BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2011

DATE:

VENUE:

Friday 12th August - Sunday 14th August 2011

Catton Hall in Derbyshire, UK

Primordial on Bloodstock's main stage, 14th August 2011

Photograph copyright © 2011 Mark Holmes - www.metal-discovery.com

Reviews by Mark Holmes & Hannah Sylvester; Photography by Mark Holmes

(The Defiled; Wolf; Forbidden)

(Poisonblack; Triptykon; Coroner)

(Kreator; Devin Townsend Project; W.A.S.P.)

(Skeletonwitch; Grave Digger; Tarot)

(Dripback; Finntroll; Ihsahn; Northern Oak)

(Therion; Rhapsody of Fire; Immortal)

(Hell; 1349; Primordial)

(Napalm Death; Hammerfall; Exodus; At The Gates)

(Amaranthe; Morbid Angel; Motörhead)

Reviews by Mark Holmes & Hannah Sylvester; Photography by Mark Holmes

(The Defiled; Wolf; Forbidden)

(Poisonblack; Triptykon; Coroner)

(Kreator; Devin Townsend Project; W.A.S.P.)

(Skeletonwitch; Grave Digger; Tarot)

(Dripback; Finntroll; Ihsahn; Northern Oak)

(Therion; Rhapsody of Fire; Immortal)

(Hell; 1349; Primordial)

(Napalm Death; Hammerfall; Exodus; At The Gates)

(Amaranthe; Morbid Angel; Motörhead)

HELL

Hell, occult metal innovators and general musical visionaries had such a promising career ahead of them before splitting in 1987 but such potential remained unfulfilled as they were struck by both tragedy and misfortune. However, all of that is set to change as the surviving members hooked up with famed producer and Sabbat axeman Andy Sneap a couple of years ago, a friend of the band from back in the day, who joined their ranks as guitarist and produced what is effectively Hell's debut album, 'Human Remains'. With said release unleashed earlier this year, which swiftly amassed a whole heap of glowing reviews, it seems there is a ubiquitous buzz about Hell within the metal community as, at the early hour of 11:00am, Catton Hall is rammed with people eager to see the lads in action in what has to be Bloodstock's largest ever audience for an opening band. It's a truly astounding and a magnificent sight. And I'm sure it's a magnificent view from the stage as band members run out and launch into 'Let Battle Commence' (so aptly titled for a set opener) after the intro music 'Overture: Themes From Deathsquad' finishes. Blessed with a near-pristine sound through the PA, Hell don't disappoint the vast expanse of people gathered to witness their set as they deliver a veritably exhilarating performance that establishes ever such a high standard for all main stage bands to follow on this final day of the festival. All band members display an energy and discernible eagerness that defies their age that some of the scene's younger acts could learn from while delivering flawless live renditions of tracks from 'Human Remains' that also includes 'On Earth As It Is In Hell', 'Plague and Fyre', 'The Quest', 'The Oppressors', 'Blasphemy and the Master' and 'Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us'. David Bower, brother of guitarist Kev, was recruited to provide vocal duties in the reactivated lineup of Hell and, by fuck, how perfect he fits the band's histrionic aesthetic on the live stage. Primarily a Shakespearean actor, but with other random credits to his name including 'Coronation Street', the man has one hell of a singing voice, entirely unique, and is so apt for the music. And despite all the obvious choreography in his stage moves, costume changes, and some scripted dialogue between songs, he strikes a perfect balance between acting and metal frontman, so much so that his performance doesn't feel in any way contrived. Also wildly athletic in his stage presence, he bounds around with radio mic attached, occasionally singing from a demonically adorned pulpit and even leaps from the stage at one point as he stands against the security barrier to deliver his vocals. All in all, Hell are, quite simply put, fucking astounding through both their music and theatrical performance and it's indubitable that they'll leave Bloodstock with a significantly larger fanbase than before they arrived. (MH)

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SUNDAY 14th AUGUST - PART 1

1349

With a far better mixed and less muddy sound than Immortal yesterday, 1349 bring some true Norwegian black metal to the main arena – no symphonic, atmospheric keyboard backing here, this is harking back to the black metal of the early-mid 90s, but with distinctly superior technicality and songwriting. With the be-cloaked Seidemann’s bass pounding through the PA, complementing the intensely frenetic Kenneth Kapstad on drums (rather than Frost), ‘Riders of the Apocalypse’ immediately has a fair few members of the crowd in a frenzy of flailing hair. With some ear-splitting mic feedback problems then coupled with vocalist Ravn’s mic cutting out, a semi-humourous moment ensues of Ravn deciding which mic to use by grunting down each one in turn between tracks before choosing the one that doesn't work, and then twigging he’s chosen the wrong one. It kind of detracts from their menacing stage presence, but with ‘I Am Abomination’ and ‘Chasing Dragons’, all is mostly back on track. Perhaps a victim of following on from unexpected stage-stealers Hell, or the Sunday Bloodstock hangover and fatigue that’s virulent around the site today, the reaction from those watching is a little static in comparison to others that had played at similar times on the previous days, but 1349 can stand proud as being certainly the most interesting and enjoyable (for me at least) black metal band of the weekend. (HS)

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PRIMORDIAL

A Primordial show on English soil is a rare occurrence and the massive crowd gathered to watch them this afternoon is indicative that many festival attendees were looking forward to experiencing the Celtic metallers in action. The Irishmen get off to a fine start with captivating and gutsy renditions of new track 'No Grave Deep Enough' from latest album 'Redemption at the Puritan's Hand' and 'As Rome Burns' from its predecessor, 'To the Nameless Dead'. As the musicians play their instruments in tight formation with a pleasingly resonant sound through the PA, frontman Alan "Nemtheanga" Averill strides around the stage authoritatively and with keen gusto, delivering impassioned and powerful vocals that are compelling in their vivacity. He has full command of both the stage and the audience who seem to be relishing every bar of music. However, a rare Primordial show suddenly becomes that little bit rarer as disaster strikes when Averill suddenly loses the ability to sing after 'As Rome Burns' and, attempting to address the audience, it's apparent that he can barely speak. His voice has inexplicably and spontaneously gone completely. Undeterred by such ill-timed misfortune and proving the true metal warriors they are, Primordial opt to complete their set with instrumental versions of the remaining songs - 'Bloodied Yet Unbowed', 'Empire Falls' and 'The Coffin Ships'. Averill initially disappears from the stage only to re-emerge a couple of minutes later supping from a mug. He attempts to sing the odd line here and there which he partially achieves but, each time, a few words in and his voice disappears completely again. He remains on the stage, holds the microphone out to the crowd, and encourages them to sing along. It's a heart-warming scene to see so many metal fans voice the words of the songs and testament to Primordial's popularity and people's adoration of the band that everyone stays to witness every second of the set. So full credit to both the crowd and the band for what is one of the most memorable performances in Bloodstock's history (for all the right reasons). Metal solidarity and communal reverence reigns in the grounds of Catton Hall on this Sunday afternoon. Averill's sincere gestures of thanks towards the audience before Primordial exit the stage is acknowledgement of such. (MH)

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