PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
It’s a filthy evening in Dublin after the remnants of Satan’s Squall had blown through the streets during the day. It’s been a few years since Entombed AD played and tonight is a beast of a line up that is guaranteed to slay. First up are our very own Killface who over the summer had the opportunity to play at Wacken Open Air, an opportunity that has bolstered their onstage belief and presence. Despite a meagre early gathering of punters, the lads give it their all with Derek Brady pacing, as always, like one tormented soul. Alongside “What’s Your Pleasure” they air some new songs which sound monstrous. With a new album planned, next year looks like being an exciting time for the death-groove machine.
I confess to not having heard the second band of the evening before. Within seconds of The Graviators kicking into gear, heads are turning to each other with that “Holy Fuck” look. These Swedes who replaced Hang The Bastard at the 11th hour are nothing short of spellbinding. Their combination of retro doom with a mix of clean/growl vocals is lapped up by the growing crowd. Lead singer Niklas Sjöberg lives in the music as he belts out immaculate note after note. Just when the crowd were getting settled into his style he unleashes a King Diamond-esque wail. Everything about this band is pure quality; from strong songwriting to blistering performance. Sjöberg addresses the assembly “Heavy, Black, Death.. It’s all because of Sabbath”, what is clear is that the love of all things Sabbath will carry them far. When they finish there is a mad dash to the merch stand to buy their new album “Motherload”, which I strongly recommend you check out now.
Seeing as the doom and death-groove were delivered with much aplomb by the openers; tonight’s headliners Entombed AD really have to bring their A (D) game. Opening with “Pandemic Rage” from this year’s “Back To Front” album, it’s clear that they are taking no prisoners. Sole original member, LG Petrov is the focal point of the group as they send us right back to the 90’s with a set that draws on songs from all across Entombed’s and Entombed AD’s careers. “Out of Hand”, “Revel in Flesh” and “Eyemaster” are served up to the hungry mosh pit like a bloody slab of beef. Needless to say, the crowd reaction is enthusiastic. LG takes time to joke and exchange drinks with the front row. The death n roll of “Wolverine Blues” is and will always be a masterpiece and tonight while LG smiles, grimaces and gurns, Victor raises his bass aloft to salute the crowd. It’s been a difficult road for Entombed AD but once they are on the stage they come alive and belt out death metal magic. Closing with “Abnormally Deceased”, a fan requested “Stranger Aeons” and “Serpent Speech”, they leave us in no doubt that Entombed AD are here for the long haul and mean business. A stellar evening of music from the heavier end of metal’s spectrum.
