As I’ve only just started this blog and we’re almost into April already (although the weather sure isn’t very Spring-like!) I thought the natural topic for my first proper post would be a run-through of the year to date.
My first gig of the year was back on the 10th January when myself, my brother and a few mates ventured up to the capital to see the mighty Sword at the Camden Underworld. Now the Sword are one of my favourite bands of the past 10 years so I was looking forward to this one. Having seen them quite a few times before (from playing the tiny Camden Barfly to supporting Metallica at the O2 Arena) I knew that they would not disappoint. And they didn’t.
First up were Amulet. I only caught their last couple of songs but was quite impressed with their NWOBHM / thrash stylings and they were definitely giving it everything on stage. Special mention to the graveyard style props as well – good stuff guys!
Before we finally get to the Sword there was the small matter of the main support band – Lonely Kamel from Norway. I must admit that I’d never heard of this band before so didn’t know what to expect. However, it has to be said that they were one of the best support bands that I’d seen in a long time. The band have a real bluesy stoner groove about them and from the first song to the last they just kept pumping out great songs and riffs. They veered from Led Zep style blues to great stoner anthems in the blink of an eye and most definitely got the crowd going and retained attention for the whole set. Songs that I remember were Don’t Piss On The Lizard, Shake It With The Devil and Damn You’re Hot. It took me less than a day to check out their back catalogue and I look forward to seeing them again soon – check them out guys!
Lonely Kamel @ The Underworld
Guitar God Lukas Paulsen!
I’d been very impressed with the Sword’s latest album (Apocryphon) and was keen to see how the new songs sounded in the live environment. I wasn’t the only one as the Underworld was full to bursting by the time they launched into opener Veil of Isis. I was squashed at the front of the stage with a great close up view of guitarist Kyle Shutt so got to bear witness at close hand to him producing riff after riff after awesome riff! During the course of the set they played 6 tracks from the new album and a good mixture from their previous 3 albums. Favourites on the night for me were Cloak of Feathers, Tres Brujas, Barael’s Blade and my fave Sword track Freya. Towards the end of the set lead singer John D Cronise advised that he was having a few problems with his voice due to illness. Can’t say that I noticed and my only slight gripe was that the sound was maybe a little too loud. Look I’m not being a wimp here it’s just that it distorted the sound a bit too much at times. Anyway as far as first gigs of the year go this was pretty damn rocking!
The Sword @ The Underworld
Riff Lord Kyle Shutt
Next up less than 2 weeks later were Swedes Cult of Luna supported by Humanfly and Amenra at the Highbury Garage. I’d heard a bit of Humanfly before but was totally new to Amenra. Both support bands were totally different in style but both impressed on the night. Amenra in particular are quite a spectacle live. God damn these guys are heavy and intense. With various projected images behind them and lead singer Colin H Van Eeckhout spending most the set screaming at the drummer with his back to the crowd they definitely left an indelible mark on the crowd. Another band I’ll definitely be looking into in more detail!
With new album Vertikal not due out for a further 3 days it was somewhat of a surprise that CoL played 7 tracks from their new release. However, it has to be said that on first listen they sounded immense and I could not wait to get the album a few days later. The 18 minute epic Vicarious Redemption was a particular stand out as were old faves Ghost Trail and Finland. Cult of Luna truly are at the top of their game at the moment and deserve all the praise that’s being heaped on them. As far as post metal / sludge /drone (call it what you will) bands go they are at the top of the pile and this was without doubt one of the best live performances that I’d seen from them.
Amenra @ The Garage
Cult of Luna – Green Haze
With no gigs in February I was more than looking forward to the next one in early March, especially as it coincided with my mate Si’s 40th birthday celebrations. So after spending the afternoon in the excellent and highly recommended Southampton Arms in Kentish Town myself, Si, Nick, Paul, Gary, Gareth and Andy made our way to the Camden Underworld to see Grand Magus.
Si & The Gang – En route to Camden for Grand Magus
I must admit that I don’t recall too much about the support bands Diesel King and Primitai. This has more to do with the amount of ale that I’d consumed during the afternoon than the bands themselves though!
Having seen Grand Magus support both Cathedral and Angel Witch in the past I was looking forward to finally seeing them headline. For a three-piece they sure do make a great noise and the whole crowd were gripped from the off. Mixing up classics such as opener King Slayer and Silver Into Steel with new tracks from latest album The Hunt, this was a great performance. Frontman JB was the epitome of cool with his white Flying V (a la Hetfield) and resplendent in a Rainbow Rising t-shirt and seemed quite touched by the crowd reaction – stating at one stage that this was one of the best nights of his life. Finishing the set with the great drunken sign along that is Hammer of the North, this made it 3/3 great gigs so far in 2013.
Grand Magus @ The Underworld
JB and his Flying V
The next gig will have a lot to live up to. However, as this is Carcass at the Camden Underworld I have a feeling that it could even top the first 3. Can’t wait…….
Cheers for now.
Jules Throne 