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Decapitated, Kataklysm, Man must Die @ O2 Academy 3, Birmingham |
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Decapitated
Kataklysm
Man must Die
@
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
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ARGGGGGHHH. Forget David Icke’s shape-shifting lizard theories, o2 are the new world order and every Academy is where they stifle your fun with ridiculous drinks prices and the toilets stink of something worse than just piss. They stink of mediocrity.
Pretty much every show will be held in these pile-of-shit “venues” soon, you wait!
However, tonight it’s the holding ground for Decapitated’s long-awaited, emotional return to the road since the accident which caused the death of drummer Vitek (R.I.P) and injuries to singer Covan.
Scottish brutes, Man Must Die entertain an overzealous crowd despite not offering much more than banal blasts and pseudo-tech-death, rhythm changes. Their personable onstage banter and hate-fuelling anthems ‘1000 Promises Of Pain’ and ‘Kill It, Skin It, Wear It’ being the only redeeming features of tonight’s performance.
Canadian veterans Kataklysm don’t follow up as powerfully as they should have. Barely a “hyperblast” to be found anywhere and most of the set remains at mid-pace. It’s all just a little monotonous and is as empty as say, Keira Knightly’s bra or Cheryl Cole’s knowledge of musical integrity. The guys in studs and leather like it though!
It has been a long time of uncertainty regarding the future of the Polish death metal stalwarts. But, testament to the intense work ethic they were known for, Decapitated have returned, fresh and much under the fire of weary judgement from fans and critics alike.
These new members have their work cut out for them to say the least, but the crowd are graceful enough as they pummel their way through a similar set-list present on post-‘Organic Hallucinosis’ tours. Are these new guys “better”? Well, the visceral soundscapes of ‘Day 69’ and ‘Post(?) Organic’ are meticulously concentrated and intense as always. Most of all, founding member and fret-monster, Vogg looks content and clearly enjoys being back onstage. His scorching fret-work in ‘The Fury’ and ‘Winds Of Creation’ surpasses awe at times.
The performance is rounded off with the necessary ‘Spheres Of Madness’ and they leave the stage and the crowd rendered speechless. Welcome back guys! |
Review by Lee MacBride
Photography by Gobinder Jhitta (www.gobinderjhitta.co.uk)
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