Blood Incantation – The Underworld Camden, London – 24th June 2022
Blood Incantation have developed somewhat of a cult following, with an adoring fan base both old and new, and I for one have had them on my must-see ‘bucket list’ for a long time. So, having not graced the shores of the UK for five years, and as the band’s only UK appearance on the horizon, it’s no surprise the Underworld was packed and this gig sold out at lightspeed. Clearly eager to reacquaint themselves with the UK crowd, after a short soundcheck the band took to the stage a solid 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Luckily, I had already planted myself at the front and was grateful not to have to try and traverse through the hordes at a moment’s notice (if you’ve been to The Underworld you’ll appreciate this is no easy task)
Opening with Obfuscating The Linear Threshold was an incredible choice (at least in my humble opinion), as a nod to the older material dating back to their original demos and EP, although it appeared to fall relatively flat on the whole. Evidently the majority of the audience had joined the fold during the Hidden History… era as Slave Species Of The Gods and The Giza Power Plant were the biggest crowd-pleasers throughout the night, alongside Awakening From The Dream Of Existence To The Multidimensional Nature Of Our Reality (Mirror Of The Soul) – a track as lengthy as its title – and instrumental track Inner Paths (To Outer Space) which also generated some colossal pit action.
Blood Incantation have developed somewhat of a cult following, with an adoring fan base both old and new, and I for one have had them on my must-see ‘bucket list’ for a long time. So, having not graced the shores of the UK for five years, and as the band’s only UK appearance on the horizon, it’s no surprise the Underworld was packed and this gig sold out at lightspeed. Clearly eager to reacquaint themselves with the UK crowd, after a short soundcheck the band took to the stage a solid 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Luckily, I had already planted myself at the front and was grateful not to have to try and traverse through the hordes at a moment’s notice (if you’ve been to The Underworld you’ll appreciate this is no easy task)
Opening with Obfuscating The Linear Threshold was an incredible choice (at least in my humble opinion), as a nod to the older material dating back to their original demos and EP, although it appeared to fall relatively flat on the whole. Evidently the majority of the audience had joined the fold during the Hidden History… era as Slave Species Of The Gods and The Giza Power Plant were the biggest crowd-pleasers throughout the night, alongside Awakening From The Dream Of Existence To The Multidimensional Nature Of Our Reality (Mirror Of The Soul) – a track as lengthy as its title – and instrumental track Inner Paths (To Outer Space) which also generated some colossal pit action.
Yet, as remarkable as the most recent full-length record is, to say I was ecstatic to see Blood Incantation honour their roots is an understatement. Witnessing first-hand the dynamic transitions from bludgeoning blastbeats as heavy as asteroids to being enveloped in stratospheric riffs evoking the sensation of weightlessness, particularly during Hidden Species (Vitrification Of Blood, Part 2), was a truly immersive experience. More captivating than on record, if that were even possible, and an absolute pleasure to see live (I say see although in reality there were several times where I just felt compelled to close my eyes and revel in the all-encompassing astral vibes).
Opting to finishing as they started with another incredible old school track (Hovering Lifeless), poised precariously between chaotic desolate depths and ethereal ambience, the entire set and the band’s on-stage demeanour is testament to their ability to create an atmosphere and simply let the music speak for itself. Stripped back to the essentials. No gimmicks, just death-doom. 10/10