Winterfylleth are the short notice openers tonight, replacing Sadus (who I was looking forward to seeing) who have, shall we say, line up issues. They are a completely different proposition to Sadus, with their sweeping, epic black metal which flows like Wolves In The Throne Room. There is a warmth to their sound, making them less wintry than this style of music normally is. The harsh vocals, from three different band members, are good. Musically, they are very evocative, bringing to mind the changing of the seasons, rolling countryside and trees shedding their leaves as the weather becomes more miserable. Very autumnal. The blackened attack of 'Absolved In Fire' is more direct but no less epic, bringing Watain to mind. The galloping mid-section is great too. There is quite a celtic feel to the material, particularly in the guitar leads.
Obituary immediately launch into the mid-paced groove of 'Redneck Stomp'. You're moshing straight away. It is perfect for slamming or at least stomping around to. This leads into the faster 'Threatening Skies'. Like most of their material, it has a hardcore sensibility. 'By The Light' stomps around in a manner similar to Slayer's 'Skeletons Of Society'. This is music which solely exists to headbang to. New track 'The Wrong Time' follows a similar path to Jungle Rot. It is music designed to make you move in some way, and even I try to cut a rug in the limited space. Dressed in a long sleeve t-shirt and cut-off shorts, John Tardy still cuts a youthful presence.They are steadfast and unstoppable no matter what pace they play at, as demonstrated on 'Deadly Intentions' which goes from slow to blindingly fast in the blink of an eye. Celtic Frost's 'Circle Of The Tyrants' just sounds like one of their own songs, and Donald Tardy's drumming is seriously good. 'Chopped In Half' is absolutely rocking but then again, everything they play is shot through with a palpable energy. 'Dying' takes us back to the early days with its doomy take on death. The classic 'Slowly We Rot' starts off with ominous doom before blasting into blistering death metal. For a band which have been going (on and off) for thirty five years, they are as good now as they have ever been.
Obituary *****
Winterfylleth ****
No comments:
Post a Comment