SERPENT VENOM & GROAN
THE UNICORN, CAMDEN, LONDON 11/2/11
Fast becoming a hotbed for local and UK talent, the Unicorn is a cracking little venue, a little difficult to get to from distant places, but the heart and soul is most certainly there. I missed opening band Enos due to interviewing duties (read more about that soon on this website). Hence, Groan were the first musical explosion in the near packed venue this evening. Having received rave reviews, I really like this band, their album ‘The Sleeping Wizard’ annoying missed out of my top ten by sheer timing, but tonight their sultry and heavy stoner with a unique vocal from Mazzereth is simply a joyous fuzz driven experience. ‘Psychedelic Demons’ and ‘Ride of the Antichrist’ are stand out tunes, the stage presence of the aforementioned singer is pure professionalism, whilst the remainder of the band are having a ball. Guitarist ‘The Riff Wizard’ mines every vocal line laid down and the beer drenched crowd have something the react against. Rather taken back with how good these guys are live, I will watch closely for further shows if they are of this nature.
Then, turn down the lights, let the darkness begin, the slow doom laden masters are about to blow your ribcages to pieces. Receiving a loud, welcoming cheer, Serpent Venom open with ‘Four Walls of Solitude’ and it quickly eats into the foundations of the building and indeed sends you right into the foundry of doom. Paul, is a hard hitting drummer, with the look on his face tonight, he is signalling the coming of the four horseman of the apocalypse. Improving their stage persona with each live show, it has been a while since I checked these nice chaps out live. The wait is definitely worthwhile. Heralding their new recordings from their forthcoming debut release on Church Within Records due very soon, the future is doomy as hell, but I for one would not want it any other way. I have some issues at this venue with the vocal levels through the PA, but hats off to the sound desk tonight, no issue exists at all, from all corners of the venue you can hear every instrument perfectly, from the pummelling bass of Nick to the crescendo of classic doom riffs from guitarist Pete. Worse for wear from lady alcohol, yours truly still has to admit that the lady was not taking control of me tonight, it was the doom explosion of the Serpent Venom crew.
Paul Maddison
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