MARCH 29th, 2024
INFERNO METAL FESTIVAL
DAY 2

Concert Review: Marius Rafoshei
Photo Gallery: Polina Kulikovskikh
Day 2 Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/inferno-festival-2024-day-2/

Day 2 of Inferno was here, and this would mark a day of legends and not to mention: My first meeting with the breakfast buffet at Clarion Hotel. Yes, I need to mention for the aspiring Inferno attendee that the breakfast alone is worth the (discounted) price you get at the hotel during the festival stay. The food items range from freshly made pancakes and omelettes, to various breads and cheese was out of this world, and I heard many happy sounding fellow metalheads. Also, a decent variety of Norwegian delicacies, so you can try your tastebuds at some brown cheese, “makrell i tomat” – a sort of fish, among others. My highlight was the typical Norwegian kids’ birthday cake, but I digress.

Let us get to the major acts I witnessed today, shall I?

At Rockefeller the second day started with the legendary Arthur Brown – The God of Hellfire, or at least the man rocking the best hat (with flames) of the entire festival. Having made headlines all the way back in 1967, after dousing his head in methanol, which accidently poured on his face, and he caught fire (fans thankfully saved him by pouring their beer on him to prevent further injury). Plus, he also was known for stripping nakeda handful of times on stage, getting deported from Italy even for this act during the performance. All this, before his debut record in 1968, talk about hitting the scene with a bang! This man and his band has been credited with being a direct influence on all that followed, and it was a fitting godfather of the extreme genres that started with an energetic show fitting a man in his 20s. I will never forget the terrified look of the roadie/security in the background as he was dancing around with a flaming hat on. A voice and a show that captivated the audience.

I quickly quenched my own flames by one of the many bars at Rockefeller. If there is one thing the venue has, it is friendly and efficient staff manning a plethora of minor and major bars where you can quickly grab a beer, or water, or depending on the size something more.

Vltimas was the next band I caught, I had to double check on Encyclopedia Metallum that I did not mix them up,upon doing this, the description of them there was more than true: “Themes: Evil, Destruction, Satan”. A thematic collection they delivered with gusto. What a drive there was in the collected soundscape. Not to mention the vocalist David Vincent with his heavy presence on stage, somehow reminding me of the old WWE legend “The Undertaker” as he strode around the stage lecturing us and growling. Top notch, entertaining and heavy.

Carpathian Forest was the next band, delivering a show filled with a grotesque atmosphere, helping in this matter were projection of videoclips, blood, masks and flags. I heard someone describing Carpathian Forest as what happens when black metallers make an inside joke – and be it true or not, it very much captures the feel and essence. Don’t be fooled though. The band know their act and audience, delivering an onslaught of metal on the senses as well. Driving more than one into letting loose.

After Carpathian Forest I took advantage of the festival’s central location at Rockefeller. At just the other side of the building is a major street food market where one can eat pretty much anything one fancies. A pro-tip for the ones going there next year is the Indian cuisine, it was fantastic.

Inferno is a festival with something for everyone, even if black metal isn't your usual taste. This year, Solstafir was one of the bands that expanded the festival's musical variety. Although they hadn't released new material since 2020, their performances in Oslo last year were a huge success. The crowd at Inferno was no exception, with the club packed during their set.

Aside from performing at the festival, Solstafir's vocalist, Aðalbjörn Tryggvason, also participated in the Inferno Music Conference, sharing insights into his musical journey during a career talk.

Gorgoroth was the headliner of the day, and clearly for many a major attraction with people having stacked up long before the band was set to fire up. Sadly, while the music was great and vocalist Atterigner, known from the album Instinctus Bestialis, poured his energy into the show it did leave us wanting more. - I mean, Gorgoroth live without any blood or fire? They came, blasted their music, and left, not the same atmosphere as per the usual with black metal legends, Gorgoroth.

All in all, it was great music, but something felt off. Truly a missed opportunity for many. Putting that to the side, just looking at the music, Gorgoroth is and will continue to be at the brutal edge of black metal. With somewhat mixed feelings we returned to the hotel, where some decided to take advantage of the rather exquisite drinks at offer in the hotel bar. While myself I found the allure of the soft bed with a ton of pillows irresistible.