Greetings,
Yesterday , Lachryma Christi went to see a Black Metal show in Lisbon, in RCA. It was a matinee, and only Portuguese bands.
For people who follow Lachryma Christi, you've already read reviews to Irae and Grievance shows. But it was the first time I saw Vectis live.
So, as you might know, the weather has been pretty grim around in Portugal, so a Black Metal show was very welcome on a Sunday afternoon.
The atmosphere was pretty inviting.
The first band, Grievance, brought us old and newer songs. There was a bit of everything for everyone's taste. Their albums are somewhat varied, there are not two albums that sound the same, although they play a melodic but very particular, even unique sound.
They were on point, as usual, the sound was remarkably good for a first band (we all know how the sound is never that good at the beginning of any show), although one of the guitars had a problem at some point further on, which was sorted out pretty quickly anyway. Good stuff.
Bearing their usual corpse paint, and their very traditional outfits with huge spikes and chains on, even a hood, they delivered a flawless show. They were restless, in the mood, theatrical and dramatic (in a good way), a proper Black Metal performance.
As usual, although I have some five cameras, I like rudimentar photos. So there's that. Also, I didn't mean to share more photos of one band than the others. But Grievance were the only band who had a stage banner! Since I managed to take a photo of it with a nice light and no one on the stage, it seemed a shame not to share it.
After Grievance, it was time for Vectis. I had listened to their music at home, when the show was first announced, to see what their sound would be like. Turns out they play Black/Thrash Metal. Or maybe I should say Blackened Thrash Metal, as there is a lot of Thrash in there. I confess, although it's not very much my cup of tea, I enjoyed their music at home, and I enjoyed their show too. Also, Vectis are the perfect blend between Grievance and Irae.
They don't have that many releases (a demo and a EP), but they managed to go for as long as supposed, and more, as there was time for a short encore. They played 666 by Toxic Holocaust, which they had already played before. People in the public were happy, they were happy, I was happy too. Oh, and they also played a song from a split (if I'm not mistaken) which is planned to come out at some point.
It is a band I would see live again. Good music, good performance, good atmosphere, appropriate looks. Very 80s Thrash Metal. And great voice. I have to add this, because towards the end of the show I met a friend who was saying that it is easy to find Thrash metal bands, but that most of the time the voice doesn't match, and with Vectis it is perfect. I agree with that. It is important to point that out.
Slightly more simple than Grievance in terms of outfit, they also had their share of corpse paint, spikes and chains, and even sunglasses, I tell you.
Overall it was a very good show, Irae have been doing this for so long, with different lineups at different times, but always so assertive and genuine. Everyone was satisfied, although everyone (me included) also was expecting a come back for another song, which didn't happen.
Anyway, it was a well spent afternoon. The place wasn't packed but was composed. Even at Grievance show. We know how the first band, at five o'clock, on a Sunday, most of the times doesn't have that many people watching, but it was good enough this time, I must say.
Grievance and Irae are both one-man bands, with live session musicians, so I'm sure there was a lot of work involved in the preparation for this show.
So if you haven't seen either of these bands live, and if you have the chance, go for it. They all deliver a good show. Different sounds, different styles, different backgrounds, but one thing in common: Black Metal!
LC
Slightly
Fascinating lyrics
