Concert Review: Battlesnake – 1865, Southampton
Monday 10th August 2026
Battlesnake. We had no idea what was coming.
While we were getting ready to see Castle Rat, somehow didn’t manage to check who would be the opening acts. First to play at The 1865 was Meatdripper from Birmingham, UK. A very molten core of psych, classic doom and stoner rock. The 30 minutes set was unique, unusual and even mysterious. After a short brake the stage went all blue with the divine LED cross captivating the crowd while the spoken words intro has started.
The echo of “All hail Battlesnake” chant was the point when the band members walked on the stage, one by one, surprising those who were seeing them for the first time. All dressed up in very well made and designed production uniform. Long golden horns on the vocalist, double tall flags on the back of the keytar played and ready to play “I Killed Satan”.
As a seasoned concert goer I’ve seen a fair share of unique gigs but it took me a few songs to actually get it. These guys are not just musicians that play a gig. They are proper fans of the scene and they enjoy every last second of being there.
“I Am Vomit” and “The Battlesnake” rammed down from stage in a fan fuelled parody theatricality. Starting to be sure that I’ll follow the band to Hell and back if requested, I just had a look around in the crowd and seen that the engagement was total. Dramatic, exaggerated concert designed for a strong visual but fun and emotional effect.
In open sided capes and cowls lavishly decorated with gold, these Sydney based Aussies played for us to feel like we’ve won some kind of competition. After a few more of their own songs they gave us a very well done “Let There Be Rock” AC/DC cover.
It was a perfect approach to a majestic gig and to set us up for the main act, Castle Rat. Can’t wait to see them again, make sure you do too if and when they play around your place. (55 photos from this gig – use this link)