Being a fan of Carpathian Forest ever since first getting Strange Old Brew way back in 2000, I knew I wanted to see this show. Black Altar were an added bonus on top. Then, recently, when Wolfbastard were added as opener, it simply meant I was looking forward to it even more.
Wolfbastard
Wolfbastard are every bit as entertaining as I was hoping for. Not only does their punky black metal go down a treat, but their irreverent crowd abuse is great too. I was expecting as much, having saw Burial back in November in this very venue, with who Wolfbastard share members.
It’s fast, nasty, with buckets of attitude. In amongst their anthemic aggression there are some new tracks aired too, showing that the Wolfbastard slaughter machine continues on its merrily belligerent way.
A good, fun set from a good, fun band. I leave you with the strong recommendation to check out the band’s albums, (such as Hammer the Bastards, which most of tonight’s songs are pulled from), if you haven’t already.
Black Altar
The only Black Altar material I’ve heard is Suicidal Salvation from back in 2013. I listened to it again recently and it’s better than I remember too, making me look forward to seeing them tonight.
Black Altar mean business. The band wear ritualistic garb and there is an altar of sorts at the front and centre of the stage, (as you might expect I suppose from their name). Their set is a blackened tidal wave of old-school second wave fury, and it’s all very enjoyable. It’s fast and ancient. The riffs are scything and the melodies cold and grim. The music is full of dark atmosphere and spiked aggression.
Unlike Wolfbastard, crowd interaction here is almost non-existent; Black Altar choose to let the music and their aesthetics do the talking. It works well for them, and their set seems to go down a storm with the crowd that are here tonight, who are out in force to see them.
I definitely need to check out more of Black Altar’s recorded work, as this was good stuff.
Carpathian Forest
So here we are then, the main event. Carpathian Forest, live and in the flesh. Anticipation is high.
From the first song the band launch into, their enthusiasm is palpable. They give off energy in waves, and their groovy black metal hits the spot. When the do erupt into speed, it’s even more impactful due to its relative scarcity. As you’d expect really; this is Carpathian Forest, after all. What I wasn’t expecting was the remarkable feel good factor the band bring to the stage – they all seem to be having a whale of a time, and much of the material comes across a lot more upbeat and uplifting live, strangely.
The performance brings out the music’s punk vibes more strongly. The band’s legendary frontman seems in a fine mood throughout, and his vocals more varied than on record. With an idiosyncratic personality that’s distinctive, yet seemingly well-received by the crowd, he’s clearly happy to be here and having a good time.
The classics are many, with early highlights like Skjend Hans Lik really getting the pit going for the first time this evening. It’s by far the last time too. Carpathian Forest have so many good riffs it’s silly. Even the cowbell gets an outing. It’s hard to stay still, so why bother? We even get a couple of stage divers near the end. According to the singer, the band are bringing sexy back. Works for me. Who knew a black metal show could feel like a party?
Likeim bursts with attitude. He’s Turning Blue is a personal favourite that hits the spot. The second to last song – Carpathian Forest – almost destroys the place, followed swiftly by the brief explosion of Bloody Fucking Nekro Hell, which ends the evening on a suitably scathing note.
They play a lot longer than most bands I’ve seen for a while too. They also play two covers at different points, by Turbonegro and The Cure, both of which are basically treated like the rest of the songs are by the audience.
I like that not only was this a damn good show, but it’s given me a new perspective on Carpathian Forest. This is a band that know how to have fun. As the singer said repeatedly; this is rock and roll.
Wonderbox Metal 