalist & Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night Tampa

Live Review: Blackout Problems backed by Lake Malice – Electro-Rock and Metal Fuse with the Listeners – Academy 3, Manchester – November 13, 2024

By Chyrisse Tabone and Wendy Hunter, Journalists, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night, Manchester, UK

Since the release of their latest album, RIOT, the Munich-based band Blackout Problems has been tirelessly working the scene in Germany and abroad. Their impactful socio-political music seems to resonate with fans. The trio, consisting of Mario Radetzky (vocals/guitar), Marcus Schwarzbach (bass), and Moritz Hammrich (guitar), is touring the UK this month with alternating live drummers Marius Bornmann and Jo Press. Their repertoire includes punk, pop, EDM, R&B, and electro-rock.

Alice Guala of Lake Malice. Photo by Chyrisse.

Rock At Night caught up with the band at Manchester Academy, located within the Student Union of Manchester University. However, kicking off the evening was the Brighton-based band Lake Malice. With its hyperpop metal sound, the band recently collaborated with Blackout Problems on the single “Quicker Than Death.” The duo, consisting of Alice Guala and Blake Cornwall, formed the band after meeting on Facebook during COVID. At Academy 3, the stage was illuminated with rose and purple lighting as Lake Malice energized the 20-something audience with “Black Turbine” and “Bloodbath.” As Guala stood on a monitor cover, she belted out her versatile voice, filling the room with personal, pained screams that engaged the listeners. The song “Stop the Party” brought the house down, leaving me to wonder, “How can Blackout Problems top this?”

Mario Radetzky of Blackout Problems. Photo by Chyrisse.

Blackout Problems raised the stakes as they delivered the scorching “DNA” and lyrically biting “WHALES,” making the hall resonate with Radetzky’s emotive vocals. More impactful songs from RIOT included “TROUBLE” and the dark “PUZZLE.” Radetzky switched to acoustic guitar for performances of “STASH” and “ONATRAIN.” A standout moment was when Blackout Problems played “Quicker Than Death” alongside Lake Malice.

The performances by Lake Malice and Blackout Problems at the Academy were electrifying. Especially noteworthy was the bond the bands formed with the concert-goers, who sang, danced, and raised their fists in the air. These two bands exemplify new music for the masses, and attending their concert is truly time well spent.