ALBUM REVIEW: Live In London – Periphery

It may come as a shock to some that despite having six studio albums under their belt that progressive metal pioneers PERIPHERY haven’t decided to release a live album sooner but what more appropriate time than a year devoid of live performances to bring their 2019 London show to life. Due for release via their own label 3DOT Recordings on November 13th will be a bittersweet reminder of what we are all sorely missing.

Choosing to focus on their more recent material this time out (being in support of Periphery IV: Hail Stan at the time of recording) it gave them the opportunity to take the quirky opening for Reptile out for a spin and whip the crowd up into a frenzy before the grand occasion got into full swing. For most bands commencing a headline performance with a 16 minute track would be a pretty ballsy move but PERIPHERY have forged a career out of taking risks and never settling in complacency. The audio is crystal clear, not a single nuance is lost and Spencer Sotelo‘s ridiculous vocal range sounds as impeccable as ever. The mix is packed with so much vigour that the opening drum beats of CHVRCH BVRNER feel like a pneumatic drill directly into your ears.

There is a slight sense of irony that a track entitled Remain Indoors is included whilst most of the population will be listening to this during various stages of lockdown but hopefully its vibrant, floating melodies will allow everyone an opportunity for a brief moment of escapism. Some may find it a bit of shame that the furthest PERIPHERY chose to delve into their catalogue is Scarlet from their second full-length outing but the fact that they didn’t feel it necessary to rely on the likes of Icarus Lives or The Walk on this outing shows just how much firepower they have in their arsenal.

With the amount of accompanying intros, outros and other intricate layers that are included in their style of instrumentation it would give most individuals cold sweats contemplating such an undertaking but everything was executed without a hitch and this is a true testament to the musical intelligence and acumen that PERIPHERY have at their disposal and is precisely why they are revered as one of the most must see bands of the modern era. For them to also choose London as their venue for this landmark event in their career shows just how appreciated they are in the United Kingdom.

From the deliciously addictive tones of Marigold to the ferocious intensity of Blood Eagle the tracks contained within this performance display all the facets that have brought PERIPHERY such acclaim. Grab your headphones, close your eyes and crank this loud, hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later when we have the pleasure of witnessing such a spectacle surrounded by our good friends, covered in sweat and beer….and it will be utterly glorious.

Rating: 9/10

Periphery: Live In London is set for release on November 13th via 3DOT Recordings.

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