14th March 2013,
After missing out on Kvelertak’s first time down at the Borderline last year, it was with great pleasure I wandered into the Electric Ballroom tonight ready to be blasted by the monsters of black and roll. As you may imagine many things have grown over this last 12 months for tonight’s headline act; the budgets, the crowds, venue capacities and line-up quality.
Sadly the latter does not account for the openers El Doom and The Born Electric. Their 70’s retro influenced guitar and piano noodling outfit, had a couple of decent melodies in among their expansive songs indebted more to Americana than their native Nordics. Still they were entertaining to watch as the lead singer (who is the Father of a Kvelertak Guitarist) act as if he’s 21 and doesn’t have a son backstage. Calls to screw groupies and plenty more crude jokes must make a son proud of old dad! To his credit though, he’s still can rock a cool cowboy hat!
El Doom & The Born Electric
A few weeks before DesertFest 2013 arrives in Camden for a 2 day/3 night Stoner spectacular, one of the main attractions were here tonight for a trial run in support of their Scandinavia counterparts. The reigning lords and masters of fuzz, Truckfighters! After witnessing their incredible set. I believe I have found the true definition of ‘the’ power trio. Every sonic wave created by this band is intended to knock you on your ass with it’s mighty seismic force, obliterating all in its path. The Orange amps were kicking out was more fuzz than the combined casts of The Muppets and Fraggle Rock.
Truckfighters
Despite being an mainly instrumental band, these guys are a blast live. All eyes were on the adrenaline fueled, semi naked guitarist Dango, who was bouncing, pogoing, spinning and pulling skateboard tricks Tony Hawks would be proud. His axe partner in crime bassist/vocalist Ozo, by comparison was far too cool to be jumping about like a loon, concentrating instead on thumping out some hefty bass lines and sparse vocals. Minds were sore after this set due to the epic noise onslaught and the infectious head bang which pervaded through the enthused crowd. Brilliant and boisterous!
Ozo
Kvelertak were here on serious business tonight with 5 of more professional video cameramen were strewn around the floor at varying vantage points (the guy who was placed to cover the unfolding chaotic mosh pits must have drawn the short straw tonight). From the very first glimpse of the band, they were here to make a big impression. When all 4 guitarists and the lead vocalist wearing a menacing owl headdress lined up on centre stage, back dropped by their huge amp stacks and lit up by blinding lightning strike strobes you wouldn’t be hard pushed to imagine the Apocalypse was coming. I for one can’t shake the captivating visuals of this raw and unhinged Norse Viking power, both sonically potent and visually striking.
Erland Hjelvik
Immediately into their groove they gave a lesson in high octane rock with a rasping metallic edge as they showcased many new tracks from their upcoming album, Meir. These new tracks had all the melody and attack of their fantastic debut, but also shifted into slightly more accessible realms for the casual listeners.
Kvelertak
Gang vocal hooks and even a high bend classic rock solo were on display. Vocals were literally as understandable as Norwegian screams, but it never seems to matter as they provide clout and machismo to the stunning triple guitar work. Their live axe wielding is some of the best I’ve seen as the talented trio chop and change between solos, dueling riffs and rhythm responsibilities never missing a chance to flare or thunder another huge chord.
There was no mistaking tonight that Kvelertak have most definitely arrived…on tonight’s performance, they are also here to stay! Long live Black and Roll!
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