Since the early nineties, Norway’s Satyricon has been ever-changing, various members of the black metal community joining Satyr and Frost on stages across the globe. Supporting the core, iconic vocal/drum duo on this North American Deep Calleth Upon Deep Tour are the legendary Goatwhore, along with the big local talent of Panzerfaust and Blood of Christ.
The openers were short but sweet, crushing out a brutal set and preparing the growing crowd. Panzerfaust’s stage set up was by far the most elaborate and stereo-typically black metal, incorporating both candles, and a suspended noose from which their hooded frontman stood eternally still. While every drummer on the bill was unsurprisingly tight, I found my attention drawn to this one in particular, centre stage beneath the towering hooded figure of his band mate.
By the time that the Louisiana natives of Goatwhore took the stage, the Opera House was packed and filled with sweaty anticipation. Armoured wristbands in place and beer in hand, vocalist Falgoust amped up the swarming crowd, making sure to get in the faces of the front row right from the start, with “Alchemy of the Black Sun Cult”.
But Satyricon was bound to steal the show – not only as the headliners, but also as one of those bands that capture fans instantly and leave you wanting more. Performing material from nearly all nine albums, including a few tracks off of 2017’s ‘Deep Calleth Upon Deep’, Satyr and his classic trident mic stand flawlessly proved that Norwegians really do do it best. Between “Midnight Serpent”, “Now, Diabolical”, “Mother North”, and a truly epic finale in the form of “K.I.N.G.”, I don’t think anyone went home the least bit disappointed.
Loud and gritty, this was an intense and incredibly fun night of black metal. Shredding guitars, wicked blast beats, and a screaming sea of fans made for a night that was not to be missed.