A gig cannot go wrong when the opening band kicks as much ass as Sarcator did on a sunny Sunday evening in Belgrade, Serbia! And kick it they did!
The boys of Sarcator looked like serious youngsters, stepping on that stage, in front of a frightfully empty venue. Though the band recently published their third full length album, on Century Media no less, I must confess never to have even heard their name before. Well, let’s just say they shovelled it down my throat around halfway through the opening track. With youthful zest and ferocity of stage delivery to match the relentless age of their members, Sarcator never considered taking prisoners. As witnessed by the crowd that started filling Dorćol Platz, but also the queue at the merch table after their set.
I got my copy of their recent album on CD and I got it signed while I was at it. Expect a review very soon! For now, let’s just say it was blackened thrash metal, accentuated by the extremely violent performance. Let’s wait and see if it transfers onto plastic as such.
Up next, the duo from United States, Vitriol. Lacking in band members, they were also short on sound quality. One really had to focus to discern what was going on there. It sounded to my ears like a combination of technical, brutal, yet also atmospheric death metal, deeply rooted in old Florida stylistic. I could be wrong though, since I’ve spent a good deal of time looking for an optimal spot where the clarity of sound could improve. It did, but ever so slightly.
Still, an energetic performance, especially by the frontman, Mr. Kyle Rasmussen, warmed up the rapidly gathering crowd in front of the pair.
But then something completely different hit the stage. The Ruins Of Beverast was nowhere near the top of my list of interests. I was left rather unimpressed with their early works and, obviously, given up following them. However, the magnitude of their appearance on Sunday’s stage and the immensity of their wall of sound were undeniable. The style of music which I still prefer in the calmness of my private space, found a right footing in live setting as well. Naturally, The Ruins Of Beverast opted for the more dynamic and involving of their songs and therefore managed to touch the correct feel of their audience. Striking the right atmosphere, both in massive sound (its quality far surpassing all the other bands on the bill) and correct lighting effect, the band did everything an atmospheric black metal band can.
The issue for last night’s headliner could’ve been to pick up the sullen audience, mauled by heaviness of Germans’ soundscape. But they are not just any old black metal band. 1349’s rabid assault sent nuclear heat waves through the crowd. Carefully selected tracks were set loose to annihilate. And annihilate they did. Although their sound wasn’t perfect either, they are sovereign masters of the stage and the rugged exuding of pure evil powers was enough to set fire to black metal hearts.
Nothing less was expected anyway. The original, primal Norwegian black metal, with all its elements respected, from stage appearance to frantic musicianship. Even the mentioned issues with the sound somehow disappeared when guitar solos were in order. Why hasn’t the same guitar setup been used throughout, I have no idea, the clarity was there, while losing none of its raw power.
Still, you cannot really complain all that much. It was a night where you could hear four different types of extreme metal, from bands of vastly different generations. Even with sound issues, a satisfying night for all. Except us that had to wake up early to catch the morning shift. But that’s a whole other topic.
Photos by Ivan Veselinović
