It’s been a long time since a proper death metal package has come through Swansea, and the heaving crowd that came to revel in blastbeats turned up in big numbers. A packed Sin City dripped with sweat and anticipation, with easily half the room already filled when Belgium’s Carnation (7) blew open the stage with their groovy, aggressive blend of old school inspired Death Metal.
Lending a fair bit of their sound from the likes of Bloodbath, Carnation took full advantage of the high spirits already present, and whipped the crowd into a writhing mass of moshing and headbanging. Plenty of pits, both regular and circular in fashion, the onlookers lapped up their performance in the moment. It was a solid set, though it could be argued that they lacked a little dynamic variance - could’ve done with a few more memorable hooks to cut through too.
Next up were Californian thrash masters Warbringer (10), who completely levelled the stage with a massive presence, clear cut riffs, and dangerously high energy levels. Seasoned veterans on the wider circuit, they know how to write those types of riffs that grip the back of your neck - either to drag you into the pit or to headbang along with them. The audience had filled in even more at this point, the violence in the pits intensifying, and the first crowd surfers started to break across the barriers - the obvious reaction to the slick, tight set played by this band at the top of their game.
Next up were Californian thrash masters Warbringer (10), who completely levelled the stage with a massive presence, clear cut riffs, and dangerously high energy levels. Seasoned veterans on the wider circuit, they know how to write those types of riffs that grip the back of your neck - either to drag you into the pit or to headbang along with them. The audience had filled in even more at this point, the violence in the pits intensifying, and the first crowd surfers started to break across the barriers - the obvious reaction to the slick, tight set played by this band at the top of their game.
I particularly enjoyed the bassist’s varying techniques he was implementing to cut through, including several slap and pop sequences, which you really don’t see much in thrash. Overall, one of the highlights of the evening and I certainly hope the enthusiastic reaction encourages them to return to South Wales soon - with their last appearance here being in 2017 supporting Death Angel in Bridgend, the Welsh need their thirst for thrash slaked more often!
Speaking of bands at the top of the game, Canadian death metal titans Cryptopsy (10) are no strangers to the Welsh scene, though again it has been a while since they graced our shores and this was their first venture outside of the capital Cardiff.
Speaking of bands at the top of the game, Canadian death metal titans Cryptopsy (10) are no strangers to the Welsh scene, though again it has been a while since they graced our shores and this was their first venture outside of the capital Cardiff.
Alliteration aside, Cryptopsy crushed the crowd with a monstrously heavy set, featuring highlights from across their considerable back catalogue as well as newer material and even a new tune that will feature on their upcoming record. Finding that balance between showcasing what you’ve been up to recently and also playing the hits is a delicate art, but Cryptopsy know exactly how to execute it. Fast, blasty, super tight, it’s everything you can want from a band from this genre. Cryptopsy gets the chef’s kiss. Come back soon!
Finishing the night are Poland’s premier purveyors of proper death metal, Decapitated (8). Lighter on the ears than Cryptopsy before them, Decapitated played just as tight a set, which is an impressive feat for an extreme metal act performing for over an hour. While they did pepper in some of the big hits from their acclaimed earlier material, the set focus was more on the recent material, which for fans of the modern Decapitated was no doubt enjoyable, however the fans (including myself) of the earlier discography were left a bit wanting.
Still, they’ve got a great sound, the band put on a great performance, and the crowd gave it their all in retaliation. A great end to a top night.
No comments:
Post a Comment