Who would have honestly thought that on this cold, dark and weary mid-Winter's night, that three bands from both sides of Europe would ignite a sweat-pit so hot and steamy in the 02 Islington Academy, that everyone would be clambering around for their ice cold beers? Well you could blame the incessant rampaging of the crowd, or you could blame the magical wizardry of Londoners Pythia, Estonia's Metsatöll and Finland's Ensiferum for their encapsulating and unrelenting assault of metal at it's finest. A night full of bard, folkloric anthems and continual salutations towards the bands unfolded.

Let us indulge in the night's gig and diverge from the near verbose verbiage given above.

.
A lot was expected of Londoners Pythia at tonight's gig that the overall reaction post-performance was one of slight disillusion and disappointment, despite the heroics of keeping their cool intact and letting themselves go, Pythia never managed to shift out of third gear. Sure their pedigree of late ought have safeguarded their show from criticism, but they seemed out of sync at times, failed to keep the crowd on their toes and above all (which actually isn't their fault) did not fit in tonight's themed gig that well. 

Power / Gothic Metal? Folk Metal? You get the idea, it's like putting a Black Metal band with a Glam Metal band, there again imagine a Blackened Glam Metal band? Deviating here, much like what Pythia did at times during their set. It wasn't completely pretty and yet whilst there were glimmers of hope that could have lead to something magical sparking, the fire just did not ignite and this meant that the crowd were left in a state of boredom to the band's dismay.

On another night Pythia may well have blasted the ceiling, but this night it was not meant to be, surely there needed something folkloric to not only get this crowd (and pit) open, cue Metsatöll

[7]

Metsatöll brought with them their folkloric antics and atmospherics that would almost certainly have resulted in them being awarded the coveted 12 points at Eurovision, if this was Eurovision that is. Instead the crowd might as well have given them maximum points as they swayed, moshed and ritualistically headbanged to the beauty of Estonian Folk Metal.

Here is a band who despite their language differences; they sing in Estonian, managed to ignite the venue without any restrictions. Not strangers to the British shores, this Baltic horde mix Folk Metal with Thrash Metal to develop something that's fast, heavy, danceable, even funky if you wish to call it that. They even weaved a traditional Pagan song into their set, which was prominently instrumental and was well received by the crowd.

Harking back to the band's antics, one such antic was Varulven playing the Estonian bagpipes behind his back, we've all seen guitarists do this trick (Varulven is one too) but bagpipers? That little trick got a wow from the crowd, however there was an even bigger wow directed towards to the whole band as they laid down the foundations for their Finnish neighbours Ensiferum, and closed their performance with a song about love and beer; the latter of which was flowing like a gushing stream.

For a band who has been knocking around for 17 years, they certainly showed no signs of stopping.

[8]

 * FYI that is not our meme.

Ensiferum, having celebrated 21 years activity and 15 years since their debut self-titled album dropped, were never destined to set a foot wrong in this most audacious of nights (you know the references). Having just released their latest effort "One Man Army", this show as part of their tour of the same name (as the album) could equate to a thousand-strong horde running riot, crashing into and smashing everything in sight, including you.

That was the sheer force exerted by the Finnish sextet tonight, a full-on onslaught of 'Finnish folkloric anthems' and by that came the bards in metal form, reciting their majestic scripts that will have no doubt be spoken of and sung to on this night.

Whilst the pits opened and closed, the headbanging became rhythmic and the dancing ensued due to the band's uncanny nature of knowing what makes their fans tick. Ensiferum have been there and done it, they know what it takes to make a night unforgettable and as they unleashed song after song, the crowd did not appear to show any signs of slowing down.

Joined on stage by their new live musician Netta Skog (ex-Turisas) of whom took part on the tracks 'Cry For The Earth Bounds' and 'Descendants, Defiance, Domination' on the band's latest album, Ensiferum signed off each song played in style and as the night drew closer and closer to the end, it was apparent that despite the disappointing start by Pythia, both Metsatöll and Ensiferum drew out their swords and did battle, leaving the crowd gasping for air and emerging as valiant warriors born.

