As the final breezes of summer begin to come to a close we welcome times where cold governs. Leaves turn from their youthful green to their wise brown. Last week we saw a co-headliner of the progressive sort and now as the days begin to darken earlier and dawn comes later we are introduced back to those most frosty of genres, Black Metal. Though not only about our frost bitten fast paced riffing but also aiming to supply riffs in their thousands we see Grand Magus combine their efforts with tiitans Enslaved.

[date]24th September 2015[/date]
[venue]o2 Islington Academy[/venue]
[city]London, UK[/city]
[support_bands]Co-headline[/support_bands]

For those not acquainted with the stoner heavy tones of Grand Magus the band are responsible for some of tonight’s most dense moments. Hailing from the slightly less morbid Sweden the band are firing on all cylinders tonight as they launch into “Steel“, seeing the three piece make an incredible amount of noise. Able to use the tried and tested routine of just drums and bass intros for an absolutely monolithic “Like The Oar Strikes The Water” complete with drum solo midway through, which you would imagine might slow the pace slightly yet the band quickly pick up the slack and ensure the audience is right back in the thick of it. With the band due for a new album soon, much of tonight’s material is a composite of their classic older material, tracks like “Wolves Through Time” live are absolutely devastating. Often using a simple approach the band’s organic stripped back approach goes hand in hand with fellow Norwegians who we will hear later tonight.

However it’s when the band move into the denouement of “Hammer Of The North” that Grand Magus‘ presence is irreplaceable tonight. Stating cheekily that the show the band have performed tonight has all been filmed it inspires the already gallant audience’s voices to soar even higher leading for a slight longer call and retrieve with the band. Grinning from ear to ear, these are the kind of moments that a young J.B. would have envisioned of all those years ago air guitaring in his bedroom to the classic Sabbath. All too often bands that have the integrity don’t seem to see enough of their fan base but tonight long after the instruments have ceased the bellows of “The North” ring out through Islington and not in a Game Of Thrones way…

Nevertheless the dawn is not coming for a long while, with the stage being set for Enslaved‘s return following the release of one of their most masterfully crafted records of recent (In) Times which alongside the band’s previous canon is no small statement. Erupting like the caustic cut “Thurisaz Dreaming” jumps straight for the throat with Grutle Kjellson taking center stage before the vocals are handed to keys master, recalling their classic Ruun album the band perform “Fusion Of Sense And Earth” which as expected is greeted with content applause.  Much of tonight’s set is comprised of all sorts of eras of Enslaved any fan would be happy. A gateway for those less initiated who might be meeting the band for the first time on their new record, an opportunity for those fans of earlier material to hear their favourite songs or perhaps discover some hidden gems.

Acting as various different states the imposing looking Ivar ensures that the riffs remain as sharp as possible and though his jokey comments in between songs might suggest a jovial heart Grutle embodies all that his voice conjures commanding the stage with his impressive dexterity. Though it has to be said award for all out showmanship has to be given to Ice Dale particularly in THAT solo later in the band’s set when performing “Ethica Odini“. Bringing the pace back down we enter the final section of the band’s performance tonight, “Convoys To Nothingness” brings things to slower and more melancholic temporary close. Enslaved‘s secret weapon, able to whip up a furious storm or have a more lethargic approach with new material like “Death In The Eyes Of Dawn” and new epic “Building With Fire” shovel headed into finale of “Isa” after a quick drum solo and visit from the “big bad wolf” “Fenriz” the band gracefully make their exit.

Though both bands tonight are very different on paper, both retain a sense of a minimalist approach Grand Magus opting for the more classical riff heavy Metal whilst Enslaved flit between melodious leads with crooning to the smack down of those unmistakable vocals. It seems that Bill Bailey was right, thundering and subtle crafted magnificence indeed…