Some dare to peek into the cradle of darkness to witness the incarnation of humankind in its basest form. The beast is diabolically ugly, but following true Nietzschean rhetoric, both the creature and the attendees understand that suffering is necessary and that greatness can only come from pain.
…and so lies the foundation of black metal and the core of the souls that underpin it.
This may seem a long, long way from The Corner Hotel in Richmond, but on this night, followers of the dark arts were treated to six of the best black metal bands around.
Once upon a time the cradle of all things metal was firmly embedded in the icy bleakness of wintry Scandinavia and the stoic gloom of pre-unified Germany.
These days, punters from all corners of the globe can find local bands that hold it up to the most epic and revered units.
The satanic entrée was served, and under the cowl stood Belligerent Intent from Melbourne. Their anti-Christian message blasted around the room and echoed in dusty corners.
Their howl was enough to drag forth the beasts of hell, and the space in front of stage began to fill. Iciclan’s Zxorthyn opened his mouth to let loose cutting shards of ice, proving that even in the quiet hamlets of Hobart, life can be as raw as anywhere else.
Okera’s vocalist Jayme Sexton channelled Satan as the most unearthly growl emanated from his being. The band treated the audience to three songs: “In Solitude”, “Futility”, and “I Hope”, and despite the seemingly cheery title of the final number, there was enough bleakness to send the pack into an ecstasy of melancholia.
Another Melbourne band, Denouncement Pyre, played up the theatrics with credible yet stereotypical antics and costuming. They looked the part as they sang and played songs about death, barbaric deeds and hate.
Just when all thought the world couldn’t get any weirder or wickeder we were introduced to Draconis Infernum from (of all places), Singapore. Questions come to mind, considering that Singapore has strict rules covering almost everything, including physical appearance.
It is quite likely that by day, these lads scrub up neatly and become suit wearing corporate types. On stage they look like members of KISS whose spirits have been evicted, and whose bodies have been taken over by Beelzebub and his henchmen.
Excitement and anticipation swirled around as punters gnashed their teeth and impatiently awaited the unleashing of the force that goes by the name Dark Funeral.
Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, these guys have a whole metal tradition to uphold. To say they do so admirably is certainly an understatement.
Nachtgarm (Steve Marbs) is a follower of La Veyan Satanism, which has strongly informed the lyrics of the songs they perform. Victims of ignorance and discriminatory ideals, their songs are as much instructional as they are a celebration of lesser and higher magic; but you don’t have to take lessons from the music to enjoy the effect.
Fans were truly appreciative of the awesomeness and power of Nachtgarm’s vocals and stood in almost placid devotion.
As “666 Voices Inside”, “The Secrets of the Black Arts”, and “Stigmata” assaulted ears with sheer brutality and force, the masses were pulled further and further into a slippery abyss that few dare to traverse.
Those who do, experience something akin to truth. This gig was an orgy for those brave souls who have a love of the dark side and a particular penchant for things dangerous.
