December 7 was a high mass for the dark souls in Belgium. Cradle of Filth stopped by Trix in Antwerp for the very last stop of their “Splintered in Winter tour” with death metal legends Suffocation as special guest. Mélancolia was added as support. Thanks to Hard Life Promotion we had the opportunity to attend this evening.

First up in a nicely filled Trix was Australia’s Mélancolia for their first ever show in Belgium. Formed in 2022, this Melbourne based band brings a blend of melodic blackened nu-metal with deathcore influences and gothic undertones. Alex Hill, the charismatic vocalist, owned the stage with an impressive presence and the band’s performance was stunning. What a tight set, this was the perfect start to the night!

Next up, Suffocation. This band needs no introduction, they pop up in several top ten best death metal bands lists. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first notes hit, Suffocation invigorated the crowd with a delivery that reaffirmed their legendary status in technical death metal. Throughout their set they played both classic and newer material with precision and brutality. The vocals of Ricky Myers were astounding, one of the best vocal performances I have ever heard. The cleanliness of the low-end gutturals was otherworldly. The guitars were razor-tight, and the rhythm section locked in with near-mechanical precision. Even as a support act, Suffocation played as if headlining and they surely would have justified it…

Headlining: Cradle of Filth. After the turbulent waters the band has navigated this year, the audience eagerly anticipated the performance they were about to deliver. Where Suffocation brought blunt-force trauma, Cradle of Filth brought spectacle. The band’s set unfolded as a carefully staged performance, blending extreme metal with gothic melodrama and a commanding frontman presence. Dani Filth remained the focal point, effortlessly switching between shrieks, growls, and theatrical narration while engaging the crowd with his charisma. The band’s work was very tight. The crowd’s response was notably different from the one to Suffocation—less purely physical, more immersive. Sing-along moments, raised fists, and sustained attention underscored the band’s enduring connection with its audience. Cradle of Filth demonstrated why they continue to headline venues of this size.