There’s something about a small venue that adds that extra bit of magic and expectation to any show regardless of the genre. An intimate show where the band and the fans are united as one for their mutual love for music, where the atmosphere and intensity is palpable and time has no meaning. However an atmospheric, melodic black metal show on a cold and wet Scottish evening adds that extra essence of wonder. Saor are a Scottish atmospheric black/folk metal band, kicking off their UK tour on their home turf with their Amidst The Ruins album launch show with Domhain and Ofnus as support. Ofnus are an up and coming atmospheric melodic epic black metal band from Cardiff, UK who have already caused quite a stir with their debut album Time Held Me Grey and Dying which was released in 2023 and they are due to release their sophomore album Valediction later this month. As far as opening acts go, especially for such a new band, Ofnus are set to go far in the world of Melodic Black Metal. They certainly set the tone for the evening with their incredible blend of aggressive and intense black metal and ominous, atmospheric melodics. Vocalist William Philpot showcases his versatile vocal abilities with shrill black metal screams, low and powerful demonic growls and ethereal, soft cleans which alternate with ease. In terms of instrumentation, the band were tight and the sound was well balanced with no one instrument drowning out the other. Ofnus played 5 tracks for their set, alternating between their debut and upcoming new album. Stand out moments from the set include new tracks “The Shattering” and “Zenith Dolour” alongside popular tracks “Burned By The Soul Of The Moon,” “Grains Of Sand” and “A Thousand Lifetimes.”
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Next up were Domhain, a post-black/shoegaze band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. As soon as they started playing, they instantly emanated the likes of Alcest, Harakiri For The Sky and Dawn Treader. Blending intricate guitar tones with tremolo picking, rhythmical drums and heavy basslines with ethereal, floating harmonies invoking a dream-like state, harshly contrasted with black metal elements. The most spectacular aspect of the band’s performance was the drummer and backing vocalist. Anaïs Chareyre-Méjan’s ability to maintain the rhythm section without missing a literal beat and providing soaring, clean backing vocals was unmatched. To be able to sing and drum successfully and perfectly at the same time is a spectacular talent to possess and incredibly difficult to pull off.
Finally, the time had come for Saor to take to the stage to celebrate the release of their 6th studio album Amidst The Ruins. However, the band were instantly plagued by severe sound issues which forced them off the stage less than 30 seconds into their first track. For the next 45 minutes, sound engineers and venue staff worked tirelessly to rectify the issues until the band finally returned to a thunderous applause. Despite the 10pm curfew which would allow the venue to open as a nightclub after the show, Saor played their entire planned set beyond the curfew to ensure the fans enjoyed the expansive experience they had waited for.
To say that Saor commanded the stage is an understatement and they seemed to have a heightened sense of determination thanks to the aforementioned sound issues. Despite the rocky start, the band were flawless and played Amidst The Ruins in its entirety and finished on an encore with “Aura” from their previous 2014 album of the same name. The sound was well balanced and powerful without being overwhelming. The whistles and Uilleann pipes created an ancient, spiritual atmosphere, injecting a soft beauty into the blistering black metal. Traditional folk instruments aside, it was also the guitar tones and melodies that created the folk presence alongside the tremolo picking, blast beats and chugging basslines. Black metal screams and growls echoed from the stage with fevered power and energy whilst the ethereal female vocals provided a deep contrast of elegance. The crowd were entranced, completely captivated by the celebration of the Caledonian spirit. The only real criticism that can be said of the night was the support act line-up order. Ofnus are very much a melodic black metal band with more blistering aggression whereas Domhain have a slower, more artistic and progressive touch. If the line-up order was reversed, this would have created a seamless transition to Saor’s set based on vibes and atmosphere. Nevertheless each band performed with precision and grace whilst completely laying waste to the crowd and Saor created a mystical evening with a successful album launch.
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Photos by Skull Lens Photography https://www.flickr.com/photos/iainpurdie/albums/72177720323798020
