APRIL 8th, 2023
INFERNO METAL FESTIVAL
DAY 3
Concert Review + Photo Gallery: Polina Kulikovskikh
Inferno Festival - Day 3: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/inferno-festival-day-3/
The third day of the Inferno festival commenced with the mesmerizing performance of Vemod, a Norwegian black metal band that emerged in early 2010. Comprised of members from Kvitrafn and Nordavind, Vemod sought to create introspective music that captured the essence of melancholy and nostalgia. Drawing inspiration from the second wave of Norwegian black metal, Vemod crafted a sound deeply rooted in the genre's raw qualities. Their compositions intertwined intricate guitar work, ethereal melodies, and haunting atmospheric elements, transporting listeners to a realm of emotional depth. Vemod's enigmatic and immersive live performances have become a hallmark of their artistry. A carefully curated atmosphere that perfectly complements the mood and spirit of their music, the band creates a captivating experience for their audience. This evening was no exception as they delivered a spellbinding performance, leaving the crowd in awe and anticipation for what was to come.
Following Vemod on the smaller stage at John Dee came alive with the soul-crushing sound of Dwaal, a Norwegian doom metal band formed in Bergen in 2014. Combining their hypnotic soundscapes, heavy riffs, and haunting vocals, Dwaal delivers a captivating and immersive musical experience. Drawing influences from various subgenres of doom metal, such as funeral doom, sludge, and post-metal. Dwaal creates a sonic landscape that is both melancholic and crushing. Their tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence evoke a sense of catharsis and introspection, leaving the audience moved by their powerful set.
Taking the main stage next was Sakis Tolis, the solo project of the vocalist of Rotting Christ. In 2022, Sakis released his first album, "Among the Fires of Hell." During the Inferno Metal Conference, he spoke about the record and how the pandemic had given him time and inspiration to create something that wasn't necessarily aimed at commercial success. The album resonated deeply with fans, and Sakis had the great honor of performing it live at this year's Inferno. The setlist comprised the entire "Among the Fires of Hell" album, immersing the audience in its dark and captivating atmosphere.
After a longer than usual soundcheck, it was time for Arcturus to grace the main stage. This Norwegian avant-garde metal band is renowned for their unique blend of black metal, progressive rock, and symphonic elements. Formed in 1991, Arcturus set out to explore new boundaries within the metal genre. Their debut album, "Aspera Hiems Symfonia," released in 1996, showcased their innovative approach, combining aggressive black metal with symphonic arrangements and progressive song structures. The album's critical success established Arcturus as one of the leading bands in the avant-garde metal scene. Four more albums released over the years, Arcturus continues to fascinate audiences with their 
experimental nature and genre-defying sound. Their setlist for the Inferno festival included songs from various periods of the band's history, taking the crowd on a musical journey through their evolution.
Next on the Rockefeller stage was Nile, an American death metal band that is infamous for their unique blend of technicality, brutality, and ancient Egyptian themes. Formed in 1993, Nile has become a significant force in the extreme metal scene, amassing a dedicated following worldwide. Their fusion of death metal elements mixed with the Egyptian inspiration has left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing numerous bands and garnering them a loyal and devoted fan base. Nile's energetic live performances, coupled with their technical prowess and intense stage presence, have solidified their reputation as a must-see live act. Their performance at Inferno was no exception, leaving the crowd in awe of their skill and power.
Closing the evening was the Swedish legends, Watain, known for their highly distinctive live performances. Throughout their career, Watain has faced controversies and criticisms due to their provocative image, Satanic themes, and anti-Christian stance. However, they have remained unwavering in their artistic vision and commitment to preserving the true spirit of black metal. The anticipation for Watain's performance was palpable as towering props loomed over the main stage throughout the day, hinting at the grandeur that was about to unfold. The band's show was a complete piece of art, masterfully incorporating bright lights, fire, smoke, and even blood. It was a visual spectacle that perfectly complemented their music and demonstrated their dedication to creating an immersive experience. Watain played a set of 12 songs from different periods of their illustrious history, leaving the audience in awe of their unforgettable performance.
In summary, the third day of the Inferno festival was a testament to the diversity and power of extreme metal. From the atmospheric black metal of Vemod to the soul-crushing doom of Dwaal, and from the avant-garde experimentation of Arcturus to the technical brutality of Nile, the evening culminated in the mesmerizing and visually stunning performance by Watain. Each band brought their unique sound and stage presence, creating an unforgettable experience for the metal enthusiasts in attendance.