Ensiferum this night justified their worth as Finnish Folk Metal leaders as well as pioneering idols, this was a night that everyone in attendance would never forget.

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pythia/12587806334
http://www.facebook.com/Metsatoll
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Ensiferum/332

Despite the chilly night outside, who would have thought that tonight would have been perhaps the strongest concert the Camden Underworld has seen for some time. This was the last date on the UK part of the "King" tour for Fleshgod Apocalypse and suffice to say they played the role of the 'King' tonight. For such a big band, a small venue did not hold them back from unleashing carnage, sure the 500 capacity venue was jam-packed, sure moshpits and stage diving happened for most of the night, sure Xerath and Hades Lab supported FA extremely well, but all in all this night belonged to one band.... Fleshgod Apocalypse. HAIL TO THE KING OF CLASSICAL DEATH METAL.

The horde from Perugia now take their Easter break before beginning their Russia, Estonia and Latvia tour. Then comes their festival shows, then as Tommaso indicated in our interview with him (click here), there may well be another America tour at the back end of 2016. But let's just recap last night shall we?

Having been on the scene for quite some time, dealing with various line-up changes and quiet periods of little activity, Hades Lab did their utmost to kick tonight off with a bang. Despite all of their attempts to ignite a crowd who were seemingly still chilled out from the cold outside, Hades Lab just could not get out of 3rd gear quick enough to leave a lasting impact. Although they performed some rather tight Black / Death / Grind Metal, the overall feeling was that they felt slightly uneasy performing, sure the crowd wasn't completely plenty and their mood was one of being expressionless, but that shouldn't hamper a band's performance right?

There was some glimmer of hope though as some songs did manage to get a response from the crowd, namely some ad-hoc headbanging but with some to most gigs, most people just hang around for the headliner which some would argue is disrespectful to those supporting, but anyway.... the fact that Hades Lab had the honesty (if you can call it that) to admit that their new song might not be perfect, could suggest a level of uncertainty resided within the band - if uncertain why try playing it at such a top notch gig, why not save it for a lesser riskier gig?

Again the goblins magic was at work because their playing at times was not in sync, that is they were slightly out of time with each other albeit the first which ironically was tight and played to perfection. Overall Hades Lab lacked that killer instinct, that notion that a band can whip out song after song like an endless machine gun firing away with no signs of slowing down or stopping.

[7/10]

Xerath bring their own brand of Orchestral Metal (with added doses of Groove Metal) to the fore, soon the crowd were into party mood as the band blasted them with a wall of sound (although Fleshgod would later on have the final say), initiating fans to clamber on stage by means of crowdsurfing and stage diving; some were so close to going wrong. Xerath here proved that they are no means finished, with their impending 10th year anniversary just around the corner.

As time flew by, some thought that Xerath deserved a longer set but in all truth the set flew by. Having been buzzing around the London metal scene, they were no stranger to big occasions having already played Bloodstock. Of course Xerath knew how to pull tonight's crowd up as they sussed out what this crowd needed, something to headbang endlessly to!

Cue the crowdsurfing and stage diving, during this performance there were at least 4, maybe 5 times were two people stage dived and whilst the moshpit opened up - some thought it wasn't small enough already haha (some said this), Xerath dealt the deeds through their infectiously groovy sermons of sci-fi faculty.

If this was a preview of what Xerath are going to unleash in shows to come, then they surely deserve greater appreciation and recognition than at present, because to tour and support one of Italy's finest and arguably successful metal exports (and to survive it) takes a lot of oomph and gusto. Xerath are underrated, after tonight they will have shed off that completely. Simply sensational.

[8]

HAIL TO THE KING.

HAIL THE KINGS OF 'CLASSICAL DEATH METAL'.


Check out below two videos we filmed:- "The Violent" in all of it's full glory and "The Fool" in part.

Apologies for some shaky camera moments, the moshpits and crowdsurfing was that extreme.

 
Tommaso bringing the Italian Renaissance to London.

