PRIMORDIAL, GRAND MAGUS & MAEL MORDHA
CAMDEN UNDERWORLD 02/02/08
It immediately dawns upon you when entering the pub before this gig, that there are a fair few people waiting for the doors to open, and not including the crowd watching the rugby on the big TV screen. It is not surprising; Primordial gigs do not come around that often, and the level of expectation is high after the release of the wonderful ‘To the Nameless Dead’ LP at the tail end of last year.
The opening band, ‘Mael Mordha’ come on stage dressed like barbarians, it is hard not to notice them! After discovering this band a few weeks prior to this gig, it was a pleasure to see them live. They open with ‘Winds of a Thousand Winters’ from their first album. Here we have near perfect Gaelic doom metal. The intensity in the vocalist’s lyrical approach really makes you take the story on board. There are interesting flute/whistle interludes during the performance from vocalist Rob Ó Bogail. This gives proceedings a truly emotional feeling, but with great power, no weaklings here! The crowd are really with the band after the first song, and this continues throughout their entire show, and the number of fans wearing ‘Mael Mordha’ band shirts prior to purchasing at this gig just shows how much support they have. Another track ‘Curse of the Bard’ from their second album just simply affirms the crowd’s devotion to the gig. ‘Mael Mordha’ then treat us to a new track (admittedly I missed the title), which again, is another powerful Gaelic doom metal number. This was very professionally executed and really raised the bar for the rest of the evening’s bands.
www.myspace.com/maelmordha
www.mael-mordha.com
‘Grand Magus’ on the other hand are relatively well-known visitors to these shores, the venue is very busy now and there appears to be a lot of anticipation. The track ‘Nine’ opens things up. There is a very good sound, although it does take half of the song to be played before the audience warms up. Their brand of heavy doom and blues works particularly well, although the overall package is not quite as powerful as the previous band. Janne ''JB'' Christoffersson singer/guitarist (also singer with ‘Spiritual Beggars’) always looks a picture of calm on stage and tonight is nothing new. It is amazing how he does not get carried away with the intensity of some of the riffs he bleeds out. JB introduces a new track ‘Beyond Good & Evil’ which follows the style of the latest recorded offerings. There are some strong lingering power chords coming form the PA system now, I guess the time is right to wake everyone up! ‘Wolfs Return’ is the first track to get the joint really buzzing, this is a great track, and sounds so much better live than on the album. ‘Kingslayer’ from their latest album closes the show, one that everyone certainly looked like they enjoyed.
www.grandmagus.com
So, the masses gather and then ‘Primordial’ come on stage to rapturous applause and intro music to match. Opening track ‘Empire Falls’ blasts out of the PA. The audience really get into things from the offset. It is essential to stop and listen to this track and sing along if you knew it (for which most did). The mix is particularly very good and the emotion just oozes out and drags us all in. The band immediately plays straight into ‘Gallows Hymn’. Next up is ‘The Golden Spiral’, from 2005’s excellent ‘The Gathering Wilderness’ album. Vocalist Naihmass Nemtheanga (aka Alan Averill) looks so menacing hovering over the front row covered in his stage paint, beckoning all towards him. ‘As Rome Burns’ from their new album is a killer track, and is one of the stand-out numbers of the album and of the night. I may be repeating myself, but it is hard not to notice the intensity bellowing out of the PA system. The remainder of the band back up with a strong rhythm section (including a stand in bassist) and blueprint for all things Celtic black metal inspired.
This was my first live experience of ‘Primordial’ having missed them due to alcohol consumption at Wacken a couple of years ago. Having witnessed tonight’s show, it makes the infrequent live appearances even more special.
Other majestic tracks include ‘Autumns Ablaze’, ‘The Coffin Ships’ and the closing track ‘Gods to the Godless’. It is surprising that this is quite an early finish for this venue, however, it is not a one that made you look at your watch to check the time. Your attention is fully commanded and given throughout the entire set.
In recent times I cannot remember a gig that had such powerful and awe inspiring atmosphere. This was truly a special night and one where everyone who was there would no doubt remember for a long time to come.
www.primordialweb.com
www.myspace.com/fallentoruin
Paul Maddison
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