LIVE FROM THE PIT: Nanowar Of Steel, Uuhai, Lone Survivors, MorphiuM and Deus Ex Machina

As the year came by, the French MOTOCULTOR FESTIVAL was back in London once again with another of their big tours across Europe. And this year, the co-headlining stars of the show were the Italian champions of parody metal NANOWAR OF STEEL and the Mongolian folk-metal powerhouse UUHAI. Supported on the London date by LONE SURVIVORS, MORPHIUM and DEUS EX MACHINA, the evening promised a journey through metal from the start.

The Underworld in Camden Town was not busy at all before the first support band of the night took over, but that did not stop DEUS EX MACHINA to bring their all to the crowd. Originating from Singapore, the femme-fronted band gained huge popularity internationally over the years, and although their lineup changed extensively, the current one, consisting of PRASHANT RYAN JOSEPH (lead guitar), NEIL HALLIDAY (drums), HERMAN RZAR LEE (rhythm guitar), VIVEK GOVIND (vocals) and JUSSI AHOKAS (bass) is indeed a very strong one. Not having much time to truly showcase their work, the band played only a handful of songs before making space for the next band, but in that short time, they managed to make the crowd move, and even knock off a cymbal from drums that was put back by GOVIND. Expressing their gratitude a lot, it was evident the band was moved by the support of people, who came to see them opening the night.

After a quick change-over, it was time for MORPHIUM to finally show London what Spanish metal is really all about. The crowd slightly increased in size before the set started, but there was still plenty of space on the floor, as many people rather stayed on the platform facing the stage. Once ALEX BACE (vocals), FREDERIC TORRES (guitars), JAMES LAMB (guitars), DIM (bass) and SEBAS LIMONGI (drum) took over, The Underworld saw thirty minutes of heavily harsh vocals, ear-piercing riffs and unstoppable snare. In between songs, BACE expressed gratitude for the chance to play the iconic venue, as well as talked about other things, which made the performance feel more personal. As they were the second supporting band, their performance was over quickly, but it was with no doubt a memorable one.

The third and last supporting band, LONE SURVIVORS, took over the stage not long after the previous band, but they saw an increase in the crowd as well, as more fans were coming in to ensure they see both headliners of the night. The French metalcore four-piece did not hold back as FRANÇOIS LESCUYER (guitar) and OLIVIER CRESCENCE (bass) started shredding the riffs immediately, while JÉRÉMY PIAU held the beat steady with his drums and ARTHUR ROHOU combined his harsh and clean vocals. The floor started moving more than before, but even with multiple attempts, the band was not lucky to get a moshpit that night. Nonetheless, it was still a memorable performance that had put the band on the radar of many metalcore fans, and definitely a big night for them, as they were the main headliners.

After three great support bands, the time finally arrived for The Underworld to welcome the Mongolian metallers UUHAI on its stage. And what a welcome it was with massive cheers and applause. Although the band was formed in 2020, they quickly gained popularity overseas, so it was no surprise that many in attendance were excited for this moment. Consisting of OTGONBAATAR DAMBA (drums), KHURTSGEREL DAMIJANRAV (horsehead fiddle, throat singing), ZORIGOO BATTSOOJ (horsehead fiddler, throat singing), SARUUL TSOGT-ERDENE (vocals), BATBAYAR DULAMSUREN (percussion), DALAITSEREN NASANBUYAN (guitar) and ANAND NARANBAATAR (bass), UUHAI is going in the footsteps of their ancestors with the incorporation of throat singing and traditional instruments, while embracing the modernity with the fusion of metal in their work, creating a sound that is touchingly unique. 

And their live show was no exception, as the show was energetic, engaging and worthy of bigger space. The band had released their first album Human Herds right before the tour started, so it was no surprise the songs played that night were all from it. From their hit song Khar Khulz, to Dracula, to the self-titled track Uuhai, the band held a ruling hand over the floor, and even received the first moshpit of the night that could not be stopped afterwards. In those almost sixty minutes UUHAI was given, all the fans united thanks to their touching music and the atmosphere in the room felt lighter, as if all the troubles of life suddenly disappeared. The performance was a worthy of co-headline and made everyone present long for more,

As the night was coming to an end, the second headliner of the night, and last band on the bill, the almighty NANOWAR OF STEEL, finally made their way to the filled venue. If there was anyone wondering what the Italians were doing in London that night, the answer would be all of them went to see NANOWAR, as the amount of people speaking in their native language was absolutely higher than usual. Starting the set with the self-titled song Nanowar and lots of steam coming out from the machines, the energy they brought was incredible and maintained to stay the same for all thirteen songs. The enthusiasm of the crowd from the start was unmatched and it was no surprise that the members CARLO ALBERTO FIASCHI (lead vocals), RAFFAELLO VENDITTI (co-lead vocals, miscellaneous sound effects), VALERIO STORCH (guitars, keyboards, backing vocals), EDOARDO CARLESI (bass, backing vocals) and ALESSANDRO MILONE (drums) started interacting with them immediately, adding a personal touch to the evening.

Bringing in many of their well-known songs such as Stormwarrior Of The Storm, Pasadena 1994, Norwegian Reggaeton and Il cacciatore della notte, as well as their latest addition Genghis Khan (The Genghis Khan Song to End All Genghis Khan Songs), while giving the audience a one-of-a-kind performance that even big power metal names would not be ashamed of, NANOWAR OF STEEL proved that metal does not have to be always serious, while also publicly standing against the growth of AI bands with the song HelloWorld.java. As the end swiftly approached and NANOWAR OF STEEL started to play their closing song Valhalleluja, FIASCHI started assembling a table from IKEA on the stage, in accordance with the lyrics, and let it go on its journey across the venue and moshpit. All five members jumped into the crowd right after the song ended to start a big conga line, crowning the evening as a successful infiltration of the isles, as they played in Grimsby and Southampton the previous days.

UUHAI and NANOWAR OF STEEL are two completely different bands, yet they both accomplished to inject the venue with unity and enjoyment, as they took over the crowd in an instant. The MOTOCULTOR FESTIVAL’s Tour Across Europe has become a huge staple of the European scene by now and this year, they once again outdone themselves.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Ben Blissett