We would love to know if Tommaso was actually drinking red wine in that photo, sure Fleshgod Apocalypse have released their own branded wine to promote the new album "King" (you can buy it online at their store - linked at the bottom of the page), but by bringing the Italian Renaissance visage to the fore meant only one thing. The purveyors of 'Classical Death Metal' were primed, poised and ready to unleash what could arguably be their best performance on British soil.

The videos we posted don't deal justice for their entire performance, sure it gives an idea but only let's say a third of it. Opening up with a selection of tracks from the new album "King", then whipping in the very first track from their very first album "Oracles" which is 'In Honour Of Reason' and closing up their set with the rather romantic number 'The Forsaking' (taken from their album "Agony"), Fleshgod Apocalypse are destined to become the new face of Italian music, let alone metal.

Backed by their honourable live musician and friend, Veronica Bordacchini, her soprano vocals injected the dramatics expected from a truly operatic, orchestral and theatrical performance. Make no mistake about it, the Italians of the Renaissance period would certainly look down at this band and nod with extreme approval. Hell this performance was equally as strong as their Bloodstock performance, meaning that they not only are consistent but do a f*cking good job of keeping their musical vision in sight without deviating down the wrong path.

Inciting the crowd at every moments chance, they know what it takes to deliver a stellar performance and then some, more importantly was the fact that they once again created an atmosphere that mimicked the same atmosphere one would experience at a ballet or theatrical play

Simply put Fleshgod Apocalypse are like the Leonardo Da Vinci of the art world, both dabbled in various areas - the former in Symphonic Metal, Death Metal and classical music, the latter in music history, inventions, etc. However attention cannot be deterred from the eccentricity of their stage uniforms, unique and perfected to detail, the quintet adorn themselves in uniform drawn upon from the Italian Renaissance period. Additionally Veronica does the same but also holds a caduceus of which in Roman mythology belongs to the god Mercury; the caduceus was uniquely used as a form of signature by the Italian Renaissance artist Jacopo de' Barbari.

Referring back the gig (or concert if you wish), it was clear that Fleshgod Apocalypse had left a lasting impression on those attending, rampaging on at the very last songs before being subject to the closing song 'The Forsaking' and an explosion of confetti being sprayed across the stage, band and crowd - what a majestic finale and what a way to end the night.

Now having done Bloodstock, the UK numerous times and travelled across the world, it would really be ace to see them at an edition of the Eurovision Song Contest - shame it wasn't this year as it would be 10 years since Lordi won it, so if they can enter and win then why can't Fleshgod Apocalypse? Fleshgod Apocalypse are 10 years old next year, so this would be a great party to devise and attend.

Hail to the King.

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

So on a rather cold night in London, well to be more precise at the Camden Underworld. Three bands amassed all the forces of darkness to splurge out a hellish display of chilly atmospherics, ferocious walls of sound and above all an experience that left the crowd bedazzled as to that they just witnessed.

Carpathian Forest of course have been knocking around for yonks and are no strangers to the Norwegian Black Metal scene having effectively become a part of what was known as the 'second wave'. Naturally headlining a gig would always be second nature to them as they've seen it, done it and sold many t-shirts.

Supporting them was East Anglian troopers Eastern Front and London's very own The Rotted. Eastern Front specialize in singing about the conflict of the same name which took place in the second world war between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union at the steps of Stalingrad. The Rotted on the other hand are a Death Metal / Grind unit of whom were previously known as Gorerotted (1997-2008) but subsqeutnly changed their name and had released two well-received albums since then.

Let the mayhem begin.

With the crowd already amassing to bear witness to the onslaught that was about to unfold them, some punters were already questioning why The Rotted were chosen to play owing to the fact that Eastern Front and Carpathian Forest are both Black Metal bands. But surely that need not matter, and it didn't because as soon as the band let out the first riff, an emphatic moshpit emerged as a result, crushing anyone who questioned the band selection in the process.

With beer and other drinks seemingly unable to stay in the cups, it was clear that the band had certainly got the crowd moving, obviously this was going to be a rather epic night. Despite the efforts of the crowd to arouse the band further, it seemed as if they were stuck in third gear for best part of their set and as a result let themselves down (well they won't think that right?).

