GIG REVIEW: Baest @ The Black Heart (London, UK)

Danish old school Death Metal brutes have set sail on their UK tour, first stop is London’s infamous Black Heart, the home of chaos in the capital.

Baest takes the stage with a great presence and energetic performance from the entire band. Their old school sounds harken back to the likes of Entombed, Dismember, Bloodbath and such mixed with a healthy blend of Asphyx, Bolt Thrower and Benediction. Hearing a mixture of material from their more Swedish influenced earlier records to the somewhat more technical (but still lacerating) later works in a live setting was great. The crowd seemed to adore their set with plenty of movement from the packed, sweaty room. Although a lot of this school of Death Metal can rely too much on hardcore elements, I think Baest manage to avoid this (thankfully) and while utilising some great hooks and grooves, keep things brutal and metallic. Speaking of metallic, the blended but clear chainsaw tone cut the air with thick bass lines and some absolutely insane drumming to give a full backdrop of savagery to the feral vocal delivery. Everything in their sound screamed with pure decay and morbidity.

Forging their sound with a strong mix and extremely tight playing, these seasoned Danish maniacs give this small, sold out venue a taste of Death Metal that is used to a larger stage but has not turned its back on the underground. While this band has played plenty of large events and festivals, it is so obvious that they simply love playing this visceral music at any level which is a commendable attitude in a world of egoism. With a truly superb live mix and a crushing delivery for their whole set, Baest knows how to conjure a storm with their macabre music and ensure that everyone had a killer time. If you have an opportunity to see them, I recommend getting ready for slaughter and to prepare your neck for an onslaught of epic proportions. Another successful night of mayhem from The Black Heart.