De Profundis / Primitive Graven Image

In recent years, there have been some gems spawning from the British underground metal scene that are highly acclaimed and are even getting some international exposure in reward for their perseverance. Such a band is De Profundis, having enjoyed touring the capital and elsewhere fairly frequently, this progressive black metal band have cultivated a loyal following and for good reason.

Having formed in 2006 and with three full-lengths to their name, Chesham's Primitive Graven Image have evolved fairly rapidly. Their brand of British black metal is fairly orthodox, with a barrage of blastbeats and tremolo picking strongly echoing Swedish black metal favourites Marduk. However, there is some variation within the setlist with one song dramatically drawing influence from mid-era Enslaved albeit with less mature song-writing. One particularly striking negative component to the performance is the drummer's lack of consistency in bass drumming, with it frequently becoming sloppy. The sound of the bass drums is a dull thud, which extracts power away from the music. Despite these flaws, the audience are receptive to Primitive Graven Imagine, headbanging and applauding after each song concludes.

Members of the audience shift closer as De Profundis take the stage and burst into 'Silent Gods' from last year's 'The Emptiness Within', beautifully weaving black metal with atmospheric progressive metal. Drawing cues from the likes of Opeth, Cynic and Akercocke, the five-piece illustrate a keen eye for technicality, utilising it in such a way to make it emotively appropriate as well as original. In spite of the technical proficiency used in their show, there is plenty of headbanging from the members themselves with the death metal components of the music having been crafted solidly for a live show. A new guitarist in their ranks fits into the line up sublimely and appears to be enjoying his time on stage. Unfortunately, the sound is poor for the headliners but this does little to detract from the quality of the show. Despite the technical prowess of the group.

The setlist draws distinctly from 'The Emptiness Within' with juicy numbers including 'Dead Inside', 'Release' and 'Delirium'. Debut album 'Beyond Redemption' is omitted from the setlist, probably due to the lengthy durations of the songs, but second album 'A Bleak Reflection' sees 'Nocturnal Splendour' aired live. New song 'Singularity' is played live for the first time and judging by the punters’ reactions, the song goes down a treat, complete with quality musicianship that can be expected from these Londoners. The surprised of the night is a cover of Death's classic 'Crystal Mountain', complete with extra double bass drumming and death metallers in the crowd shouting along. De Profundis also manage to get the first mosh pit of the night going, depicting the audience's enthusiasm for this extreme act.

Closer 'Twisted Landscapes' sees the headliners off with a worthy ovation but the show is not over as they return for an encore, 'The Mourner'. One final hurrah sees De Profundis thank the audience for such a strong turnout for a week day. Undoubtedly this band's star will keep rising. It feels as if they are yet to hit their peak, which is a rare sight in the underground scene.

FUTURE GIGS

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