Having never seen either Humanfly or Cult of Luna live before I entered Glasgow’s Ivory Blacks with my excitement at fever pitch. Even more so as on my journey Echoes and Dust metal guru, Sander texted me to say we were in line to watch the sound checks!
And that we did, getting a preview of sorts of what was to come. Cult of Luna ran through new album Vertikal‘s I: The Weapon. I was already getting the feeling something special was on the way.
So, after a few introductions including legendary cameraman Bruce Cowie, Edinburgh instrumentalists Tidings and Dave from Humanfly, everyone seemed ready for a good night. As soon as the doors were opened, the venue filled quicker than I ‘ve rarely seen before. With a tangible air of excitement and anticipation due to the return of the Swedish giants to Scottish soil after 5 years and the impending release of their first album in as long.
The show was actually a triple bill featuring the haunting Her Name is Calla as well. Humanfly were first up tonight on a rotating support slot and wasted no time in introducing the waiting crowd to their new sound.
Forthcoming album Awesome Science is a thrill a minute prog-infused monster and opener Golden Arrows soon had heads turning. Deciding to draw entirely on new unreleased material was brave, given the shift in sound as well. Having had the pleasure of reviewing Awesome Science, I was fully blown away at how great it was translating live. Drummer Dave Jones absolutely punished his kit while breaking out some complex fills and jazzy rhythms. Every song was played like a long term set favourite and the closing to The Apple That Never Fell is set up to become one of those tracks that slays venues and crowds. I’m pretty sure I heard a few jaws hit the floor from the unsuspecting gathered masses.
Her Name is Calla were next but unfortunately due to both Sander and myself having an interview with Cult of Luna planned, we missed the set. More on said interview to come at a later date. I caught the tail end of Calla‘s set and judging by the look on the assembled faces they had produced another emotionally wrenching set. See the video at the end of the review for an impression of Calla‘s gig.
By this time the venue was jam packed, we shoe-horned our way to a good vantage spot in time for Cult Of Luna to enter to a expecting crowd. Dense smoke and atmospheric lighting reduced the many members to shadowy figures. The soundtrack-like intro of Vertikal‘s The One was ringing out before I:The Weapon exploded in truly devastating style. The power coming forth from the stage rattling the chest and rendered the audience to a sea of heaving bodies. Moved uncontrollably by the dense rhythm you know you’re powerless but to submit. Cult of Luna have a knack of locking into a groove and the conviction and volume draws you into their world. There’s no chance of “I’ll just nip to the bar during this song”, or your mind wandering off. You’re here for an hour and a half, and everything else fades into irrelevance.
Cult of Luna also took the opportunity to introduce a lot of songs of new album Vertikal in their heavy set. Nobody seemed to mind, as it is a highy anticipated and excellent release and given time the likes of the stunning 19 minute Vicarious Redemption will be fan favourites. In fact said track is one of the big talking points of the new album, due to the huge dupstep-ish break half way through. It’s not really dupstep as such and some of the reactions on message boards etc have been laughable. Played live it completely killed, with Johannes Persson’s effect laden vocals, blaring electronics,and lighting making you feel you’ve entered some futuristic alien rave. It is only a brief part of the momentous song but it was spell-binding.
Throughout the 90 minutes there were so many emotions and shifts in dynamics. Strobe lights resonated as the shadow clad figures wrestle and drain all from their instruments. Twin drums pummelled the senses and the stunning post-rock shimmering of Finland captivated and delighted the filled room.
Cult of Luna are one of those bands that cause you to expel a multitude of emotions during a show. Reaching out and grasping you for the duration, bringing you closer with the gentler serene moments before hurling you backwards with majestic power.
Eternal Kingdom’s Ghost Trail and Owlwood were greeted with roars of approval. While the shoegaze tinged melancholy of Passing Through could have benefited from some additional volume for guitarist Fredrik Kihlberg’s vocals. Said track is one of many highlights of Vertikal and shows Cult of Luna‘s willingness to experiment. It was still mesmerising live, and met with hushed attention.
Closing with In Awe Of ‘s bulky groove, Cult of Luna departed leaving us drained speechless and completely thrilled. Finally released from their clutches, friends turn to one another and silences are broken. Wide eyed, grinning fans mouth “Holy Fuck” and “Wow” amongst muttered acknowledgement.
Earlier in the night, Johannes told us they were still finding their feet after being so long off the road. If this was a set of a band shaking the rustiness off and still to hit their stride, it was still one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time.
Don’t miss Cult of Luna live if afforded the opportunity.
Review by Phil Johnston.
Photos by Sander, Thom Laycock of Tidings and Bruce Cowie.
Videos below by Bruce Cowie.
