A night of brutal brilliance descended upon Birmingham’s O2 Academy 2 as death metal legends Aborted returned to the city, leading a lineup that was as relentless as it was diverse. With support from The Zenith Passage, Organectomy, and the phenomenal Crypta, this wasn’t just a gig, it was a masterclass in extremity.
Opening acts rarely leave such devastation in their wake, but Organectomy (9) delivered a performance that was nothing short of jaw-dropping. The New Zealand slam titans brought a seismic blend of technicality and sheer brutality, commanding the crowd from the first drop-tuned riff. Vocals gurgled from the depths, blast beats hit like a meteor swarm, and yet amidst the chaos was a refined precision that made every breakdown land with surgical violence. If anyone showed up unsure of who Organectomy were, they sure as hell left as fans. Guttural precision with groove.
Next up were The Zenith Passage (7) who brought a heady dose of technical precision to the stage, all hyperspeed riffing, off-kilter rhythms, and sci-fi-soaked atmospheres. The crowd responded with genuine enthusiasm, heads banging in sync with the chaos, clearly appreciating the band’s intricate musicianship. There’s no doubt they’re immensely talented; their set was tight, fast, and calculated down to the last blast beat.
For me, though, something felt slightly out of reach. While the skill level was off the charts, it lacked that emotional punch that makes a set unforgettable. Still, it’s clear why they’ve carved out a loyal following, and on a bill stacked with sonic violence, they held their own with grace and skill. A technically dazzling performance that will resonate more deeply with those drawn to the cerebral side of death metal. Technically flawless, emotionally distant.
Then came the Brazilian powerhouse Crypta (10), and the room ignited. Despite a slightly muddy sound mix - vocals occasionally drowned, guitars not quite punching through as they should, the crowd didn’t care. Crypta delivered a blistering set packed with fury, groove, and presence. Charismatic, commanding, and relentless, they owned the stage from the first note.
Even through technical hiccups, the band’s energy cut through like a serrated blade. The crowd fed off it and they gave it right back. Crypta know how to perform: death metal with guts, grit, and just enough playful interaction to leave photographers grinning behind their lenses. It was raw, imperfect, but utterly exhilarating. Proof that when a band really brings it, the crowd will ride with them, sound issues or not. Blistering fury with stage presence to spare
Headliners Aborted (10) proved once again why they’re held in such legendary regard. From the moment Sven de Caluwé hit the stage, the room was theirs. There’s a particular joy in watching a band not only perform tightly but enjoy it, and Aborted were clearly having a blast, which only fuelled the crowd’s frenzy. The setlist was a blood-splattered feast of old and new, delivered with personality, power, and the kind of swagger that only comes from decades in the game.
Having first seen them support Decapitated back in 2012 at the HMV Institute, I can confidently say: Aborted are even better now. More dynamic, more engaging, and still crushingly heavy. This was a fan-favourite set by a band that’s never lost their edge, only sharpened it. A fan favourite in full, furious form
From surgical slam to charismatic chaos, this four-band bill served everything a death metal devotee could want. Organectomy stunned, Crypta conquered, Aborted annihilated, and The Zenith Passage? They held their own, if a little more quietly.
Opening acts rarely leave such devastation in their wake, but Organectomy (9) delivered a performance that was nothing short of jaw-dropping. The New Zealand slam titans brought a seismic blend of technicality and sheer brutality, commanding the crowd from the first drop-tuned riff. Vocals gurgled from the depths, blast beats hit like a meteor swarm, and yet amidst the chaos was a refined precision that made every breakdown land with surgical violence. If anyone showed up unsure of who Organectomy were, they sure as hell left as fans. Guttural precision with groove.
Next up were The Zenith Passage (7) who brought a heady dose of technical precision to the stage, all hyperspeed riffing, off-kilter rhythms, and sci-fi-soaked atmospheres. The crowd responded with genuine enthusiasm, heads banging in sync with the chaos, clearly appreciating the band’s intricate musicianship. There’s no doubt they’re immensely talented; their set was tight, fast, and calculated down to the last blast beat.
For me, though, something felt slightly out of reach. While the skill level was off the charts, it lacked that emotional punch that makes a set unforgettable. Still, it’s clear why they’ve carved out a loyal following, and on a bill stacked with sonic violence, they held their own with grace and skill. A technically dazzling performance that will resonate more deeply with those drawn to the cerebral side of death metal. Technically flawless, emotionally distant.
Then came the Brazilian powerhouse Crypta (10), and the room ignited. Despite a slightly muddy sound mix - vocals occasionally drowned, guitars not quite punching through as they should, the crowd didn’t care. Crypta delivered a blistering set packed with fury, groove, and presence. Charismatic, commanding, and relentless, they owned the stage from the first note.
Even through technical hiccups, the band’s energy cut through like a serrated blade. The crowd fed off it and they gave it right back. Crypta know how to perform: death metal with guts, grit, and just enough playful interaction to leave photographers grinning behind their lenses. It was raw, imperfect, but utterly exhilarating. Proof that when a band really brings it, the crowd will ride with them, sound issues or not. Blistering fury with stage presence to spare
Headliners Aborted (10) proved once again why they’re held in such legendary regard. From the moment Sven de Caluwé hit the stage, the room was theirs. There’s a particular joy in watching a band not only perform tightly but enjoy it, and Aborted were clearly having a blast, which only fuelled the crowd’s frenzy. The setlist was a blood-splattered feast of old and new, delivered with personality, power, and the kind of swagger that only comes from decades in the game.
Having first seen them support Decapitated back in 2012 at the HMV Institute, I can confidently say: Aborted are even better now. More dynamic, more engaging, and still crushingly heavy. This was a fan-favourite set by a band that’s never lost their edge, only sharpened it. A fan favourite in full, furious form
From surgical slam to charismatic chaos, this four-band bill served everything a death metal devotee could want. Organectomy stunned, Crypta conquered, Aborted annihilated, and The Zenith Passage? They held their own, if a little more quietly.
No comments:
Post a Comment