Jiluka
There are some gigs where you know from the first few minutes that you’re in for a good night. JILUKA’s Manchester Academy 2 show was definitely one of those. With Japanese visual kei metal band JILUKA headlining two special UK shows, and DACARA ft. Rhea Thompson taking on support duties, the night was set up to be a loud one — and it certainly delivered.
First up were DACARA, a band I was particularly excited to see. This was the biggest stage I’ve seen them play on so far, and they absolutely made the most of it. There was a noticeable step up in their performance, with the extra space allowing them to really show what they’re capable of.
An extra special surprise came in the form of Rhea Thompson joining them on guitar. She fitted into the band so naturally and brought a completely new dimension to their live sound. The added guitar made an already big performance feel even bigger, and it was clear how much it added to the overall show.
DACARA have been steadily making a name for themselves, and tonight they showed exactly why they deserved this support slot. They took the performance up another level — one I honestly didn’t think was possible after seeing them before. They walked onto one of the biggest stages I’ve seen them play and looked like they belonged there.
Then it was time for JILUKA.
For those who haven’t come across them before, JILUKA are a Japanese visual kei metal band combining heavy music with an incredibly distinctive visual style. And when those two things come together live, it makes for quite the spectacle.
The reaction from the crowd as they came onto the stage was something else. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever heard screams for a band entering the stage quite like it. That energy didn’t disappear either. It continued throughout the night, getting even louder whenever one of the crowd favourites started.
One of the biggest highlights for me was the drum solo. It was immense. It completely grabbed the room and showed just how much power JILUKA can bring to a live performance.
The visuals were another huge part of the experience. The guitar lights in particular were something I’d never seen before, and they looked seriously cool. Add in some insane lighting work and the band's already striking aesthetics, and you had a show that was just as interesting to watch as it was to listen to.
But perhaps the best part was watching the relationship between JILUKA and their fans. The crowd seemed completely in sync with the band, almost knowing exactly when to react without needing any instruction. From the warriors at the barrier singing every word back at the band, to the absolute chaos happening in the pits, the JILUKA following certainly knows how to party.
It was honestly immense to watch.
By the end of the night, both bands had left a lasting impression. DACARA showed that they are ready for bigger stages, while JILUKA delivered a headline performance packed with energy, impressive musicianship and a visual spectacle that made the whole evening feel like something a little bit different.
JILUKA are definitely a band I’ll be keeping a close eye on from now on. This was a gig I genuinely enjoyed watching, and if they bring this level of energy wherever they go next, they’re well worth checking out.
