It is my first time visiting Clwb Crown in Merthyr, Tydfil and what an occasion for a first visit. The 400-cap venue is completely sold out, and the crowd is eagerly awaiting the return of Merthyr’s favourite sons, Florence Black. The atmosphere is charged, and you just know, even before a single chord has been struck, we are in for a great night.
Florence Black
Clwb Crown, Merthyr Tydfil – 17 April 2026
Words: Kenny Kendrick
Photography: Georgia Brittain
Whipping up the crowd by playing AC/DC’s Highway To Hell as an intro, by the time Florence Black hit the stage with the double whammy of Other Side Of The World and Coloured In, the Clwb Crown crowd are at fever pitch.
Florence Black are now all-conquering masters of their trade.
They mix melodic and metallic effortlessly, and the audience hangs on and sings along to every word. The incredible set we are treated to this evening ranges from their early EPs to their latest album, Pouring Rain, which has been out a week today.
From monstrous riffs to melodic bliss, Florence Black gives us a masterclass in modern hard rock/Metal. There is no stage show as such, just the band’s logo on a screen behind them. They do not need theatrics. The power trio are entertaining enough.
Florence Black have been on a steady upward trajectory over the last five years or so and have worked their arses off to get where they are today. They have certainly paid their dues, and seeing and feeling the love in the room is a testament to their talent, work ethic and their down-to-earth attitude towards their fans.
Frontman/lead guitarist Tristan Thomas has been shorn of hair and has clearly been spending time in the gym. He looks and sounds great. He tells us that his voice is “fucked” and asks the audience to help him sing.
No one notices as both bass player Fozzy and drummer Perry are no slouches in the vocal departments either, and they complement each other perfectly.
As the band work through their set, the crowd gets more and more boisterous and seeing the grins on the band’s faces as every word is sung back to them is priceless.
I look around and see that the audience ranges from young to…ahem…slightly older. Florence Black have that rare ability to appeal to everyone. We get a good mix of material from Weight Of The World, Bed Of Nails and Pouring Rain. The band show that they are now heavyweight headliners.
Tracks like Zulu, Start Again and Bed Of Nails feel like old friends. They are now part of our musical DNA. Rockin’ Ring, one of my favourite FB tunes, sounds incredible live. It has more of a sense of urgency, and the crowd goes nuts.
A frenetic version of Budgie’s Breadfan pushes the crowd over the top, and Tristan has to tell them to “calm it down.” The mosh pit opens up, pushed on by drummer Perry, who is smashing his kit like it owes him money and whipping his head around like Linda Blair in The Exorcist.
It is an incredible moment, the audience loses all abandon, and I get a feeling that the Clwb Crown owners may be a bit concerned that their lovely venue will not look the same after the gig.
Florence Black close the show with the wonderful Sun & Moon, which has the biggest sing-along of the night. Incredible stuff. The big leagues beckon for Florence Black, but one does wonder if now is the time to sign a record deal to ensure the world knows what we do, that Florence Black are world class.
Florence Black released their third album, Pouring Rain, this month. Available in several different formats, visit florenceblack.tmstor.es for more details.
Delour
Before we get to see and feel the sheer power of FB, local lads Delour take to the stage. The band stroll on with no fanfare. They do not need it. Over the next half an hour or so, we are treated to a set full of power and intricacy. Crushing riffs mixed with powerful vocals and melodies are the order of the day. Think of Sleep Token mashed up with the Deftones, and you are somewhere near the Delour vibe.
The band are extremely competent musicians, drummer Tom Williams reminds me of Gene Hoglan in stature and talent. A special mention needs to go to vocalist Aaron Roberts. He really is exceptional. Tracks including Drown Out the Silence, Hold Fast, and Sun Crusher are well received by the crowd, and I can hear the collective acceptance of the band by the Florence Black fans.
Even though the mix is slightly muddy, Delour’s power pushes through. Keep an eye out for Delour, they are something special.
