GIG REVIEW: Sadistic Intent @ Electrowerkz (London, UK)

Tonight we see 4 of the worlds finest purveyors of morbid Death Metal destruction deliver a night of blasphemous violence in the capital. Brought to us by the ever-reliable Morbid Angle and Isengard promotions. Only real underground maniacs need read on.

Opening the night is London’s self-proclaimed Morbid Metallers NECROMANIAC whose blend of Hellhammer-ish grooves, enticing first wave Black Metal adorers while throwing in plenty to appease thrashing-death maniacs equally in a primordial cacophony. A din of volatile drumming and crazed riffs create a dense attack for the utterly crushing bass tones to instantly scorch the air in the venue with. Reverberate vocals add more abyssal sounds to the dense, untamed and old school display which ruthlessly executes a brutish attack on London before the sun has even set.

Next up, the vilest of blasphemers take to the stage. I am talking, naturally, about ADORIOR. This mob of undesirables are easily one of the finest Extreme Metal bands on the planet, let alone from England. To get the elephant in the room (for those present), the band were clearly unhappy about the sound on stage. Apparently unable to hear the drums, or much else but feedback, the band were in any live artists least favourite spot, not knowing how good / bad they sounded. Thankfully, the zealous and ever-savage Jaded Lungs scorned the audience into going crazy regardless. Where I was stood (front barrier), the sound was actually strong, I could hear everyone and felt the rampant blasting of pure unbridled Death Metal right in my guts, thus no complaints. To get issues is unfortunate, but to own them and put on a show of scathing music without any obvious blunder that brought ruination to the venue and rabid responses from all bangers in the room, results speak louder than anything. The drumming was utterly maniacal while the 2 guitarists played with equally animalistic aggression. Atomic bass gave the sound an even more crushing touch while the piercing vocals didn’t get lost (and probably still wouldn’t have without a microphone). Their last London show (opening for Blasphemy) was a very fond memory, and thankfully anyone present can have their memory refreshed as to who the most barbaric, violent, sadistic Metal band around is.

With the top-floor of the Electrowerkz rammed, the night was heating up quickly. Germany’s SIJJIN have been designated the honour of being Sadistic Intent’s tour support and a fine choice it is too. This trio has a monstrous sound, harkening back to the likes of Morbid Angel in their heyday with a strong eastern mythology concept to appropriately be conveyed by mystical and otherworldly Death Metal. Their somewhat technical angle proved an interesting but befitting addition to the evening, after two primal bands there was room for some more warped riffs without stealing the feral energy of the night, rather adding to it. Hot on the heels of their fantastic debut LP, it was great to see this relatively new band take to the stage with such strength, though their members have plenty of experience behind them which showed. Luckily, their mix seemed to cause less irritation to the band too. A voluptuously vicious set.

Finally, the California Death Metal cult SADISTIC INTENT take to the stage (not before some more sound complaints). By this point, the room is bursting with anticipation and raw malice, ready to wreak havoc to some true old school music. Naturally their set contains such classics as “Lurking Terror”, “Funerals Obscure” and “Asphyxiation” which warrant rapturous headbanging from the entire room. Salivating for blast-beats, dominating riffs and howling roars, the entire crowd is there to worship these old gods of Death Metal, whose importance to the genre goes far less credited than deserved, but those in the room and those of you out there who still fly the flag of these brutes shall know, Sadistic Intent bring nothing but total sonic destruction to all.

The sound was absolutely raw and crazy, allowing the band to do their job and vaporise the air with musical morbidity, leaving a sea of neck-convulsing zombies in their wake. As their set was drawing to a close, the house lights came on… And stayed on. This was odd, yet they played on… Until the sound was cut. About 45 minutes into a designated hour set. Though clearly no fault of the promoters who were running around and doing the jobs of 4 people each, the camera crew allowing us to relive the event (or those of you out there who didn’t make it, can become part of the initiation to death). The audience was not happy with this, while no ill-will was directed toward the promoters or bands (thankfully), it was an unfortunate way to end such a killer night, but a good excuse (not that we need one) to demand Sadistic Intent return. This was a magnificent experience, featuring 4 of the truest, and strongest torch-bearers of real Death Metal, put on by London’s finest maniacs in tandem at a killer venue. Perhaps it was fitting that a night of malicious music ended with a riled crowd pouring out, though none can say we experienced any less than a savage night of Metal mayhem.