Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
If there’s a way to officially declare that a pre week is all about pure black metal, count me in—I’ll be the first to sign up! Seriously, how much more can you really ask for? Two of the most radical metal bands in the black metal scene in one night.
We were all ready to get completely soaked in this unfamiliar pub in East London. It must have been quite a sight for the locals, who probably had no idea what to make of all those metal heads covered in leather and patches hanging out in the middle of Hackney.
If Afsky is new to London (Covid cancelled their show planned for 2021), the Canadian band Panzerfaust was definitely not, which have just wrapped up their American tour “All Ground Zero” with a few dates in Europe.
Oslo Hackney is an interesting spot for a black metal show, especially for a band like Panzerfaust that has particular stage requirements. If you haven’t caught them live yet, this four-piece band really knows how to use the stage in a way that grabs your attention like nothing you’ve seen before, or at least not from others in the same genre.
Goliath, with that deep and dark voice, usually hangs out behind the drums, this huge figure towering over all the instruments, guiding and embodying the terrifying choices that war has brought to the world. However, on this night, he was right there in front of the stage. His voice echoed throughout the venue, sounding like something straight out of a nightmare. The interplay between Goliath’s voice and Brock’s deep screams really captures that feeling of battle cries, those real cries of anguish, bringing a whole new level of drama to the performance.
It doesn’t really matter if the stage isn’t set up for their usual show; regardless of the venue’s limitations, whatever magic they bring to the performance, it’s one of the rare ones that still gives me chills. The dim lighting and fog effects definitely add to that eerie vibe, but what truly grabs your attention is how these guys take the stage, completely covered in mud and wielding their instruments like they’re rifles or heavy artillery. To kick things off, you’ve got Brock’s guitar wailing away, blending perfectly with Tommy’s deep bass notes. It all comes together with the raw sound of each song, topped off by those captivating and intricate drums. Alex’s drumming style is truly unique, adding vibrant dynamics to every song while also delivering some powerful punches that really hit you hard at times. Their musicianship really clicks together, and when you see them live, it’s just an absolute powerhouse experience.
Adding to the intensity, the London crowd really got into it, soaking up the atmosphere of the show and the tight space we were all crammed into with the dry ice. The music blasted through us like a machine gun, and it just kept going for a full hour without a break, which left us out of breath.
And speaking of unforgettable moments… Did I mention Goliath jumping out of the stage and joining the mosh pit? Oh yeah that was something!
Just like I’ve seen before, these guys really enjoy connecting with the fans before and after the event, taking photos and having a good chat. It really has that Canadian charm, no doubt about it! Honestly, it’s quite different from what I’m used to in the UK or in the black metal scene in general, yet it felt so genuine.
Photo: Peterson Marti.
On one hand, Panzerfaust had us pinned down with their artillery, but the night had another surprise in store. I don’t think anyone was really prepared for the brutal intensity of Afsky’s harsh black metal.
Speaking of surprises, if you dig a little into what the band is all about, you might find the name somewhat unusual. Afsky translates to “disgust” or “aversion” in Danish. There is little to be disgusted about in their music! This is definitely one of those bands that folks have really chatted about and pondered over. The acidity of Afsky‘s songwriting really hits hard, just like it does on the record. It seeps into your bloodstream, almost like an open wound that’s been infected by something toxic. Sorry for getting a bit poetic, but I say this because it’s tough to put into words just how those amazing tunes have been brought to life in such a straightforward yet impactful manner.
Ole Pedersen Luk, the genius behind all the compositions and instruments—not just the guitar and vocals—has live performers by his side who can really bring his message of “disgust” to life without getting in the way. In this context, the light and simplicity of everything perfectly bring those complex black metal songs to life, making the audience go wild with every song’s dynamic.
The four musicians appear from the dry ice, and the icy white light adds a dramatic touch, making it tough to tell who’s playing what. This visual spectacle, combined with the guitar riffs and that voice—it’s almost like a Nazgûl from Minas Morgul was screaming, not to get too nerdy or anything, but seriously, the vibes were just terrifying.
The variety of their set live was truly unforgettable. It served as a powerful showcase of the foundation of Ole’s career and all the work he’s done over the years.
Seeing the difference between the two bands was such a compelling experience. This contrast really shows how music can be such a surprising and captivating world, especially for those who might not be as familiar with its ability to evoke emotions. It’s a shame for those who tend to only go to big shows, as they miss out on intimate experiences like this one.
Photo: Peterson Marti.
