If there is any justice left in this fruit loop world, then before long, Ireland’s XIII Doors will be headlining this venue. Tonight however, they have to make do with a high profile support slot to the legendary Michael Schenker, which ain’t too shabby at all.
XIII Doors
Opium, Dublin – 9 May 2025
Words: Brian Boyle
Photography: Alice Kiely
And thanks to the legendary German axeman being delayed at customs en route to Dublin, this ridiculously exciting four-piece were granted a stay of execution from a ropey stage time of 6.30 pm to a more encouraging 7.30 pm.
So much so that a very healthy assembly of classic rock connoisseurs got to absorb one of country’s genuine great hopes, whose February release of their debut album Into The Unknown has caused a major stir on this island, and rightly so.
With their nuts nailed to a tight curfew, a paltry half hour was all that was allocated to sell their wares, but XIII Doors did not hang about, and gave the curious and eager watchers six of the best.
Unleash The Beast was an apt and enthralling opener and quelled any whispers of hype that may have circulated. The upload of the band’s logo on the venue’s in-house screen added a nice bit of production and worked well with the dimly lit stage as they tore into the penetrating Into The Unknown.
With more patrons coming through the door, there was a positive vibe forming in the room.
Not many budged from their spot, and though often annoying, the sight of mobile phones being held aloft proved they were tickling the crowd in the right places.
Watching the clock helped momentum, there was no drawn-out chit chat, the standard “how are we doing, Dublin?” was plenty.
The all-action Face The Truth raised the temperature once again with the two Gibsons of singer DJ O’Sullivan and his stage right sidekick Flash Murphy hammering out the trashy riff with gusto. Up back, Cian O’Sullivan inflicted GBH on his tubs with power and precision.
While their album is not far off all-killer status, the half dozen rolled out tonight were obvious but shrewd selections. The soaring See How You’ve Come So Far was twice as majestic live, with that guitar solo sweeping you off your feet.
Needless to say, this is one talented bunch. DJ O’Sullivan is a commanding leader, an engaging watch with a bit of shyness about him too, which only adds to his charm.
To his left was a bespectacled bass slaying Goliath called Pat ‘Pablo’ Byrne, who might appear like he could give you a root canal or sell you a 40-year mortgage. But with four thick strings at his fingertips, this burly machine is a force of nature.
But more importantly, as a four, their compatibility is explosive. The final assault of Make A Life Again and Lead The Way rubber-stamped their credentials as a live act with lasting quality.
This blink and you miss it set was only a quick synopsis of their pedigree, as they were really starting to cook just as the end bell was looming.
If you have not yet acquired their debut opus, then your record collection has a gaping hole that needs filling.
Something very special was witnessed tonight, and if these boys swing by your direction, do yourself a favour, cancel everything and get them in your lives.
