23-01-2016, Resonanzwerk, Oberhausen, Germany

The sabbath continues. After the last edition was nearly held in camera, the promotion machinery seems to have worked a lot better this time, as there are already plenty of people standing in front of the stage when SHIBALBA begin their ritual. Yes, the is one of the few occasions when the term „ritual“ is really appropriate and not just a gimmick to cover up a lack of musical ability. SHIBALBA, formed around Acherontas V. Priest, perform Ritual Ambient music that is as far from Metal as you could possibly imagine. Hooded figures, meditatively beating on drums and hand-crafted instruments made from human bones fill the stage. Haunting chants and droning soundscapes create a truly otherworldly experience, enhanced by the obvious heavy use of incense and all kinds of ritual accessories on stage. I’m not an occultist in any regard, but witnessing SHIBALBA do what they do is an impressive and unique experience. 

After this truly special opening, there’s some time to have a look around the venue. The promoters did some announcements on Facebook before the show, stating that there would be a lot of ritual needs in the hall which the visitors where asked to leave untouched. They didn’t promise too much obviously as not only the stage is decorated with an abundance of candles and a few skulls but there are also six pigs’ heads hanging from the ceiling right above the front row. 

Perfect conditions for a Black Metal show, starting with DYSANGELIUM from Germany. It’s the second time I see them live and just as the first time I must admit that their music doesn't really move me. Well-played, orthodox Black Metal for sure but at least in my eyes and ears there’s nothing special or particularly interesting in their music to leave a mark in my memory. 

I didn’t expect too much of FIDES INVERSA either because the last time I saw them I wasn’t really that impressed. Having said that, I’m even more surprised by the band’s performance. Authentic, energetic and tight, FIDES INVERSA bring their technically challenging but still traditional Black Metal to the Occult Sabbath stage. I’m still not a fan of their stage clothes which always remind me of a horde of dwarves but that’s just me. Entertaining gig for sure. 

It’s and Occult Sabbath tradition to don’t give a fuck about the timetable and so we’re already more than an hour behind the schedule when CHAOS ECHŒS enter the stage. The frenchmen are clearly the odd one out in this billing with their instrumental, progressive Death Metal, a status that is also underlined by their optical presentation. Wearing simple black clothes without any unnecessary costumes, the four-piece plays through their hypnotic, twisted pieces. Monotony, dissonance and really unusual rhythmic patterns combine to form an all-consuming, suffocating aural experience that’s hard to compare to anything else. Many in the audience don’t seem to dig this kind of sound though as the hall empties with every song. Still an exceptional gig from a very special band worth to keep an eye upon. 

German Black Metal heroes PARIA decorate the stage with even more pigs’ heads, present some really disgusting stage clothes (anyone in for fat, hairy asses?) - and play the gig of the night so far. Accompanied by pretty disturbing visuals projected on the backdrop (mostly bizarre porn scenes) the band hammers through their raw, old school hymns showing the ugly, perverted face of Black Metal so often lost in today’s scene. A few songs into the set, people in the front row start throwing around and chewing on (!) the raw pigs’ heads before the organizer calls them to reason. However, the madness continues, again and again the poor creatures’ mortal remains are picked up and thrown around and two people end up being thrown out the venue. The band seemingly enjoys the tension in the air end encourages the audience to misbehave. Wrong, demented, irresponsible - PARIA bring a touch of chaos and danger to Oberhausen tonight. 

Nearly to hours after their scheduled stage time, TEMPLE OF BAAL kick off their show with the opening track from their latest album „Mysterium“, „Lord of Knowledge and Death“. I’ve been looking forward to their show because I fucking love the band and the above mentioned record so I’m happy to hear these mighty hymns blown in my face live and with good sound. Amduscias Baal seems to have had a few too many beers though so his stage presence isn’t as dominant and commanding as usual, at times he even forgets playing and singing altogether. However, the rest of the band is tight as fuck and I still enjoy the show for what it is. A little disappointment stays behind though. 

Finally, it’s time for the mighty ACHERONTAS. Actually, it’s 2 1/2 hours PAST time when the greek masters of occult art finally enter the stage but fuck it: ACHERONTAS make up for every minute of wait from the first second of their show. You can tell the controlled, sincere nature of this band by watching them do their soundcheck alone - and even more so from seeing them perform. Discipline and devotion are the two words that come to my mind if I try to describe the magic of an ACHERONTAS show. From uniform-like look (shaved heads, masked faces) to the stellar quality of the music, every detail just falls in place to create a Black Metal show that stands head and shoulders above (almost) the  whole rest of the scene. I could go on and rave about the incredible interaction between the two guitars, the melodies that never leave your mind again, the elegance of the compositions but (again): Fuck it. If you’re not already familiar with ACHERONTAS music, you better rectify that as soon as possible.

If you’ve ever been to an ARCHGOAT show, you probably know what their gig was like, right? Fine, then write your own review because I left after ACHERONTAS finished their set way past 1:00 am as did a good part of the audience. Maybe the organizers should try to stick a LITTLE more to the published schedule on future editions. 

Anyway, this was a great day and night of dark music, thanks to the organizers and everyone involved for putting together such a tasteful, diverse billing. See you next time.

Vernichtungsschmerz