Shaman’s Harvest: Formed in 1996 in Jefferson City, Missouri, Shaman’s Harvest blends alternative metal, hard rock, and post-grunge influences. The band gained significant attention with their 2009 single “Dragonfly,” which charted on Billboard and sold over 130,000 copies. Over the years, they’ve faced challenges, including lead singer Nathan Hunt’s battle with throat cancer during the recording of their 2014 album Smokin’ Hearts & Broken Guns. Despite adversity, they’ve continued to evolve, releasing albums like Red Hands Black Deeds in 2017 and Rebelator in 2022, showcasing their resilience and creativity.
Blacktop Mojo: Hailing from Palestine, Texas, Blacktop Mojo was founded in 2012 by Matt James and Nathan Gillis. Known for their southern rock grit and grunge-inspired sound, the band has released several albums, including Burn the Ships (2017) and Under the Sun (2019). Their self-titled album in 2021 further cemented their reputation for powerful, soulful rock. The band has a strong DIY ethos, having self-released much of their music, and they draw inspiration from both classic southern rock and the grunge era.
Both bands bring rich histories and unique styles to their performances, making their collaboration on the About Time tour a thrilling experience for fans.
The Manchester Rebellion was the stage for an electrifying night of hard rock on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, as Shaman’s Harvest and Blacktop Mojo brought their About Time tour to the UK. Both bands, making their long-awaited debut on British soil, delivered performances that left the packed venue buzzing with energy and admiration.
Blacktop Mojo kicked off the evening with a set that showcased their southern rock grit and bluesy swagger. Opening with “Wicked Woman,” the band immediately set the tone for a high-octane performance. Tracks like “Where the Wind Blows” and “Burn the Ships” resonated deeply with the crowd, who sang along with fervor. The inclusion of “The End Is Gonna Come” from their latest album, Pollen, was a standout moment, highlighting the band’s versatility and emotional depth. The set concluded with “It Won’t Last,” a powerful blues-infused number that saw frontman Matt James take on bass duties, adding a unique dynamic to the performance. Blacktop Mojo’s hour-long set was a masterclass in raw energy and musical prowess, leaving the audience craving more.
Shaman’s Harvest took the stage next, opening with the atmospheric “Red Hands Black Deeds (Prelude)” before launching into “The Come Up.” Nathan Hunt’s commanding vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation captivated the audience from the start. Highlights included the anthemic “Dangerous,” the soulful “Bird Dog,” and the crowd-pleaser “Country as F**k,” which had the entire venue singing along. The band’s latest single, “Rock & Roll Queen,” was met with enthusiasm, while “Dragonfly” provided a poignant and powerful closing to their set. The interplay between the band members, particularly during the twin guitar solos, added layers of richness to their performance.
The night was a celebration of hard rock at its finest, with both bands delivering unforgettable performances that showcased their unique styles and shared passion for music. The Manchester crowd, clearly thrilled to finally witness these American rock powerhouses live, responded with unbridled enthusiasm, creating an electric atmosphere that will undoubtedly be remembered by all in attendance.
For fans of hard rock, this was a night that reaffirmed the genre’s enduring appeal and the power of live music to bring people together. Shaman’s Harvest and Blacktop Mojo proved that their long-awaited UK debut was well worth the wait, leaving an indelible mark on Manchester’s music scene.
Words by Mark Dean
Photos by Angie Meech
Shaman’s Harvest
Blacktop Mojo
