On a suitably chilly and dark December evening, it is both fascinating and strangely heart-warming to observe the horde of black t-shirts that descends upon Kentish Town for the first ever ‘Filth Fest’. Headlined by veteran controversy-courters Cradle Of Filth and featuring a stellar line up of extreme metal bands, it is down to Athenians Septic Flesh to really get the party started, as their crushing, symphonic death metal assures many a ringing ear before the place is even half-full.

Portuguese troupe Moonspell don’t fare nearly as well thanks to an intrusive sound-cut halfway through their set, and while the reaction they receive upon getting back to business is enthusiastic, many will see this as an opportunity lost for the atmospheric black metallers. Still, there’s some serious fun to be had yet tonight, so it’s doubtful that too many fans will leave disappointed at the group’s misfortune.

    Having said that, some may well leave dissatisfied thanks to Gorgoroth’s flaccid performance. Perhaps it is that Gaahl and King ov Hell are more preoccupied with ongoing legal issues surrounding the group’s recent divisions, or it may well be that they simply can’t be arsed, but the Norwegians have done little here to cement their status as one of black metal’s most beloved bands – frustrating, considering that their presence tonight was almost as eagerly anticipated as the headliners’.

    Speaking of which, Cradle take to the stage in suitably dramatic style as a huge screen is unveiled and used to hellish, dramatic effect. What follows is a polished and well-executed set that successfully merges in cuts from the excellent ‘Godspeed On The Devil’s Thunder’ and older material, all while juggling a number of trademark showpieces that include an Eddie-esque stilted monster and the usual selection of tortured beauties. It’s cheesy, but it’s fun as fuck, and despite the surprising lack of crowd hysteria that often goes hand in hand with their fanbase, it’s still a fine way to finish off the evening. Here’s to Filth Fest II!


Reviewed by Merlin Alderslade
Photography by Asif Salam

	Click Here to view the gallery Cradle of Filth Gorgoroth Moonspell Septic Flesh Asrai
	Click Here to view Band Info Cradle of Filth Gorgoroth Moonspell Septic Flesh Asrai

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cradle of Filth

Gorgoroth

Moonspell

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