Return of the Antichrist Tour Review

Return of The Antichrist
Tour
Review

RETURN OF THE ANTICHRIST TOUR
Satyricon
3 Inches of Blood
Nachtmystium
Final Drive
12/13/04
Metro
Reviewer: Karma E. Omowale

Photos: Erika Kristen Watt

On December 13, 2004, winter metal descended upon Chicago's Metro. A fresh coat of snow blanketed the outside of the venue however it was as just chilly within as a noxious blend of black and death metal consumed every square inch in the concert hall. The gates of hell were seemingly opened as these as the onlookers were exposed to the dark, razor sharp and hate injected lyrics. To the divided crowd it was a new experience and to the seasoned vet, there were appreciative of the unleashed fury that was bestowed upon them. The atmosphere was filled with extreme blackness; hell I could not think of a better way to celebrate the upcoming winter solstice.

Touring Lineup 2004: Satyr - Vocals; Joey Jordison - Drums; Steinar "Azarak" Gundersen - Lead Guitar; Lars Norberg - Bass; A.O. Gronbech - Rhythm Guitar; Jonna Nikula - Keys

This tour marks the much-awaited return of Satyricon in which frontman, Satyr had this to say about the title of the tour: "I recently read a survey that said that Americans between the ages of 18 and 30 are the least rebellious and most god-fearing in the world. How disappointing. It's time that Satyricon came to the U.S." [Blabbermouth] However, the band ran into a major snafu before the tour could commence the Department of Homeland Security denied drummer, Kjetil "Frost" Haraldstadt's application for a work and residence permit barring entry into the U.S. Revocation was based on a sentence Frost incurred some odd thirteen years ago for violence. The rest of the crew was cleared and granted work and residency permits by INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services). Left to pick up the pieces, Satyr enlisted the help of Slipknot's drummer, Joey Jordison, to assume the drumming duties for Frost. For more on this, see what more Satyr had to say on this matter in an interview conducted by Sharita & I.

Like soldiers going off to war, this Norwegian sextet filed onto the stage in single file formation, one by one, manning their musical instruments as if preparing themselves for battle or a funeral precession. Once in place, the lights came up and Satyr spat forth his passionate venom setting his immediate sights on destroying his audience. You could see the diabolical plan being masterminded and unfurling before your very eyes. The band's musicianship was tight and faultless. What I found interesting was how gothic they sounded in person, which is something that is not heard as much on their recorded media. It was amazing to see Joey pounding away on the drums to songs other than Slipknot. It was wilder than hell; a set that will stand out in my memory.

During the course of the set Satyr growled, "I love Chicago because it was the first city I played in the U.S.", the crowd erupted. The band played tunes from their latest album, Volcano, and older releases such as "Nemesis Divina", etc. Speaking of "Nemesis Divina", the fans went nuts when he introduced the song. It was a good mixture of older Satyricon fans to the newbies of the dark lords of black metal. Another highlight in the show was his tribute to Bathory, one of his favorite all time bands which has served as a major influence in his career.

Now to the Bible thumpers watch out, lock your doors, and hide your virginal daughters, Satyr is determined to conquer the shores of America! Many bands have tried to bust this black metal thing wide open: Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir now Satyricon… Satyricon did a great job capturing the fold here in Chicago and will seemingly stop short of nothing in order to obtain their goal of total domination and to be honest I can it happening. With Satyr's lust for hate, it should be easy for him to capture the ear of the angst ridden young of America.

Lineup: Cam Pipes - Clean Vocals; Jamie Hooper - Growling Vocals; Brian Redman - Bass; Justin Hagberg - Guitar; Shane Clark - Guitar; Matt Wood - Drummer

Matt Wood drummer of 3 Inches of Blood (Photo: Erika Kristen Watt)

3 Inches of Blood doin' metal, old school style. The loud screeches from Cam Pipes and the growling vocals of Jamie Hooper with a mix of searing guitars and pounding drums puts together 3 Inches Of Blood. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada this group is serious about metal; always bringing a great show to the audience. They aren't flashy nor or they over-bearing they just play metal the way it was meant to be hard, kick ass and in your face.

In support of their first release with Roadrunner, Advance and Vanquish Canada's newest and finest draw inspiration from Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Metallica. They performed "Crazy Nights", "Deadly Sinners", "Wykydtron", and my favorite "Destroy The Orcs". If you get a chance to catch them, please do. They are well worth the price of admission. -- Sharita Lumpkin

Click here to access the FourteenG photo shoot/interview with the lads of 3 Inches of Blood

Lineup: Azentrius - Guitars, Bass, Vocals; Z. Meger - Bass; Wargoat Obscurum - Drums

Nachtmystium's performance was refreshing like the first frost of the year; winter metal at its finest. It was a pleasant surprise, very rarely am I moved to the brink of sheer elation. This band lit up the night sky as far as I am concerned. What set this band apart are their melancholy melodies, amazing guitar solos, and ghostly/ethereal atmospheric keys.

This band helped to set the stage for 3 Inches of Blood and Satyricon; the pitch-black stage with white lights bouncing off the band added to their mystic. The band was well received by the crowd as well. Whenever you can catch this band out, make sure to do so. You will kick yourself for not finding out about them sooner.

The Return Of The Antichrist Tour 2004 Dates:
Dec. 02 - The Pound @ Pier 96 - San Francisco, CA
Dec. 03 - The Whiskey - Los Angeles, CA
Dec. 05 - Mason Jar - Phoenix, AZ
Dec. 09 - Pops Nite Club - St. Louis, MO
Dec. 11 - Harpo's - Detroit, MI
Dec. 12 - Eagles Club/The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
Dec. 13 – Metro - Chicago, IL
Dec. 16 – Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
Dec. 18 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA
Dec. 19 – Jaxx - West Springfield, VA