When it comes to black metal, Sweden’s Watain have been at the forefront for the last 20 years. Uncompromising to say the least, their live shows around the world have built them an unmatched reputation for their ritualistic ceremonies and unbridled darkness.
On this their third visit to Australia, its their first as a headline act, with support from Eskhaton and Nocturnal Graves who both well and truly got the packed Max Watts psyched for the night of destruction that was to unfold.
Known for their production and stage show in Europe, the reality of miles to travel and a smaller venue meant the full stage production and visual experience accustomed to a Watain show wasn’t present. But on the flipside, this just made for a more intense show with us being pummelled at full force for 80 minutes of their truly barbaric black metal.
In a pre-tour interview here at The Rockpit, lead singer Erik Danielsson promised a “diabolical, explosive, sublime, mysterious, savage, violent and unpredictable savage feast” and that is indeed what this band delivered. Those Watain Australian disciples who packed Max Watts tonight experienced a show that wont leave their memories anytime soon and no doubt many leaving blood stained after being showered in blood.
The setlist covered all eras with new tracks off latest album Trident Wolf Eclipse standing tall amongst older tracks such as opener Storm Of The Antichrist. Furor Diabolicus incited mayhem in the crowd front of stage with Danielson throwing down the gauntlet to those Warriors to participate and not merely watch. Sworn To The Dark was dedicated to the Aussie Watain disciples, especially those who helped tonight to bring us a stage littered with animal carcasses, tridents and customary fire.
Being their first ever headline tour of Australia, no Watain fan would have left disappointed tonight. Without question the most visually and aurally intense metal performance I’ve ever witnessed.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Scott Smith: Lens Of Rock
WATAIN with Nocturnal Graves performing at:
February 26th – Wellington, Valhalla
February 27th – Auckland, Galatos w/ Winter Deluge
TICKETS ON SALE NOW at: www.utr.co.nz / www.eventfinda.co.nz
