The thrash orgy kicks off with England's own reunited Xentrix. Originally formed in 1985, it is a little unjust that these Preston lads are playing below the significantly younger Evile but popularity speaks and although hardened thrash loyalists being entirely aware of Xentrix's existence, this is the only portion of the vast metal population that is aware of them. Nonetheless, with each member sporting short hair, they do not look the typical thrash act.
However, launching into a bevy of classic thrash metal with an interesting melodic guitar lead used extremely sparingly, Xentrix declare their legitimacy to those unfamiliar with them. The front of the venue certainly cracks skulls to the likes of 'Balance of Power' and 'Crimes'. The band are perhaps most famed for a thrash-ified version of the classic 'Ghostbusters' theme song, which is merged with 'Dark Enemy', possibly a mistake abridging the former track given how reactive the crowd became. The drum sound leaves plenty to be desired and the members themselves fail to make much use of the large stage effectively but a solid performance is still delivered. Closing with 'No Compromise', Xentrix leaves the audience mildly subdued for a thrash metal concert. A more intimate show at, say, the Underworld would benefit the band enormously but no one turns down a support slot with Kreator.
Continuing with the Northern English thrash attack, Evile's modern attempt at classic thrash metal gets the audience moving with moshes from opening number 'Infected Nation'. The music is devoid of creativity and the band's lack of a dynamic stage presence has attentions waning quickly. Selections from the setlist predominantly emanate from 2011's 'Five Serpent's Teeth', including 'Cult', 'Eternal Empire' and the title track, and the fans are treated to two tracks from the forth-coming 'Skull' album: 'Underworld' and 'Head of the Demon', unsurprisingly resisting any deviation from the over-tried Evile formula. 'Thrasher' from the debut 'Into the Grave' receives a particular ovation compared to other numbers on the set but the performance is largely unmemorable and the feeling of drunken thrash camaraderie is diluted. Just like Xentrix before them, Evile too would shine brighter in a smaller venue.
It is up to Kreator to remind us Brits how to put on a muscled thrash metal show and, naturally, they deliver. With 'Mars Mantra' from last year's 'Phantom Antichrist' acting as an intro for the Germans, the level of anticipation goes through the roof. The song 'Phantom Antichrist' serenades mosh pits and headbanging to levels previously unseen in The Forum tonight. Frontman Mille Petrozza's voice is as visceral and pissed off as ever.
With such a lengthy discography under their belts, it would be impossible to summarise Kreator's finest musical achievements in the duration of a concert in addition to promoting a new album. 'Phantom Antichrist' is generously represented, with tracks including 'Civilization Collapse', 'Death to the World' and 'From Flood to Fire'. The new songs with their clear guitar melodies rock the venue to a commendable degree but the older numbers destroy it with a whirlwind of devastation. 'People of the Lie', 'Extreme Aggression' and 'Pleasure to Kill' guarantee full audience co-operation as the hymns of hate are served up. Later numbers including 'Hordes of Chaos' and usual staple 'Enemy of God' are ripe pickings for showcasing the creativity of Kreator's later work.
The Germans are constantly moving on stage, with Petrozza utilising a second microphone on a raised platform accessible by ramp behind him. His stage presence is commanding and he generally sounds enraged at the world. However, he is extremely hospitable to the audience in his stage banter.
When the set closes after 'Pleasure to Kill', the audience are far from satisfied and resolutely demand more. The intro of 'The Patriarch' grants their wishes and Kreator return to the stage armed with the unapologetic 'Violent Revolution'. The closer is the usual 'Flag of Hate' (with Petrozza waving a Kreator flag) merged with the relentless 'Tormentor', offering one final surge of chaos. Kreator close the night explosively and show that a headlining show at the Forum is in no way too ambitious for these legends. Hopefully they will return quicker than four years.
article by: Elena Francis
published: 01/05/2013 17:04
FUTURE GIGS
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