Hailing from ‘THE NORTH’, it’s difficult not to immediately fall in love with Satanic Dystopia as soon as they take the stage. Decked out in balaclavas and sunglasses, and looking like a poor man’s Midnight, they put on a performance that’s charmingly rough around the edges. Their fast and furious blend of black-tinged punk is the perfect mood lift for a cold and drizzly Monday evening.
German duo MANTAR make an excellent first impression on their first ever jaunt to London. High octane and charged full of energy, guitarist and vocalist Hanno bounces around the stage while seemingly sweating out his own body weight. Their hybrid of doom, punk and black metal has a distinctive sludgy edge, and Hanno’s powerful vocals are seamlessly supported by some rocky-steady percussion from drummer Hanno.
Hailing all the way from Richmond, Virginia, five-piece Inter Arma appear a tad cramped on the tiny stage of the Black Heart. This does nothing to hamper their performance, however, and vocalist Mike Paparo has a dominant hold over both the stage and the crowd’s attention. Tracks from ‘Sky Burial’ take on an entirely new sound in a live setting, evolving into something more primal and ultimately heavier than what’s put forth on record. Their set is made all the more formidable by Paparo’s maddening stare that he casts frequently upon the audience and, adding to the sense of depravity, he makes a point of spitting up at the ceiling and then letting it drip back down again for the duration of their show. While managing to be absurdly heavy and startlingly primitive, the band still manage to encompass elegance and refinement, emitting a sound that could easily be described as a poignant blend of Locrian and Altar of Plagues. Inter Arma are without a doubt one of the most potent live acts around at the moment, and an opportunity to see them play is one that should not be missed.
(Review: Angela Davey)
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