LIVE REVIEW: Primordial, Hell and Winterfylleth at London Islington 02 Academy, Saturday 5th May 2012

//LIVE REVIEW: Primordial, Hell and Winterfylleth at London Islington 02 Academy, Saturday 5th May 2012

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial, Hell and Winterfylleth at London Islington 02 Academy, Saturday 5th May 2012

By Gary Lukes

Photos by Antony Roberts


Winterfylleth may have to launch the blistering opening to “Mam Tor” in front of a half-empty hall, but by the time the song’s epic, woozy rhythms have come to a close any remaining pockets of space are rapidly filled by generous applause. Almost two years after the release of “The Mercian Sphere”, a regular presence on the live scene has built their reputation almost as much as their critically acclaimed LP.

 

Playing an atmospheric style more often associated with Eastern Europe, the Mancunians have recast the mesmeric, eddying riffing into their own mold of “English Heritage black metal”. It’s an embodiment perhaps best epitomised by “The Wayfarer Part I…”, from the imperial swell of the guitar-work to the grand, hymnal notes of the choral finale, all of which finally seems to entice a curious crowd further forward.

 

We’re also regaled with a new song in “Void of Light”; definitive proof that their upcoming album will not disappoint. Meanwhile, Chris Naughton does his best to keep up his “happiest man in black metal” tag; sporting the biggest smile seen in the scene since Varg bought his first zippo. The band finish with the stately riffage of signature tune “Defending the Realm”, ending on it’s stirring final notes and leaving the stage to a considerably fuller and more appreciative response.

 Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

 

 

Hell’s tragic past is well documented, so there’s no need to regurgitate it here. Not that the trials and tribulations of the passing years seem to have eroded any of their energy. The five-piece emerge, togged up in black and framed by demonic stain-glass window projections. They bookend their shirtless vocalist, sporting a crown of thorns and, even more bravely, a microphone headset.

 

But David Bower’s not one likely to suffer from stage fright. An actor by trade; it’s pretty obvious given his sheer sense of theatricalism. From his exaggerated mannerisms to providing more costume-changes than Madonna on laxatives. If he wasn’t ringing out for the dead in a hooded sackcloth habit or welcoming us to “The Church of Hell”, he was whipping himself with a cat o’ nine tails. In fact, this is a band you could practically watch on mute; with gurning bass player Tony Speakman and David Gower’s wild gesticulations providing all the entertainment you could need. But to do that would be denying yourself some searing heavy metal

 

Hell play a style of darkened, Satanic NWOBHM; their riffs deceivingly catchy and Devilishly relentless. And while the music may often fall into the hammy trappings of the genre, the band embrace this without ever compromising their bleak tone. Playing it straight and offering only a sly wink to the camera; like a Shakespearean tragedy meets Hammer Horror. And the end result is a set full of fist shakers. “On Earth as it is in Hell” finds the crowd in good voice, proving the band already has more than their fair share of fans in attendance. And tracks such as “Plague and Fyre” and set closer “Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us” gets everyone‘s head moving.

 

Hopefully this will make up for last year at Catton Hall, where this particular Metalgigs duo were denied the pleasure of Hell’s company thanks to some very tardy timekeeping. The forty-five minute set flew by, but if we had to wait almost thirty years for an album, we’ll take every second we get.

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

And talking of Bloodstock, tonight’s show couldn’t go without a mention of the last time Primordial graced these shores. As well documented, vocalist Alan “A. A. Nemtheanga” Averill was rendered mute by mysterious throat problems; the band forced to continue sans vocals while the crowd did their best to compensate. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one amongst the packed audience to hold their breath before the first lyric was uttered from his lips tonight.

 

Sweeping in from The Emerald Isles on their blackened sails, Primordial take to the stage with Nemtheanga thankfully back in full voice, proudly announcing the band‘s arrival as tribal drumming leads into strident new track “Lain With the Wolf”. While Primordial’s Pagan marriage of black metal and Irish folk isn’t exactly a riff-fest, the guitars and percussion provide a fitting, atmospheric soundtrack for Averill to decorate. His presence very much the focal point of the show, both sonically and visually; as he stalks the stage like a plague-wielding, corpse painted prophet.

 

Despite the majority of the set being drawn from their latest album, the band still sink their weathered claws into their back catalogue, ensuring the set encapsulates their many hues. From the frantic, fiery reflection of oldie “Autumn’s Ablaze” to the desolate, stirring greyscale of penultimate track “The Coffin Ships” (poignantly dedicated to Averill’s Grandfather, who served in the RAF). But it’s the more recent songs that really mobilise the crowd, such as the sway of “As Rome Burns”, which culminates in the insurgent chants of “sing to the slaves” rebounding around the hall.

 

Current album “Redemption at the Puritan‘s Hand“ has already proven itself to be one of those rare releases that reinforces itself with repeat listens. And it’s well represented tonight, with the fierce defiance of “No Grave Deep Enough” and it’s vicious, rasping chorus through to the sombre, plaintive wail of “Mouth of Judas”.

 

While Primordial have spent their careers primarily placed amongst the black metal elite, it’s not exactly a genre they sit snug within. It’s hard to imagine they’d be comfortable being poked and prodded into a pigeonhole, corpse-paint smeared cheek to jowl with either the church-burners of yesteryore or the “eco-spiritualists” of the modern day. And that’s because Primordial’s sound hints at something far more timeless; the peal of their haunting pagan anthems echo like the Celtic kinsman of Bathory.

 

But although Averill wards off any throat demons, the band can’t shake the ominous shadow of a Saturday club-night; and the show’s 10:30 PM curfew proves insurmountable. Forced to drop the imposing “Gods to the Godless” the band finish with the inevitable call to arms of “Empire Falls”, a sea of limbs pumping the air and crooning to the chorus in full voice. And then, after soaking up the applause and promising a swift return, Primordial set off home. Bloodied yet unbowed.

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

Primordial Hell Winterfylleth O2 academy islington london live gig review gig listings metal gigs metalgigs

By |2012-05-23T00:00:00+00:00May 23rd, 2012|Gig Reviews|0 Comments

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