A variation of this review can be found on rockflesh.com.
Bloodstock may be in full flow eighty miles away but there is still a really good turnout tonight showing that metal still exists and is catered for elsewhere for those who aren't able to or don't wish to attend. Spectral Wound's profile has been boosted in recent years by appearances at Incineration and Damnation festivals which may have helped to draw in some people.
The stage is bathed in red light for the emergence of London's Final Dose. They play raw and primitive black metal which is pretty simplistic. There's a punk edge to them, particularly in the drumming which doesn't seem to use double kick pedals. However, it feels rudimentary and messy, especially when they play too slow or too fast. Mid-paced. galloping hellfire is where they're at their best, and the driving Motorhead feel of some of the tracks is pretty cool. Bruno Fusco's vocals are raw throated and full of anguish. However, it lacks intensity and for the first half of the set, it feels like they are going through the motions. The second half of the set is better but, at forty minutes long, it feels like they overstay their welcome by a good ten minutes. They get a good reaction from the crowd though.
There is an eerie intro before Quebec's Spectral Wound open with the feral 'Fevers & Suffering'. There's lots of tremolo picking played at a ferocious pace, and classic Darkthrone is brought to mind. However, it isn't just relentless second wave black metal worship as they add a number of elements which add variety. Illusory's drumming is great, providing a driving beat with a number of neat fills thrown in whilst the guitars add some melody.
Amusingly, a number of their song titles could be apt descriptors for their sound: 'Aristocratic Suicidal Black Metal' and 'Black Satanic Glamour' both convey the mixture of nihilistic darkness and sophistication which is present in their sound. The former has a fist pumping, galloping groove which is almost anthemic and there are a number of classic metal touches too. 'A Coin Upon The Tongue' is a relentless frostbitten blast, breathless in its intensity, which is only broken by the brief Maiden-esque mid-section, whilst 'Less And Less Human, O Savage Spirit' starts off with a drumbeat and riff that could be classic Priest before the bass and double kick make it a thunderous rumble.
The guitarists are basic foot on the monitor merchants but the pizzazz comes from their fingertips as the melodic leads add Dissection or Windir qualities to their sound. Frontman Jonah is a magnetic presence who stalks the stage, headbangs and looks both menacing and cool as hell. His screams seem to come from beyond the grave and they help to add a rawness which acts as a counterbalance to any melody.
A savage and dramatic 'Twelve Moons In Hell' brings the show to a close. An expectant crowd lingers for a few minutes, hoping for an encore but alas, it isn't to be, An excellent showing nonetheless though.
Spectral Wound ****
Final Dose ***
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