Following the cancellation of last year's Dark Tranquillity's European tour the Swedish melodic death metallers return for winter madness with the support of Norway's goth metal tribe Tristania; initially an odd pairing but given the matrimony between the aggressive and the melodic, perhaps there is more of a crossover between the fanbases that meet the eye. Unsurprisingly, the tickets sell out a few hours before the concert begins.
The preliminary support come from England's own Sworn Against, with a predilection towards a hybrid of thrash metal and metalcore. Despite the sound coming across as slightly dated, the band is persistent in putting on a solid show to the well-attended Underworld and they should be happy with the size of the crowd they have amassed. The riffs fail to explore new territory and playing the safe card marks the audience reaction as unimpressed. After a few riffs, the audience member knows what to expect and given the light and influence of the bands they are supporting, these English lads should be more primed to interest the audience.
Opening with 'Number' from new album 'The Darkest White', Norway's Tristania prove that they still have the vicious nature that anointed them as one of the forerunners of gothic metal, while nodding towards a modern take on the melodic in addition to referencing previous releases. With four members handling vocal duties, the Norwegians ensure that the audience's attention does not wander. The primary focus of the setlist is on the latest full-length and despite a moment of inactivity, the audience becomes more involved with Tristania's at their performance unravels.
Formidable new songs 'Night on Earth', 'Darkest White' and 'Slumber' are absorbed readily by the audience but fans react strongly to the title track of 1999's 'Beyond the Veil' and'The Shining Path' from 'World of Glass' spectacularly, complete with taped choral arrangements. 'Rubicon's 'Year of the Rat' unsurprisingly gets blood flowing throughout the fanatics. Frontwoman Mariangela Demurtas paints a more confident figure than she was with Tristania's last London show with an impressive vocal range that few vocalists dabbling in the same genre could reach. Closing with new song 'Requiem', Tristania show infinite persistance, eager for a challenge and the opportunity to question people's resolute opinions.
After what feels like too long a wait to endure for Swedish melodic death metal icons, Dark Tranquillity open their set with the new 'The Silence of Noise', complete with out-of-hand mosh pits and infinite appreciation. Frontman Michael Stanne is as lively as ever, one of the few metal vocalists to growl with a smile on his face, genuinely appreciative of those in attendance. Their take on melodic death metal is embellished with the emotionally charged or the cold mechanical feel of industrial keyboards.
New album 'Construct' sees a fine crop of tracks performed on it, including 'The Silence in Between', 'State of Trust' and 'What Only You Know', sharing the stage time with such beloved staples including 'The Wonders at Your Feet', 'Final Resistance' and 'Terminus (Where Death is Most Alive)'. Surprisingly, the rarity 'A Bolt of Blazing Gold' from debut 1993's 'Skydancer' is tossed to the fanatics with Tristania's 'MariangelaDemurtas' providing a more than capable female vocalist. Demurtas also sings ethereally on 'UnDo Control', offering a new dimension to the live show.
Those aware of Dark Tranquillity's live performances should be aware that Stanne and company are opposed to the "rock star bullshit" that surrounds the vacate-and-return-to-stage drama that is an encore and launch straight into their final songs without wasting any time. Closer 'Misery's Crown' not only illustrates that the Swedes' later discography is worth exploring but studs the show with the mightiest mosh pit suffered all night.
Such a solid show makes the audience wonder why Dark Tranquillity had to cancel their European show last year but the London audience are certainly forgiving in regards to the show served up tonight. The Underworld feels to miniscule for Dark Tranquillity but perhaps given this is the only UK date, it was worthwhile enough. Here's to hoping for another return to our fair isles.
FUTURE GIGS
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