LIVE FROM THE PIT: Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir and Dark Funeral

Dark clouds gathered over Brixton Academy in London as BEHEMOTH, DIMMU BORGIR, DARK FUNERAL joined forces to unleash a night of black metal fury.

It's a powerful testament to the sheer pedigree of the lineup that a band of DARK FUNERAL's calibre was the opening act. The Stockholm five-piece has been Sweden's loudest answer to Norway's iconic second wave sound for more than 30 years. And with only half an hour to liven up our rain soaked crowd they get to work immediately. Fans were still streaming in while the pummelling double-bass of Unchain My Soul shakes the cobwebs from Brixton academy's ceiling, and while the task of cheering a sober and sodden is an unenviable one. Songs like Let the Devil In and Where Shadows Forever Reign were more than fit for the task. Unfortunately the set was over almost as quickly as it began, with a decent chunk of the audience still stuck in queues, enduring the worst of the rain and venue security well after doors.

Proudly theatrical, even in a genre known for its bold visuals and atmospheric sound, DIMMU BORGIR came out draped in leather, caked in corpse paint and with a lush backdrop of orchestral flourish to set the tone. Frontman Shagrath acted as a conductor, waving through the blast beats and vicious tremolo. Staring down the crowd, looking every part the shaman, inviting them to join in the unholy, mystic cabaret.

Perhaps more from a lack of familiarity than a lack of affection. It's unfortunate that more recent material, songs like opener Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel and recent single Ascent receive a slightly flat reaction from the crowd. These moments however were brief with minutes between triumphant renditions of Mourning Palace and Puritania. 

Maintaining an icy demeanor though they must surely be sweltering as the steady waves of pyro burst around them. The showmanship is matched with a crisp mix. Keeping the bounty of ear-worm melodies that DIMMU BORGIR litter their songs with at the center of attention. Combining to allow the operatic grandiosity of Gateways and closer Progenies of the Great Apocalypse to steal the show.

Joyfully spitting anyone who thought time or critical acclaim could dull their edge, BEHEMOTH refuse to deal in subtlety. Bolder than ever as they approach their fourth decade in action, the greatest challenge BEHEMOTH have tonight is finding a way to condense their sprawling catalogue into a single setlist. 

With the air heavy with incense, a brief projection of eerie visuals drew the crowds attention to the stage and BEHEMOTH explode into action with the brutal combination of Daimonos and Ora Por Nobis Lucifer. Frontman Adam NERGAL Darski wasted no time rushing around the stage, giving the front rows some special attention and dodging some brow scorching pyrotechnics. Muscling through songs at a breakneck pace, it's no small achievement that recent album cuts The Shit ov God and To Drown the Svn in Wine received deafening responses from the crowd. Easily competing with established fan favourites like Conquer All that have enjoyed a near quarter century of affection.

Despite enjoying the polished finish of an act with countless thousands of hours in rehearsal under their belt. BEHEMOTH maintained a rawness to their sound, that even on as prestigious a stage as tonight's, gives the performance a genuine sense of urgency. 

In contrast to DIMMU BORGIR's pomp and theatre, the orchestration of Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel instead deepens the atmosphere of ritual in the room. And it's while this sense of intimacy is at its highest that a rare moment of sentiment and emotion is shared. Joined by Shagrath, a cover of VENOM's iconic In League With Satan pays tribute to frontman Cronos’ recent passing. An artist without whom we can safely assume that tonight's lineup, and today's burgeoning culture would simply be impossible without.

By the time an encore of O Father O Satan O Sun! followed to end the night, and in spite of  the bleak aesthetics on offer, the atmosphere feels celebratory. For all its nihilistic trappings, black metal is often a celebration of vitality, and through all the noise and fire, BEHEMOTH have it in abundance. Words and Photos: Anton Smeeton