COLISEUM, BISON B.C. & KVELERTAK –
LEEDS, THE WELL - 20/11/10
When I first saw this line up was going to tour I was very pleased and even close to being excited as each band is unique and offers the listener something different within their music. Having heard Kvelertak’s debut this year and being totally stunned by their unique genre leaping music inevitably I went out of my way to catch them on the recent Converge tour. Before arriving at The Well I was concerned as to how six guys would fit on the stage and was glad to see it had been widened so movement was not too hindered for Kvelertak’s exuberant performances. Deciphering snarled and screamed Norwegian is not easy as the band let loose a furious trilogy of songs that started with ‘Ulvetid’ (I think) and finished with ‘Blodterst’ an absolute killer song on the album and chockfull of frenetic riffs and downright catchy rhythms. The sound was awesome and crystal clear even though I was stood in front of the PA most of the night. The singer has s Jack Black look about him as the widdle start to ‘Offernatt’ is very distinctive as is the triple guitar harmonies that were just brilliant. The bands staggering stage presence was infectious as I picked out ‘Sultans Of Satans’ and ‘Nekroskop’ with the deluge of potently catchy riffs that incorporate black metal, punk and a healthy dose of pure heavy metal if you listen hard. A flawless and brilliant show from start to finish. Check this band out now.
I caught Bison B.C. supporting Burst in Sheffield and was blown away by their brand of deep progressive metal with the odd hardcore trait thrown in for good measure. This band looks so metal I swear they were sweating mercury. It did piss me off that a great number of people seemed to just bugger off after Kvelertak which was a shame as Bison B.C. were just as devastating just in a different way. Kicking their set off with ‘Two Day Booze’ was a good move as it was immediately in your face with its almost power metal like intro lead. The bands music is complex but so easy to listen to as the drumming talents matched the excellent guitar riffing synchronicity and sublime leads that peppered their set. It was straight into ‘Wendigo’ as my mate briefly hints that he thinks they sound like Pantera which I failed to grasp. Listening and watching to Bison B.C. is akin to being hunted down in the wilderness by riffs that assault the senses and leads that surround like a pincer attack. There are huge slabs of Black Sabbath in their music but counterbalanced by furious semi thrash speed workouts that have hints of hardcore mingled in. Strange I know but it bloody works as their set quickly comes to an end such is the length of their songs. Another band you all should check out.
Having seen Coliseum a couple of times before I knew what to expect as by now the crowd had thinned somewhat as the trio hit the stage and didn’t care less about it. What Coliseum lacked in audience was backed up by a short set that comprised short violent hardcore workouts and slower more thought out melodic material as the singer emphasised that it doesn’t matter what genre or sub-genre it is, it’s all part of the same scene we all enjoy which I totally agree with. With nothing in the way of song titles, except indecipherable roars, the three piece of Coliseum produced a veritable feast of different styles within their set but each it is fair to say has a solid hardcore foundation. The bassist bounced around like a kid on a trampoline pulling every face imaginable and enjoyed every minute being on stage as the singer thanked the small crowd for coming out to check the bands out on the tour. Each song seemed to fly by furiously with some killer riffs and downright catchy tunes. It wasn’t long before the singer said it was the last song and it was all over.
Overall Kvelertak stole the show on the night but overall this bill has been a highlight of 2010 and will definitely be in my top performances of the year (yes I’m a list freak).
Martin Harris
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