A cold February Monday evening might not be most people’s idea of a great time but for tonight’s crowd, it’s the perfect setting.
The almighty polish hieromonks Batushka are running tonight’s proceedings, in hand with the blackened titan’s Hate, Ipswich’s symphonic death metal colossus Ghosts Of Atlantis & finally opening tonight’s show Tennessee’s progressive black metal leviathan’s Summoner’s Circle.
Now the venue might be only half full at doors tonight but as soon as Summoner’s Circle hits the stage every set of eyes are on them.
In full black metal garb, the band unleash full force on the crowd. Now it’s rare to see a keyboard player with a “keygutiar” right up front but Nadir blends well with the band. All giving it 100% passion. Technically brilliant lead guitarist Gog introduces soaring guitar solos which show the progressive side of the band.
A real Cradle Of Filth meets Emperor outfit that I can tell made some new fans tonight. A great stage presence & catchy songs make them a great live act and brilliant opening act.
https://linktr.ee/SummonersCircle
The UK’s own Ghosts Of Atlantis continue to bring the energy for tonight. A more operatic affair full of blazing riffs, chugging & ascending clean vocals. Reminding me of later era Dimmu Borgir the band has a great live show, but after a few tracks, they start to feel a little repetitive. I appreciate the mix of Phil Primmer’s (Vocals) low harsh vocals & Colin Park’s (Guitar & Vocals) clean singing but the formality of using both on every song in the band’s set gets a little repetitive. But this still doesn’t take away from their intensity & impact. A solid band & live performance from one of the UK’s newcomers.
Warsaw blasphemers Hate take the stage, a stage filled with beautiful props & lit pyres they know how to build excitement.
Hate is a band I’ve been a fan of for a while. Growing up & finding a lot of early polish death metal like Behemoth & Vader, Hate has been a band I lost tabs with over the past few years so finally getting to see them after a number of years were really exciting & I can say they blew me away. Some of the heaviest & barbaric blackened death metal I’ve seen live in some time.
As a unit the band are an unstoppable force on stage. Drummer Nar-Sil is a double kick & blast beat machine. Vocalist Adam the First Sinner’s ability to have a raw & aggressive voice while playing technical riffs is a sight to behold.
The band’s sound mix tonight was like a freight train from hell. Tracks like “Erebos” also showed the band’s craft of songwriting, Melodic sections & blistering death metal blended perfectly.
Hate is a phenomenal live band. One that I wont lose tabs on ever again & i can’t wait to see them live again!
Hate line-up:
ATF Sinner – vocals, guitars
Domin – guitars
Nar-Sil – drums
Tiermes – bass
Hate online:
https://www.facebook.com/
https://www.instagram.com/
https://twitter.com/HATEBand
https://www.youtube.com/user/
Now for the sermon to begin. Eagerly awaiting the band, Batushka’s live crew slowly piece by piece built the band’s live stage show.
Ancient slavic relics fill the stage as the audience soak up the band’s well thought out & different stage show.
As the candles are lit but backing vocalists Błażej Kasprzak & Jaca the crowd’s excitement start’s to build. As the band takes the stage the next hour is somewhat a beautiful experience for me. Being the first time i’ve been able to witness Batushka live it was a magnificent sight. Aside from the amazing stage show & theatrics they hold they are a sensational live act.
“Ектения III” see’s the mosh pit explode. You wouldn’t think a mosh pit & Batushka would work but its a glorious meld. Passionate fans love the band & it seems like the band are playing right into the hands of the fans.
Whatever side of the fence you sit on when it comes to Batushka, you can’t deny how much of a monumental live experience & sonically extraordinary group they are.
Review: Joseph Mitchell
Photography: Tony Giannattasio
BATUSHKA are:
ЛЕХ – drums
ТАРЛАХАН – guitars
ДЖЕЙКОБ БОРУТА – guitars
ДЕДУШКА – bass
БЛАЖЕИ – choir
ХИАЦЫНТОС ЯЦА – choir
ЯЗЫЧНИК – choir
ВАРФОЛОМИЕЙ – vocals
BATUSHKA online:
Website
Spotify
Facebook
Instagram
|
|
