Helvete, Oberhausen, 10-06-2016

This night at Oberhausen’s „Helvete“ is like a throwback to a long forgotten, better past. Not only does both bands’ music lean heavily towards the glory days of Death and Black Metal, not only is a 2-band-package for the price of 13 Euros more than fair. Feverdance Rituals, who organized the show, take every effort to create an experience unadulterated by the plagues of this modern age. The announcement states that „Cellphones raised up high during the performances will be crushed at sight“ and that there will be neither a fixed starting time, running order or restrictions in set lengths - fuck yeah, that’s the way it’s done.

The „earliest beginning“ is scheduled for 8:30 pm, but it’s not until an hour later that VORUM enter the stage and crush everything in their way. Smeared with dirt or blood (or both), the Finns unleash a chaotic yet extremely vigorous storm of Riffs that leaves no doubt about the band’s dedication to what they’re doing. Standing right in front of the stage, VORUM feel like being beaten up and shot at simultaneously. It’s striking how the four-piece maintains an absolutely deadly, neck breaking groove while at the same time leading an unceasing attack at the audience, taking absolutely no prisoners. VORUM’s true class becomes evident in the fact that they never let their unquestionable playing abilities get in the way of the raw, primal rage their music conveys. This band definitely deserves your attention!

DEGIAL left an impact on me as well as on the scene in general with their sophomore album „Savage Mutiny“, easily one of the best examples of old school - well - savagery put on record in recent years. Thus, expectations were high regarding their show but somehow, they don’t speak to my soul tonight as much as VORUM did earlier. No need to mention the songs are great and the show is more than solid. Still, I miss a bit of the aura of danger and frightening barbarity DEGIAL’s records (and promo pics) conveyed. I’m not afraid the guys jump off stage and kill me and the blood-drenched and face masked photographer messing up the pit in front of the stage is the closest thing to a loss of control here. Anyway, of course the DEGIAL show is among the best live performances i have seen this year, so this criticism should be put into perspective. 

Thanks to the bands an the organizers for a night of pure beauty!

00 Void