Ruled By Raptors at The Victoria Inn: Heavy Riffs and Honest Words

Sunday nights at the Victoria Inn can cover a lot of ground, and 18 October was a good example. Ruled By Raptors arrived in Derby on the tour for their new mini-album A Shadow That Never Moves, joined by Wasted Awakening and Infirm of Purpose. Across three sets, we got a masked opening, an unusually ambitious production setup for the Vic and a headline performance that made room for some deeply personal words alongside the riffs.

Nottingham’s Wasted Awakening opened proceedings, with their lead singer initially appearing in a striking mask. It was a memorable first impression, giving the set a visual identity before we had properly settled into the music. Their groove metal and metalcore influences made for a heavy start to the evening, with some good songs underneath the theatrical introduction.

There was also a fairly extraordinary circumstance behind the drum kit: their drummer had broken their arm before the gig but played anyway. Knowing that added another dimension to watching the set, although hopefully there was some proper recovery time waiting on the other side. They had to leave straight afterwards, making their appearance a brief but memorable part of the night.

Infirm of Purpose followed with the most production we have seen a band bring to the Victoria Inn. Their own lighting setup and pillars of vapour gave the room a different feel, turning a familiar small stage into something much more elaborate. You do not often see that level of presentation on the independent circuit, and it was immediately apparent how much thought had gone into making the performance work visually.

The music justified the effort. Originally formed in Derby, Infirm of Purpose combine metalcore, electronica and hip-hop, and there were definite Enter Shikari vibes in the way those elements came together for us. They were very energetic, with the electronics and heavier sections giving the performance plenty of movement. The lighting and effects helped emphasise that energy, making the whole set feel like a complete show. It was an impressive demonstration of what a band can achieve in a grassroots room when they arrive with a clear idea of how they want to present themselves.

Ruled By Raptors then took over with a set combining material from A Shadow That Never Moves with older favourites. Released on 2 October, the new record includes ‘Sleep Dep.’, ‘Rescissory’ and ‘Algebra (I’m On A Rage)’, the latter having picked up a BBC Radio 1 Introducing Rock weekly spotlight. Their mention of being billed as pop-punk in connection with the BBC feature was an interesting one, given the heavier and more intricate elements of their sound. There are certainly melodies to latch onto, but their post-hardcore and progressive influences give those hooks plenty of weight.

They were great to watch, playing with an energy that regularly extended beyond the stage. The guitarist made his way into the crowd at various points, making good use of the Vic’s close quarters and bringing the performance amongst the people watching. It suited a band whose songs balance force with an immediate melodic appeal, keeping the set lively as they moved between the new release and their earlier material.

Before the final song, singer Chris Bradley paused to speak about his experience of seeking an ADHD diagnosis. He discussed the struggles that had come with it and the importance of his wife encouraging him to get the help he needed. It was an emotional moment, delivered with an openness that gave the room something to think about. He encouraged anyone struggling to seek support and offered to be someone people could talk to themselves.

Elsewhere in the set, the guitarist held up signs reading “Fuck Fascism” and “Trans Lives Matter”. Those messages deserve space in a room like this. Heavy music has a strong tradition of standing alongside people who face prejudice, and keeping that spirit alive takes people being willing to say where they stand. Making our local scene welcoming is something everyone involved has a part in, from the stage to the audience.

What stayed with us was how much each band put into the evening. Wasted Awakening gave us a distinctive opening, Infirm of Purpose showed how ambitious a production at the Vic can be, and Ruled By Raptors finished with energy, conviction and a willingness to speak honestly. It was a Sunday night with plenty to enjoy and some words worth taking home.

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