Following three successful sets at Leeds' Damnation festival on Saturday, Rotting Christ, Twilight of the Gods and Negură Bunget are appearing in London. Clearly the theme of this tour is bands that combine a folk heritage into their music. The Electrowerkz feels like a poor choice of venue given the magnitude of the bands and their enduring popularity in the extreme metal world. Nonetheless, this does provide the opportunity for a more intimate experience.
Romania's Negură Bunget have divided some metal opinions in recent years. Drummer Negru and two ex-key members had a fight which resulted in the dissolution of the band. However, Negru purportedly went behind their backs and decided continued with the name so many of the attendees familiar with the situation are curious to see what the end result is. Not only is Negru the sole original member of Negură Bunget but the rest of the line up joined only this year.
Opening with 'Pămînt' from latest full length 'Vîrstele Pamîntului' they launch into an almost ritualistic atmosphere as their blackened folk metal reaches deeply to pull forward native Romanian sounds to the venue. There are a variety of Romanian instruments too, adding to the authenticity of the event. Older tracks 'Norilor' and 'Cunoașterea tăcută from the widely praised 'Om' album secures the strongest reactions. Surprisingly, the newer 'Dacia hiperboreană' closes the set. Largely, the audience is supportive and certainly enjoyed the performance.
Next up is the supergroup Twilight of the Gods who originally began life as a Bathory cover band in 2010. With Alan Averill from Primordial on vocals, Rune Eriksen formerly of Mayhem on guitar, Nick Barker from a multitude of bands including Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir on drums, Frode Glesnes from Einherjer on bass and Patrick Lindgren from Thyfing on guitar, there black and Viking metal musicians decided to embark on original material.
Opening with 'Destiny Forged in Blood' from the new debut 'Fire on the Mountain', Twilight of the Gods launch into heavy metal akin to a heavier and more serious Manowar with only the tiniest nod towards Viking metal-era Bathory. This communicates itself sublimely in the live environment, particularly with Averill rallying the audience effortlessly. The bombastic energy of the band members compliments the music further as they plunge through 'Children of Cain' and 'Sword of Damacles'. Those expecting Bathory covers are disappointed but the original music warrants a deserved listen and can easily stand on its own feet. Closing with the title track, this international line up of significant metal musicians has definitely proven they are a legitimate live act as well as musically.
The Electrowerkz is so tightly packed before Rotting Christ hit the stage that thick beads of sweat are enveloping the attendees. Opening with 'χξϛ' from this year's 'Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού', the Tolis brothers offer to the crowd a fusion of Hellenic folk music, symphonic metal and extreme metal a very unusual and mature hybrid. The homage to their homeland continues with 'dub-saĝ-ta-ke', more dynamic and upbeat than the opening number, resulting in fans banging their heads vigorously.
Other selections from 'Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού' include 'In Yumen Xibalba' and 'Grandis Spiritus Diavolos', alongside beloved fan favourites such as 'Non Serviam', 'Athanati Este' and 'Transform All Suffering into Plagues', their pure black metal music significantly animating the fans. A cover of 'Societas Satanas' by Greek black metallers Thou Art Lord is devoured rabidly by the audience. Frontman Sakis Tolis has the crowd eating out of his palm, enthused by their reaction and sincere with his stage banter. Mosh pits are commonplace from the opening track, even in the sweltering temperature of the packed room.
Closing with 'Noctis Era', Rotting Christ leave the stage only to return with a two song encore: 'King of a Stellar War' and 'Archon', both from the 'Triarchy of the Lost Lovers' release. The audience reaction is rapturous as Rotting Christ illustrate how instrumental they were in black metal's early days and how they have progressed to create unique music throughout their career. The sweaty congregation display grins stretching from cheek to cheek. This was definitely a night to remember.
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.