What does Canada and Sweden have in common? No, not just loads of snow but a history of outstanding metal, particularly remarkable in light of both countries relatively minuscule populations. Tonight's metal crossover line up at the Underworld sees Swedish death metal spin-off Entombed A.D. join forces with Canadian prog/thrash weirdos Voivod live at Camden's Underworld for a co-headline venture. Given the Swedes' dirty pummelling weaponry and Voivod's brain-bending lunacy, the range of metal on offer is broad and the venue is brimming aplenty with black-clad hordes eager to catch both even though they have played London not too long ago.
The first headlining slot is for Voivod and the venue is absolutely jam-packed by the time they get on stage. Formed in 1981, these Quebec natives spawned wielding unhinged thrash metal before absorbing irregular progressive meanderings into their sound and metamorphosing into something idiosyncratic and unexpectedly influential in the metal macrocosm. An intermittent beep intro signals the simply astounding 'Killing Technology', the band bravely opening with a seven minute long selection. The sound is clumsy but the four-piece force their way through angular guitar riffs, sci-fi themes and thrash drumming. Give the strange nature of this metal, the audience's lack or response is a result of curiosity more than disinterest but there are some headbangers who evidentially are very excited by this rare inclusion into the set.
Vocalist Snake is infinitely entertaining, pulling humorous faces and indulging in odd mannerisms that mirror the music throughout the set. Chewy on guitar effortlessly handling his peculiar riffs and solos, certainly making former guitarist Piggy proud in the afterlife as he thrashes out with bassist Rocky, who joined the band back in 2014 and fits seamlessly. Drummer Away is nothing short of an impressive sight, battering consistently at the back of the stage. The Canadians spread the night concentrating almost exclusively towards the start of their discography, firing out older songs such as 'Tribal Convictions' and 'Overreaction' along with newer selections 'Fall' and 'Post Society', both from this year's EP named after the latter track. Disorienting sanity-shredding riffs conjoined with piercing tremolos and Snake's oddball vocals make for a delight and despite the audience's initial reserved curiosity, mosh pits erupt soon enough. The last song of the performance is the eponymous 'Voivod', a track of pure distilled thrash metal from the band's earliest days, always a true delight showcasing the real varied musicianship this band has explored. Voivod may be a known name in metal but they are still woefully underrated compared to their peers.
Swedish death metallers Entombed A.D. have quite the show to put on if the punters will leave the premises with their name on their lips rather than Voivod and they valiantly play crowd pleaser. The set begins with 'Midas in Reverse', from new album 'Dead Dawn' but aside from this song, 'Dead Dawn' and 'Second to None', the rest of the set is sourced from Entombed material, their pre-existing band. Desptie the drama surrounding the rights of the name Entomed and the subsequent division of the proper line up, tonight's decision is one the viewers love as mosh pits coalescence around the venue, framed by a wealth of sweaty headbangers. The A.D. songs are modern reckless Swedish death metal with the same death 'n' roll spirit that Entombed soon developed but those hungering for the early dirty old school death metal songs were seriously rewarded.
The second song of the night is the bristling 'Stranger Aeons', immediately plunging the Underworld into the depths of early '90s Swedeath metal with chugging rhythms and buzzsaw guitar tones. This was just the beginning of a classic live onslaught; the assault continues with the likes of 'Living Dead', 'Chaos Breed', 'Revel in Flesh' and even slightly later death 'n' roll cuts 'Out of Hand' and 'Wolverine Blues'. The band headbangs through their storm of a set while the crowd reciprocate in kind; the energy in the room is almost tangible. 'Left Hand Path' rightfully elicits one of the most frenetic responses of the night and sees the Swedes leave the stage. The fans remain, eager for an encore and as if they have not been treated well enough by Entombed A.D., more of their small time wishes are granted. What follows is no measly encore but a crowd-pleasing five-song gift beginning with slightly later favourite 'Chief Rebel Angel'. A bludgeoning cover of Roky Erickson's 'Night of the Vampire' is unexpectedly dished up followed by more Entombed songs from elsewhere besides the first three albums – 'I for an Eye', 'Supposed to Rot' and closer 'Serpent Speech'. Admittedly, these do not receive the rapturous response the older tracks harnessed but are still a treat for those who want to hear more death 'n' roll rather than just the old school and finishes the night on a formidable note.
Tonight was about two metal powers really displaying why they have persevered so long in the metal consciousness, despite dramatic setbacks experienced by both sides. Those possessing a penchant for the intricate, multi-faceted and down-right bizarre relished Voivod while those who worship bone-crushing heaviness found temples for the night with Entombed A.D. but both acts met two different mission statements with similar levels of success. What better way is there to kill a cold Thursday night?
FUTURE GIGS
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