APRIL 9th, 2023
INFERNO METAL FESTIVAL
DAY 4

Concert Review + Photo Gallery: Polina Kulikovskikh
Inferno Festival - Day 4: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/inferno-festival-day-4/

The closing day of the festival always evokes a bittersweet feeling, akin to the end of summer. You've had an incredible time, forged new friendships, and temporarily escaped the daily struggles of life, but now it's time to return to reality. However, there was still one day left, and the lineup for this final day of Inferno Festival 2023 was nothing short of spectacular.

Kicking off the day was Urgehal, a Norwegian black metal band formed in Hønefoss back in 1992. Throughout their career, Urgehal became known for their unrelenting and fierce approach to black metal, characterized by aggressive riffs, blistering drumming, and venomous vocals. The band consisted of Trondr Nefas, also recognized for his work in Beastcraft and Angst Skvadron, on guitars and vocals, Enzifer on guitars, and Uruz on drums. Sadly, in 2012, founding member Trondr Nefas passed away at the young age of 35, leaving a significant void in the band's lineup. Initially, Urgehal decided to continue, honoring Nefas' memory and legacy. However, in 2019, they announced their disbandment. The band was resurrected in 2022 to pay tribute to Nefas, performing a few selected gigs to uphold his legacy. The set featured Morten Shax and Sorath Northgrove on vocals, beautifully honoring the band's past.

Taking the main stage next was Crowbar, an American sludge metal band hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1989 by guitarist and vocalist Kirk Windstein, Crowbar is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the sludge metal genre. Throughout their career, Crowbar has garnered acclaim for their heavy, downtuned sound, incorporating elements of doom metal, hardcore punk, and Southern rock. Their discography boasts critically acclaimed albums like "Broken Glass" (1996), "Odd Fellows Rest" (1998), and "Symmetry in Black" (2014), each showcasing the band's growth and evolution while staying true to their signature sound. Crowbar's music continues to deliver a potent mix of crushing riffs, soulful melodies, and introspective lyrics. At this year's Inferno, they performed a setlist spanning their classic hits as well as tracks from their latest album, "Zero and Below."


Afterward, I made my way to the smaller John Dee stage to catch Fleshmeadow. Emerging from Oslo in 2016, this extreme metal ensemble introduced their highly acclaimed debut album, "Umbra," to the world. Critics worldwide praised Fleshmeadow for their unique sound, effortlessly blending technical death metal and black metal into a captivating sonic experience. Their sophomore release, "Daymares," arrived in 2019, solidifying their position and showcasing the immense strengths within their musical prowess. Drawing inspiration from early Gojira, Mayhem, and Keep of Kalessin, their compositions are a prodigious offspring of diverse artists. Currently, the band is diligently crafting their forthcoming release, embarking on the next phase of their ambitious evolution. Their energetic and captivating set at Inferno showcased their immense talent.

Returning to the main stage, it was time for another American act - UADA. Formed in 2014 in Portland, Oregon, the band's name, derived from the ancient Sumerian language, translates to "haunted" or "haunting." UADA's music is characterized by its dark and atmospheric nature, blending traditional black metal elements with melodic passages, evoking a sense of haunting beauty. From the beginning, UADA aimed to create black metal that captured the essence of darkness, melancholy, and introspection. Their compositions feature blistering tremolo-picked guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and chilling layers that convey desolation and mystique. While drawing influence from classic Scandinavian black metal, UADA adds their own unique approach and musical sensibilities. They prefer to perform in darkness, with only the back banners lit with a blue hue, creating an ambiance where the band members are silhouettes. Lyrically, UADA delves into themes of ancient folklore, spirituality, nature, and the human condition. Their poetic and introspective lyrics, delivered with raw intensity, explore the depths of human emotions and the mysteries of existence. UADA's ability to seamlessly weave haunting melodies, aggressive passages, and atmospheric interludes offers a captivating sonic journey for the listener.

Then came the biggest highlight of the festival's last day - the one and only Abbath. Formed in 2015 by the iconic musician and former frontman of Immortal, Abbath Doom Occulta, the band embarked on a new musical journey, pushing the boundaries of black metal. Abbath's self-titled debut album was released in 2016 to critical acclaim, showcasing their signature blend of blistering black metal riffs, relentless drumming, and atmospheric elements. This album captured the essence of traditional Norwegian black metal while incorporating the modern sound, solidifying Abbath's status as a force to be reckoned with in the genre. Abbath's setlist for Inferno 2023 included songs from all three of his released albums, as well as Immortal's "Triumph" and two tracks from his project I. Despite concerns arising from past Inferno events in 2017 when the band couldn't perform their full set, the show went flawlessly, reaffirming Abbath's greatness as a musician.

The final band to grace the stage at Inferno 2023 was Elder, an American progressive rock band. Their inclusion may have been slightly unusual, but it was a welcomed addition to the well-rounded festival lineup. Known for their intricate song structures, mesmerizing melodies, and immersive soundscapes, Elder creates a sonic journey that transports listeners into a transcendent and introspective experience. Their music is characterized by rich layers of guitars, dynamic basslines, hypnotic drum patterns, and evocative vocals. Drawing inspiration from classic progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd and King Crimson, as well as the heavier tones of Black Sabbath, Elder has developed a sound that seamlessly blends elements of both worlds. Throughout their career, Elder has released a series of highly acclaimed albums, each showcasing their artistic growth and musical proficiency. Albums such as "Lore" (2015) and "Reflections of a Floating World" (2017) have received critical acclaim for their ambitious songwriting and soundscapes, and masterful execution. With their progressive approach, Elder pushes the boundaries of their genre, infusing their music with elements of doom, psychedelia, and even hints of post-rock. Their live performance at Inferno was truly exceptional.

Thus, another great chapter in the history of Inferno Festival came to a close. It was an experience that I highly recommend to anyone who appreciates heavy music, especially black metal. On behalf of myself and Metal Titans, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the festival crew for providing such an incredible experience. The dates for Inferno 2024 have already been announced: March 28-31, 2024.