In fact, there were times where the crowd was unresponsive to the gritty onslaught laid bare by The Rotted, who themselves by 2/3 of the way through their set looked slightly weary - never drink before playing a set... - but for sure they gave it a good old go and despite said effort, they walked away looking slightly demoralized. This certainly was not a performance to remember, even if they offered glimpses of what they're capable of, this simply was not The Rotted whatsoever.

Soon enough it was time for them to give way to the 'War-Torn' Black Metal horde Eastern Front, who by largely got a greater cheer than The Rotted did...

[6/10]

Eastern Front never put a foot wrong and they didn't tonight either, fully amassing their cold and bitter style of Black Metal and slamming it head-first into the unsuspecting crowd, Eastern Front had the crowd up by their balls and boobs... literally. If there was any artillery that could match the sheer power these lads gave tonight, I'd love to know, because the Black Metal delivered was easily greater than a platoon or armada of ships.

With their theatrical aesthetics in tow, that is the powder-covered uniforms, white-painted faces and banners supporting their latest album 'Descent Into Genocide', few would have thought about drawing comparisons between the band and the Norwegian horror film 'Dead Snow' as both are very grim indeed. As For Eastern Front, they summoned their rallying troops in front to mosh and create havoc as the band tore into the darkness with their ear-piercing explosive form of Black Metal. Who'd have thought that this album would be their strongest to date, despite them actually including some songs from their debut album 'Blood On Snow'; one of the songs being the title track.

Rampaging on and with their use of strobe lights to create the am-dram as it were, Eastern Front once again proved themselves capable of joining the very elite within the British Black Metal scene. Soon enough though it was time for them to disembark the stage, pack away their rifles and switch off their ferocious Panzer-attitude for the Norwegians were soon to invade the stage... but not to burn it of course, but to set the motherf*cker alight!

[8]

25 years down the line and still going strong, the headliners were primed and prepared to unleash a torrent of Nordic hell. Carpathian Forest ascending the stage, dressed in traditional Black Metal garb, including an inverted cross which Nattefrost gleefully waved about, as if he was conjuring some sort of dark magic or just simply 'christening' the audience.

This is what the punters were duly waiting for and whilst the crowd incessantly moshed, headbanged, downed beers and tried singing to the band, Nattefrost did the unexpected, he leant backwards and fell over only to be showing his bum to the audience; some nearby girls remarked that he had no pants on (well guess who was getting horny, ay ladies?). Despite mooning to the crowd, the real deal was the fact that the band showed no signs of slowing down or indeed stopping.

For a band who has been around for two and half decades, they certainly know what it takes to play on a sensational performance and they did exactly that tonight, there was not one moment where the crowd decided enough was enough, no, instead the moshpits were becoming so uncontrollably violent that at least two punters came out with bloodied heads - kvlt to some, scary to others.

But as the beer was still flowing and the band still playing, song after song the crowd showed no signs of tiring out despite the time clocking on. By the time of the last song, the amount of beer that was consumed probably outdone the amount of beer that was made during the entire gig, it was a tremendous amount. But like most good things, it has to come to an end and as Carpathian Forest disembarked the stage and curfew drew closer, the feeling that the crowd had been to what could be seen as the best gig of the year, was certainly on the table.

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

http://www.facebook.com/therotted
http://www.facebook.com/EasternFront
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CARPATHIAN-FOREST/109227260991

Systemhouse33 have shocked the nation by completing a successful European tour with none other than the well-established US band, Six Feet Under. This veteran band that began from a small town and landed up in Mumbai, India, playing modern thrash metal with powerful groove touches, have outdone themselves with their very relevant and aptly titled new album 'Regression', which is a reflection of the current mindset of majority of the people in the country. While the rest of the world is moving forward, alas, due to the current political scenario coupled with an outmoded interpretation of the Hindu religion, the manner of living over here is getting increasingly regressive, especially towards women. But as you all know, there's no stronger power of expression by way of music than extreme metal to voice that sentiment all over the world. 'Regression' of the times is evident, for now, and here's a well-written metal album trying to spread that meaningful message as far as it can possibly reach.

