LIVE REVIEW: Dead Congregation @ The Star and Garter, Manchester
Extreme metal thrives in the underground. Metal’s most aggressive and monstrous style thrives in the DIY environment, with its raw and savage sound. So with the backdrop of The Star and Garter in Manchester, Greece’s DEAD CONGREGATION are ready to unleash the sound of the apocalypse.
Opening the proceedings was DEITUS. The three piece black metal outfit, aired in mystery thanks to the members donning balaclavas, let their music do the talking and throughout their set, DEITUS unleashed hell. The riffs were enormous, backed with thunderous blasts from the drums as vicious vocals reigned above. The set may have been short and lacking crowd interaction, but DEITUS‘ black metal thrived in the environment of The Star and Garter, further showcasing that the UK black metal is growing from strength to strength.
Rating: 8/10
Similar to DEITUS, Manchester’s WODE are another example of the growing and influential UK black metal scene. Releasing their self-titled debut this year to raving reviews, their performance in support to DEAD CONGREGATION backed their ferocious and savage sound. The blast beats from Tim Horrocks‘ drums kept the rhythm flowing relentlessly throughout and Michael Czerwoniuk‘s piercing snarls matched the black metal tone to grand effect. Large segments of WODE‘s set were packed with ferocious riffing but subtle and intricate melodies were the shining touch. The subtle melodies gave breathing room to the standard ferocity and demonstrated the technicality and craftsmanship at WODE‘s disposal. UK black metal is booming and judging form their performance, WODE are yet another product of a scene that keeps on giving.
Rating: 9/10
INCARCERATION‘s blend of death metal fused with thrash elements made for a set that packed power, aggression and splendid riffing. Originally from Brazil, the three piece outfit pummelled the crowd with whirlwind drumming and slick riffing. Michael Koch‘s drumming and Björn Freese‘s bass tones kept the rhythm flowing at breakneck speed but the real star of the show was frontman Daniel Silva. His riffing and solos were utterly monstrous which complimented his slick and rapid vocal lines but his enthusiasm on stage was the real talking point. Oozing energy and up-beat attitude, Silva kept the crowd utterly focused as INCARCERATION served as the perfect act to warm up the crowd for DEAD CONGREGATION.
Rating: 8/10
DEAD CONGREGATION have built their reputation on providing a sound that sounds like hell in audio form. Huge and pounding riffs, venomous blasts from the drums and utterly savage vocal deliveries. Thankfully, their live performance backed their putrid sound on their recordings, as DEAD CONGREGATION provided a set that was breathtaking. From the sheer savage riffing of Serpentskin to Anastatis Valtsanis‘ guttural deliveries on Only Ashes Remain, DEAD CONGREGATION packed an almighty punch. Death metal thrives in the underground and the backdrop of The Star and Garter proved to only enhance the sheer weight of DEAD CONGREGATION‘s soundscape. The dual riffing of Valtsanis and T.K worked wonderfully to create a deep and monstrous sound whilst George Skalkos‘ bass lines and blasts from Vagelis Voyiantzis‘ drums reinforced the intense nature of DEAD CONGREGATION. The Greek outfit have a solid reputation in the death metal underground and their performance, one which packed sheer guttural and explosive extremity, only reinforced this reputation.
Rating: 9/10
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