Leprous / Blindead

Norway's Leprous are extraordinarily making waves in the metal scene. With three full-length releases bolstering their name, the progressive metal act has rapidly increased their popularity through solid and distinctive musicianship. Having previously largely been recognised as the backing band of Ihsahn's (from black metallers Emperor and now his progressive metal solo effort), it is fair to say these youngsters are deservedly renowned on their own creative vitality. The Underworld in Camden is host to the London date on their European tour and the venue fills worthily before any band has hit the stage.

Sole support comes from Poland's Blindead who weave a tapestry of progressive metal, sludge and post rock. Formed in 1999 under the name Incorrect Personality, the five-piece resemble a progressive metal version of Neurosis, pairing heavy sludge riffs with post rock guitar meandering. The audience reaction is fairly solid and the Underworld is certainly far from sparsely populated, a rarity for an opening band at a prog metal show in London. Unfortunately, the venue's sound is not the strongest and the full aural potential of Blindead is not communicated as clearly as it could be but the onlookers are responsive of the performance nonetheless.

With a group of televisions on the stage and fancy lighting, it is evident that the live Leprous experience will differ to the usual metal show. Opening with 'Foe' from this year's 'Coal' album, the Norwegians launch on stage in formal clothing with bombastic energy, backed with visualisations and unusual video shorts on the screens behind them. Headbanging and leaping on stage, the quintet ensures that all eyes are on them. Frontman Einar Solberg masters keyboard and frontman duties faultlessly, refusing to let his instrument side line his stage presence.

Their realisation of prog metal is particularly dark, occasionally sliding into the angular and indulging frequently with the heavy. The volume of the performance is louder than the usual Underworld headliner, which arms the music with additional energy. Naturally, the setlist focuses comprehensively on 'Coal', which translates its wizardry and introversion healthily in the live sphere. Lengthy tracks 'Chronic', 'Contaminate Me' (the recorded version which features Ihsahn on vocals although Solberg handles these commendably tonight) and 'The Valley' refuse to slacken their grip, their experimentation a curiosity in the field of heavy music.

'Forced Entry', 'Waste of Air' and 'Restless' from 2011's 'Bilateral' receive a robust ovation from the packed venue but it appears Leprous can do no wrong. Bombing through song after song with little stage banter fluffing their performance is probably a result of the strict curfew imposed on the band from the venue. However, Solberg does take the opportunity to introduce new bassist Martin Skrebergene, who the audience warm to.

The aforementioned new 'Contaminate Me' seals the first portion of the set and the Scandinavians abruptly vacate the stage. The audience's fervour ensures they return to the stage soon and play the older 'Passing', one of two tracks from debut 'Tall Poppy Syndrome'. The final hurrah is guzzled by the enthusiastic congregation and before long, the track concludes in spite of being in excess of eight minutes. The concert completes with a gracious sign off from Leprous and the crowd disperse to continue enjoying the weekend.

Although not stylistically different to last year's performance, the new songs deserve to be heard live and Leprous' impressively expanding fanbase promises that these Norwegians will return to the capital before too long. This is definitely a fantastic way to kick start Saturday.