Primordial / Hell

May is set to be a busy month for metalheads in terms of concerts in London. Some gigs will have to be sacrificed for others but one of the shows ensuring maximum attendance is Primordial's return to the capital for the first time since 2008. Gaining a significant measure of popularity since, Primordial's Bloodstock performance last year was thwarted when vocalist Nemtheanga indescribably lost his voice at the start of the set, prompting a karaoke instrumental experience. So expectations are high for this show.

Support act Hell seems incongruous to Primordial, playing a revived form of heavy metal as opposed to Primordial's blackened folk metal. Having formed in 1982 and splitting up only a few years later, the quintet reunited in 2008 and finally recorded their album 'Human Remains', which was released last year and now they are enjoying new exposure. With comical stained glass-style banners adoring each side of the stage and a very theatrical performance, it is clear that Hell's show will be a tongue-in-cheek one. Vocalist David Bower adorns a crown of thorns and his use of a headset as opposed to a microphone stand allows him to wave his hands around more than the standard metal frontman.

The instrumental number 'Overture: Themes from "Deathsquad"' is their intro tape and soon after, they launch into 'Let Battle Commence'. Covered in ghoul-like white face paint, the Nottingham-based act provides a spirited performance (keen eyes should note that legendary metal producer Andy Sneap handles guitar). It feels like a scene from a musical more than a standard beer-tinged heavy metal gig and the fans appreciate it with gusto. 'On Earth as it is in Hell', 'The Quest' and 'Plague and Fyre' are fired into the venue with dramatic execution. Closer 'Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us' sees the audience singing the chorus and ends the show appropriately. A nice slice of heavy metal novelty clearly goes down well tonight.

The anticipation at the O2 Academy is thick as a gathering of varying ages await Primordial - Ireland's most loved metal band. "We are Primordial from the Republic of Ireland," frontman Nemtheanga proudly proclaims before launching into 'Lain with the Wolf' from last year's 'Redemption at the Puritan's Hand'. Known to many as a folk/black metal band that betters itself with each album, Primordial's latest effort has broken this chain for many, loyal adherents feeling it lacks the creativity and anthem-style tracks of previous releases. Nonetheless, despite some subdued reactions, there are many singing along word for word with the concert opener. However, the announcement of the next song, the older and beloved 'Autumn's Ablaze' endures a stronger reaction with far more voices singing to this thoughtful number.

Complete with his signature face paint, Nemtheanga passionately engages the audience with the feelings of the historical and mythological subjects of his songs, using a range of vocal mediums. The seriousness of Primordial is communicated sublimely without appearing over the top or pretentious. The remainder of the band appear to take a back seat in terms of stage presence, with attention wholly focused on the singer. If there is one metal band with something to say, it is Primordial. Naturally wanting to promote 'Redemption at the Puritan's Hand', the Celtic quintet intersperse their set with selection form the release – 'Bloodied Yet Unbowed', 'The Mouth of Judas' and 'No Grave Deep Enough', all executed tidily but 'Gallows Hymn', 'As Rome Burns' and the uniting 'Heathen Tribes' attain enviable reactions with ease. The undeniable highlight to most of the venue is surely the emotional 'Coffin Ships', dealing with Ireland's destructive potato famine, and Nemtheanga's performance for this particular song is still touching, despite having sung it many times by now.

With the curfew bearing its might, Primordial have time for only one more number and of course this is the grandiose 'Empire Falls' from 'To The Nameless Dead'. The venue comes alive as every word is sung by a sizeable portion of the crowd. Like many Primordial tracks, this lengthy number sustains itself all the way through, leaving the listener wishing it was just a few minutes longer. But the venue's curfew is unmoving and the Irish metallers must cut one song - 'Gods to the Godless' - from their set. With appreciative thanks, they vacate the stage.

Yet another top notch performance from a band who truly gives it all to provide a thoughtful and engaging show. It is very encouraging to see Primordial play a larger venue each time they return to London. Although their shows are not particularly common, it can only be hoped that they will come back sooner than four years.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.