torsdag 26 Apr 2012, 23:59

Wed 25 Apr – Behemoth, Watain, The Devil's Blood, In Solitude, Ides of Gemini

Originally I wasn't planning to review this show since a number of others have already done so for previous dates, but the sets were slightly different (not Behemoth), so I figured I should. Plus, it was a great time, so I felt the need to give my account.

I arrived at the House of Blues a bit early and waited for the doors to open. They were scheduled to open at 6:00, but as usual, they were late. Only a few minutes after getting inside the first band, Ides of Gemini, got on stage. I doubt everybody was inside yet, which seems to always be the case whenever I go to shows there. Anyway, I had never heard of Ides of Gemini before and I didn't even know they were on the bill. They feature singer Sera Timms of Black Math Horseman. Her vocals were hauntingly beautiful, but I found the music itself to be incredibly boring. It was just too droning and repetitive for my tastes. I'm pretty sure this is the set they played, but the songs might be out of order.

• Slain In Spirit
• One to Oneness
• The Vessel & the Stake
• Constantinople

By the time Ides of Gemini had finished the venue was beginning to fill in. In Solitude took the stage to a pretty large crowd. I was looking forward to their performance, but I wasn't sure to expect. They were dressed like you would expect a black metal band to look, but they were busting out some incredible Mercyful Fate and Iron Maiden influenced heavy metal. To anybody who says this band is a Ghost rip off, sorry, but you're dead wrong. In Solitude's debut album was out before Ghost had even released anything. Not only that, but they blow Ghost out of the water with their remarkable heavy metal anthems. They put on a highly energetic performance and watching Pelle stagger around on stage and throwing the mic stand around while the rest of the band was endlessly headbanging kept me captivated the entire time. They definitely converted me into a fan last night and I imagine a number of others in the crowd as well.

• We Were Never Here
• The World, the Flesh, the Devil
• To Her Darkness
• Witches Sabbath

I wasn't sure if The Devil's Blood would be able to top In Solitude, but lo and behold, they did. By the time they came out the crowd had completely filled in. The show was sold out and the floor was packed in tight. Once again, I didn't know what to expect, as the only song I had listened to beforehand was "Christ or Cocaine", but by the time they had finished I was left astounded. Their brand of occult psychedelic rock translated incredibly well live. I loved how the three guitarists built upon beautiful harmonies. Needless to say, Farida's enchanting voice had me in awe as well. Their set flowed together perfectly without a dull moment. It was almost hypnotizing watching their performance. When they transitioned into the phenomenal opening riff of "Christ or Cocaine" the crowd cheered. The extended jam they added to the song made it even more incredible live. I was really impressed by them and it was clear by the applause that the crowd was as well. This is the set that was posted on setlist.fm, but I can't be sure if it's correct.

• The Graveyard Shuffle
• Fire Burning
• The Time of No Time
• Evermore
• The Thousandfold Epicentre
• Christ or Cocaine

I unfortunately had to miss Watain's headlining tour in 2010, so I have been eagerly awaiting their return. When the props were being set up I was disappointed that there were no torches or animals. I imagine this was because the House of Blues wouldn't allow it. Believe it or not I was really looking forward to the stench of rotting flesh. Without it the atmosphere seemed to be a little incomplete. Regardless of that, they put on an outstanding show. They sounded incredible and Erik looked sadistic while screaming and pacing back and forth on the stage. I was surprised that he talked to the crowd a bit between the songs. The crowd was really into them, with the pit being active the entire time and lots of crowd surfing going on. It seems dumb to crowd surf or mosh to black metal, but at least people were enjoying them. At just under 40 minutes the set seemed too short, although it's standard for a direct support band. I really wanted to hear more Watain. I can't wait for them to come back on a proper headlining tour.

• Malfeitor
• Reaping Death
• The Serpent's Chalice
• Total Funeral
• Waters of Ain

After nearly 45 minutes of waiting, the lights finally went out. Behemoth came on stage to roaring cheers for their triumphant return. Nergal was in top form and they sounded perfect. I was really glad to be able to hear "Moonspell Rites" live, and I believe this was the first time they've played any of their early material in the US. Of course, it was also nice to hear the fan favorites like "Demigod" and "Conquer All", however I was very disappointed by the lack of Zos Kia Cultus material and "Daimonos", which to my knowledge they still haven't ever played live. Despite my qualms with the setlist, they still put on an amazing show, and it was cool to see the band return to the stage after a near tragedy.

• Ov Fire and the Void
• Demigod
• Moonspell Rites
• Conquer All
• The Thousand Plagues I Witness
• Alas, the Lord is Upon Me
• The Seed ov I
• Decade of Therion
• At the Left Hand ov God
• Slaves Shall Serve
• Chant for Eschaton 2000
---

• 23 (The Youth Manifesto)
• Lucifer