Hours before the doors were set to open at Montreal’s Club Soda, a police presence were gathering outside in anticipation of potential trouble from one of the cities anti-fascist groups. Officers seemed unsure what to make of the situation, however, as some held riot gear, one briefly wore his and others just couldn’t be bothered at all. Across the street, another squad sat ready in a bus, jumping out every now and then to alleviate their boredom.
Mayhem have a checkered past, for those oblivious to the groups history, including murder, suicides, racism and sexism, as well as the alleged involvement in multiple arson’s of churches across Norway. There were some protests upon their last visit to Montreal, but that went as far as handing out fliers to passers by, informing folk how naughty these boys are… were. What changed since then, was the aggressive and violent demonstration that resulted in the Messe Des Morts festival being shut down over an alleged bomb threat. That was over a Polish band named Graveland that was scheduled to play, with ties to Neo-Nazi groups. Many, including the shows promoter, had fears that the same could transpire in an attempt to prevent Mayhem from performing. Ultimately, nothing happened.
It wasn’t all positive though, as once again Inquisition had border issues and weren’t able to perform their Montreal or Toronto dates. If my calculations are accurate, that would mark this as their third consecutive cancellation of a Montreal gig. Speaking of Inquisition, I must comment on one of the nicest pieces of merchandise available at their table – a limited edition (333 copies) vinyl with a goat skin leather cover. Very nice, if you have an extra seventy-five bucks burning a hole in your pocket.
Now with just two bands set to perform, began Black Anvil – who’s new album is ridiculously good. Admittedly, I knew next to nothing about them prior to their set, other than hearing a stream of their new record, “As Was”, based on a recommendation from Jesse over at Bucket list music reviews. He and I generally have the same tastes in music, so if he dishes out a thumbs up, I lend an ear. I really can’t comment as to what was played, other than it being a unique take on Black Metal, with melodic segments, strong riffs and multiple vocal stylings. Both refreshing and avant-garde while also staying true to what Black Metal should incorporate. I recognize several tracks that were played, now having listened to my freshly acquired copy of the new album, if that helps.
Mayhem, who in many ways, are to Black Metal as the Sex Pistols were to Punk – minus the fabricated boy band bit, will be remembered as one of the most influential bands in the history of extreme music. From sound and ideology to the way Black Metal fans dress, is all directly derived from Mayhem. Innovators despite never wanting to be, forefathers of a musical style much like the aforementioned Pistols. And this tour is about just that – playing one of the most influential albums in the genres legacy, 1994’s “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”, in its complete state.
Seemingly, their light man must have also been stopped at the border, because there wasn’t a light show. Just gallons and gallons of funeral fog and a blue glowing haze from behind the fully cloaked troupe. Eerily, nothing but the silhouettes of the members were visible. Atmosphere and ambiance have always been a key element to Mayhem. An altar sat mid stage had been adorned by two lit candles while the crew set up stage, but were comically substituted for fakes with light bulbs prior to the commencement of the set. I suppose setting their cloaks and subsequently themselves alight wasn’t part of the act – nor would anybody believe it to be anything but planned had it happened. Part of aging is growing more careful, and away from the careless chaos of youth. Considering the youthful reckless abandon of these lads, perhaps light bulbs were the way to go, in a sort of don’t-poke-the-bear way.
The show was everything fans would expect it to be; nothing more and nothing less. Pure, Black Metal the way it was designed to be. Old days new again, still as potent as ever, Mayhem are worth the price of admission.
