Once again, the Norwegian black metal pairing of Kampfar and Vreid arrives live in London tonight, the same time as the Obituary and Exodus show at the Electric Ballroom a couple of roads from the Underworld. Kampfar's last jaunt to the UK saw them supporting Gorgoroth – the first UK appearance as a support act – so seeing them headline tonight armed with last year's 'Profan' album is certainly appreciated by the fans.
Norway's Vreid formed from the ashes of beloved Viking/black metallers Windir following the untimely death of frontman Valfar. The successive band was markedly different, with a rock almost black 'n' roll edge. Since 2004, the four-piece have shaped their music dramatically, spilling into other realms of the black metal subgenre as they modify their sound. Last year saw the release of 'Solvern' and this album brings with it a nostalgic gaze towards Windir's music albeit nothing like an imitation. Songs 'Når byane brenn' and the title track feature the melodic and epic guitar leads that prominently define Windir and those in the audience familiar with the older band clearly appreciate this tribute. Sourcing highlights from all of their releases makes their set musically diverse with the darkness of 'Speak Goddamit', the punky stomp of 'Helvete' and the melodic 'Sights of Old' being particular highlights. Regarding stage presence, there is little to report back but the proficient music is warmly received by the crowd. Wrapping their set with 'Pitch Black', Vreid are a fair introduction to the final act of the night.
Bursting on stage with 'Gloria Ablaze', pagan metallers Kampfar initiate an assault frantic yet atmospheric. Frontman Dolk has boundless energy and outperforms most other black metal vocalist on stage, effortlessly exciting the audience while simultaneously rasping caustic growls. Guitars utilise heavy distortion as a base and emit the occasional frozen melody while the tempos vary to keep the songs dynamic, from double-bass rapidity to a bone-crunching crawl. The band creates idiosyncratic atmospheres, recalling classic Norwegian black metal but with their signature expansive and profound sound.
One of the band's most popular songs 'Ravenheart' is fired out very early in the set with the fans vociferous and uncompromised approval. Retreating further into their history, the four-piece air out 'Troll, Dod og Trolldom', a song that goes through several satisfying permutations, underscoring these Norwegians versatility. An even older song is the lengthy 'Hymne' from debut album 'Mellom Skogkledde Aaser' and displays early use of Kampfar's Viking-style chest-swollen-with-battle-hardened-pride vocals. 'Vettekult' is probably Kampfar's most emotive track and alters the tone of the evening. Now over twenty years old, it is fitting for the band to play at least one song from each album although it is surprising that aside from the opener and 'Tornekratt', 'Profan' receives no further attention.
Following 'Tornekratt', the black metallers leave the stage only for the crowd to remain where they are and chant their name. Sure enough, they return for an encore that begins with the dramatic 'Mylder' from the 'Djevelmakt' release.The final song of the night is the uniting Kampfar anthem 'Our Hounds, Our Legion', a flawless way to end tise night of multi-faceted black metal.
FUTURE GIGS
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