GIG REVIEW: Metal Magic Festival XV @ Dronningepladsen (Fredericia, Denmark)

Metal Magic Festival is one of those with a name that perfectly describes what it is. Taking the best of the true Heavy Metal underground (be it traditional, Black, Death, Thrash, Speed or Doom) and combining it to concoct a unique lineup for the truest maniacs. Below are my thoughts on some of the sets I watched…

Thursday

Arkæon took to the stage with an unhinged, dissonant and varied amalgamation of malformed Black Metal. Utilising playback while delivering a fearsome live performance can be a hard balance to walk, but their maddened guitar work and eerie vocals met with relentless drumming certainly held things together. Ghoulish and otherworldly Black Metal with a unique approach, definitely worthy of a watch.

Midnight are one of those bands who command the stage from the very moment they stomp on. Violently abusing their instruments with sleazy Speed Metal that furiously erupts from the trio from the get-go. As always, these maniacs have a feral energy; led by bassist / vocalist Athenar while Iron Possessor beats his drums into submission and Vanik executes all with stringed savagery like no other. The setlist was a killer blend from across the bands flawless discography, delivered with nothing short of monstrous aggression from start to end. Ripping hell and opening the crowd for penetratal ecstasy, the filthy viciousness of Midnight was as potent as ever, leaving a sea of broken bodies, intoxicated minds and whatever other debauchery you choose to imagine at this point.

Friday

KAMP were a band new to me, but hearing their sleazy Heavy Metal fury from the tent, we were compelled to check them out. This proved to be an excellent idea as this trio had such a powerful feeling to them, with a rabid punk edge to their sound which was loose but in a way that felt really intentional and got everyone very pumped up for the time of day. The confident and dominant stage presence from the band (including off stage at some points), was really killer and they definitely earned their spot beheading those early risers with sonic artillery.

Bütcher attack the stage with Speed Metal fury of the highest quality. Their d-beat battery and twin guitar assaults atop daunting low end is the perfect instrumental backdrop to R. Hellshrieker’s animalistic howling and soaring screeches. Taking all bangers in attendance across the astral planes with their formidable setlist (including favourites such as “Bestial Fukkin’ Warmachine”, “Iron Bitch”, “666 Goats Carry My Chariot” and a cover of Manowar’s “The Oath” to name but a few), the electrifying set showed no mercy. One highlight was the band playing an unreleased track, which sounded absolutely stellar, so make sure to keep your eyes out for the next record from these Belgian titans, they will crush all in their path, that much is for certain.

Chaotian brought true old school Death Metal filth to the stage. Much like their recent set at Necropolis, it was fantastic to see these young Danes keep the classic feel of the genre alive in a dynamic and varied but true-to-the-bone way, leaving a stench of crypt rot lingering in the campsite for quite some time. A more than worthy torchbearer for the burgeoning Danish Death Metal underground. Make sure not to miss this gruesome monstrosity if you get the chance to experience them.

Deiquisitor, for me, are one of the best Death Metal bands on the planet currently. Their old school approach of gritty bass lines, uniquely venomous riffing and some of the most unfaltering drumming you will ever hear makes for an experience that is as crushing as it is bewitching. This trio are a tight unit to say the least, delving into the abysses of archaic evil with the pummelling fury beyond conception. Much like last time I saw these guys back in 2019, I was blown aware by how much sheer blunt force trauma they unleash onto the audience. This is truly refined and unforgiving Death Metal at its best.

Coven, what an experience. From the moment a coffin appeared on the stage, surrounded by cloaked figures to the actual music hitting, turning Metal Magic into some sort of fever dream; this was a set I shall never forget. Now as a band of cult-like legendary status, it can be a bit of a risk if they still have it. But Coven certainly do, playing to an enchanted audience of fans who were clearly bewitched by the bands ancient occult sounds. Jinx has so much stage presence and the instrumentals were sublime with a crystal clear sound that was haunting. The effect of this band on the crowd was equally mystifying as a bunch of Heavy Metal maniacs seemed to take on this drugged out dancing vibe to contrast a day of furious headbanging. There were several moments of the set that felt like “is this real life” in the most marvellous manner. Coven truly excelled in their delivery of the oldest ways.

Saturday

Craven Idol represented the London underground with their Black-Thrash mastery. From the unfettered drumming, evil riffing, scorching leads and thunderous bass lines to the varied vocals snarls and shrieks, this mob gave Denmark a taste of true ferocity. Perhaps due to the vitriolic nature of the music, but this set seemed to fly past in a flurry of old school extreme aggression, leaving none spared by the Black Thrash attack. For me, Craven Idol stand out from their contemporaries largely due to a lot of traditional Heavy Metal elements appearing in their music which translated gorgeously live into this sort of old-meets-new, classic sounds but refreshing delivery type scenario.

Mystifier was a band I’d only just seen in London, but as one of my favourite bands of all time, this was definitely a pro. The vibe at Metal Magic was totally different to a packed London club, bringing out the rabid chaos from the fans in an equally sweaty environment. The Brazilian Black Metal horde played superbly with the band so obviously enthralled to deliver ritual carnage upon the small Nordic landscape. Similarly the tent full of maniacs were equally excited to witness the supreme might of Mystifier’s unholy soundscapes. This was one of those sets where it felt like if it wasn’t due to stage times, the band and crowd would have just continues indefinitely, feeding each other energy until some sort of apocalypse was conjured. The eternal reign of these Brazilian masters will never end.

Incantation were blessed with one of the best mixes of the weekend. Majestic riffing and demonic vocals seeped across cavernous drum sounds and ensured this legend of Death Metal could give us the most excellent, primarily old school, set we dreamed of. As one of the most unwavering, reliable and steady bands in the genre, both live and on record, Incantation always have and always will deliver. Their morbid essence flowed as freely as ever and it was obvious how much the entire band adored being there which only added to the enjoyability of their set.

Satan will always be one of my most respected bands from the NWOBHM movement, as one of those very rare specimens who still release phenomenal music in the present day. They also never disappoint live, and Metal Magic was treated to their blisteringly tight and clean-cut delivery on this occasion too. With the bands sound as punchy as their humour, these seasoned Brits gave us some classics, some new ragers and a great time. Hopefully Satan will reign for many more years to come.

Wolvennest felt like a spell of ritual majesty amidst a sea of extremity yet an absolutely valid presence. Having seen this band once before, I knew it would be a breathtaking experience, and it truly was. Their unearthly and huge sound really is difficult to describe but the sheer power and delightfully nuanced music enshrouded the entire festival in mystique and left many awe-stricken throughout their playing time. While they may seem at sonic odds with many of the surrounding artists, Wolvennest certainly spellbound all in their presence, dropping a cloak of ritualistic lust upon the audience as their jaws hung agape. A luminously beautiful moment that lingered in the mind.

Metal Magic, a triumph of a weekend that felt like a true gathering for the most die-hard underground metalheads in a glorious location with an equally magnificent atmosphere. Three days of metallic ecstasy, unrivalled passion and nothing short of the best times. Hails to all bands, crew and bangers. Those involved in making it the strongest weekend, you know your role, hail to you!