As Bristol shimmers in a humid heat haze, we are thankful that the air conditioning inside Electric Bristol is keeping the place reasonably cool. Whilst not sold out, there is a healthy crowd who assemble in time for the opening act, Black Mastiff, with Froglord and Bat Sabbath set to follow.
Bat Sabbath – Froglord – Black Mastiff
Electric Bristol – 18 July 2026
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
In comparison to most other venues on this tour, this is a big stage to fill, but the turnout is impressive, and by the time Froglord drench the stage in swamp green, the venue is close to full. When Bat Sabbath turn up the heat and volume an hour later, it is even busier.
Bat Sabbath
Worshipping Black Sabbath is nothing new, but Cancer Bats’ take on a ferocious slab of early Ozzy-era songs is unique. Viscerally enhanced by the Canadians punk ethos, this is explosive if unrefined chaos.
The pit that explodes during Electric Funeral is as savage as anything this venue has seen for ages, and when even the doom-drenched breakdowns see bodies flying into each other, you know that Bat Sabbath are on point.
From the pit, the smell of sweat from the stage is intense. These guys throw everything into their shows. High energy in a heatwave cannot be easy, and it is evident from their smell that the Cancer Bats are well into the tour.
But odour or not, there can be no denying that the band throw everything into the set, and demand similar from the crowd. Into The Sun opens, introducing the arrival of Liam Cormier, a man who has more energy than anyone in the heaving mass in front of him. He and bassist Jaye R. Schwarzer are drenched within minutes, and whilst I do not endorse their constant spitting, it fits with the punk roots.
Three songs in, and it is Paranoid that gets things moving. They do not slow again through a well-chosen collection of deep cuts and crowd pleasers. Faries Wear Boots has never been played this fast, whilst the soaring Into The Void gets many nodding heads.
It is relentless, an hour or so of Sabbath worship at high pace. And on a Saturday night in the heat, those assembled to bow down are certainly in the right place.
Froglord
Continuing to build momentum, local heroes Froglord have the venue back in the swamp in minutes. They are dominated by a huge bass rumble that hits deep in the guts, losing the guitar somewhat in the mix.
But all eyes are on vocalist Froglord, who seems intent on casting a green spell on the audience with his wizardry. It is compelling, as he sways along to the riff.
In fact, he is rarely in one place, swaying, jumping from the riser with no regard for his drummer’s kit, and he sends the cymbal crashing at one point as he launches across the stage.
It makes for a simmering 40 minutes that fly by. The big stage suits these guys’ wear, and with some local support, the green quartet, who get kudos for the masks and robes on an evening as warm as this, make it a triumphant return to their home city.
As the great Frog is held aloft to massive cheers, you realise that Froglord are emerging for the long haul and his servants deliver his bidding with aplomb.
Black Mastiff
Canadian trio Black Mastiff may not provide many dynamic photo opportunities, but they bring riffs. Big filthy riffs that scorch the earth and quickly drop the early birds into a nodding uniformity.
At one point, the level of fuzz is such that the Marshall stack behind bassist Clay Shea is violently shaking and threatening to enter the maelstrom.
They plunge into a set that is absorbing. At times, I found myself closing my eyes and letting everything wash over me. This is music honed on desert rock, sludge and stoner, complete with gloriously clean vocals from all three members of the band, that provide the ideal counter to the band’s crushing sound.
Tonight, Black Mastiff prove a fine choice of opener.