'Regression' was released January 31st

Systemhouse33 Official Site

Systemhouse33 Facebook

We Came As Romans and Memphis May Fire have announced the Bands Vs. Food Tour, with additional support from Miss May I and For Today. The US co-headliner will bring the two bands and their fans together – all in the name of delicious food. The unique joint venture will offer a special VIP ticket package that includes a catered meal from a local eatery of the bands' choosing, as well as exclusive merch and special perks, for a truly personal and memorable experience for all. Fans are encouraged to submit their own suggestions for restaurants located near the venues, by tagging the bands and their favourite local restaurant via social media.VIP Ticket pre-sale launches on Thursday, March 10 at 12PM EST. General admission tickets will go on sale Friday, March 11 at 10AM local time.


We Came As Romans' vocalist Dave Stephens comments on this unique moment:-

         "After years of talking about doing a run together, I'm glad Memphis May Fire and us have finally made it happen, we've been close with the other bands on the tour since the beginning of our careers, and I have no doubt it will be nothing but an amazing time. Get your tickets quick cause this is a tour you won't want to miss!"


Memphis May Fire's Matty Mullins adds:-

          "We've been talking about doing a tour like this with WCAR for ages. Finally, our schedules aligned and it's happening! With Miss May I and For Today also on the bill, this package is stacked! All great bands and all great friends of ours. I believe this will be one of 2016's most exciting tours. See ya there!"


Just prior to the co-headline run, We Came As Romans will head out on a headliner of their own, with support from Miss May I, Wilson and Sworn In. The ten date run will kick off in Grand Rapids, MI on April 15 and features a special, sold out show presented by 89X in the band’s home town the following day. Immediately following the US tour dates, We Came As Romans will head overseas to the UK/Europe for a handful of co-headline dates with Miss May I, a one off show with Memphis May Fire, and performances at Slam Dunk Festival and Download Festival Paris. All upcoming tour dates can be found below.

The Road To Bands Vs. Food Tour ft.
We Came As Romans w/Miss May I, Wilson, and Sworn In

Apr 15 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
Apr 17 Detroit, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom [SOLD OUT]
Apr 18 Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
Apr 19 Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall
Apr 20 Providence, RI @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Apr 21 Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall
Apr 22 Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater
Apr 23 New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
Apr 24 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
Apr 25 Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts


Bands Vs. Food Tour ft.
We Came As Romans and Memphis May Fire w/Miss May I and For Today

Apr 26 Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
Apr 27 Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
Apr 28 Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend
Apr 30 Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

May 01 Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome To Rockville+
May 02 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
May 04 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
May 05 Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
May 07 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
May 08 Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
May 09 Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse^
May 10 Las Vegas, NV @ Vinyl
May 11 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
May 12 Fresno, CA @ Strummer’s
May 13 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
May 15 Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
May 17 Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
May 19 Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
May 20 Columbus, OH @ Rock On The Range+
May 21 Schaghticoke, NY @ Rock N Derby+

+ Festival line-up
^ We Came As Romans, Miss May I and For Today only


We Came As Romans w/Miss May I

May 24 Liverpool, UK @ Arts Club
May 25 Glasgow, UK @ Kings Tut
May 26 Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK @ O2 Academy 2
May 27 Manchester, UK @ Sound Control
May 30 London, UK @ Electric Ballroom*
Jun 10 Paris, FR @ Download Festival Paris+

* We Came As Romans, Memphis May Fire, Miss May I and more
+ Festival line-up

Tickets are on sale now, full dates below:


March 10th – Wolverhampton, Slade Rooms
https://www.ents24.com/wolverhampton-events/slade-rooms/fleshgod-apocalypse/4444736

March 12th – Leeds, The Key Club
http://www.seetickets.com/event/fleshgod-apocalypse/the-key-club/910366

March 13th – Glasgow, Audio
https://www.ents24.com/glasgow-events/audio/fleshgod-apocalypse/4455145

March 15th – Manchester, Sound Control
https://www.soundcontrolmanchester.co.uk/events/fleshgod-apocalypse/

March 16th – Bristol, Fleece
http://www.seetickets.com/event/fleshgod-apocalypse/the-fleece/908578

March 17th – London, Underworld
http://www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk/gigs/