Puscifer at the Manchester Academy.

By Anya Baxter and Jim Blunt.

Electro-industrial band Puscifer delivered a stunning theatrical performance at Manchester's Academy, and its one that won't easily be forgotten.

Photos by Anya Baxter.

Fronted by Tool and A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan, Puscifer are in a completely different strain, genre bending and creating images and stories in their live shows. A camera ban in the gig meant there was no video footage or photography allowed from the crowd at all, and a humorous video opened the night explaining this. Having no footage to look back on makes this performance even more stand out and special, as its a moment no one will ever get to experience again. The set was opened with "Bread and Circus".

Photos by Anya Baxter.

Maynard and British singer Carina Round make up the vocals of Puscifer, completing the effect with the synchronised movements and matching suits. The theatrics continued with actors running across the stage, pretending to be crazed fans trying to take photos, and "agents" would carry them off. "Fake Affront" and "The Underwhelming" followed up.

Photos by Anya Baxter.

Puscifer are ahead of their time, yet in a sophisticated and classic way, fully deserving of the sold out tour. Maynard's reputation calls metal fans to this unique gig experience, allowing them to expand their musical horizons and try out new things, commanded by a figure they know and recognise, surrounded by expert musicians creating a new explosion of sound. A live performance well worth any viewer's attention.

Photos by Anya Baxter.