An ancient, primeval forest. Ferns sprouting in the muddy soil. Communion with ancestral spirits in unspoilt nature. Nope, it’s not a hippie love-in down in the Midlands somewhere- it’s the exact opposite actually, a Black Metal gig in Fibber McGee’s, and Negură Bunget are doing their best to conjure up the raw savagery and unknowable mystery of the pure cold Earth. If that sounds dramatic, well, Black Metal is not at all about restraint. I mean, they have pan-pipes up there for God’s (er, Satan’s) sake! The success or failure of a Black Metal band like Negură Bunget ultimately hinges on how well their experience transports you, how well they suck you in to the vision. So how’d they do?
Not great, to be honest. There were moments, flashes. Hey, they brought a six-foot Didgeridoo-esque carved wooden horn with them, so full marks for effort. Sometimes it was epic, exhilarating, stoic, deep, like the best Black Metal. But most of the time it was merely mildly enjoyable.
This probably had something to do with the new lineup that’s been cobbled together by the sole remaining original band member (and by the drummer of all people! I mean unless you’re three time Spellemannprisen Award-winning heavy metal drummer Hellhammer you’re probably not the real soul of that band dude). Or it possibly has something to do with the significantly inferior material on their newest, post-split album. In any case the whole thing was mild enough and that unfortunately is exactly what Metal is not supposed to be.
If the ‘Spirit of the Land’ tour ever rolls through here again do yourself a favour- stay home and listen to their 2006 opus ‘OM’ instead. It’s a much deeper trip.
Marcus O’Sullivan
Indigo Roisin
June 3, 2010
Awesome review, Dude, makes me wanna listen to more Metal. I mean “epic, exhilirating, stoic and deep” – I’m intrigued!! Rock On (or whatever is the Metal equivalent – Thrash On?) Best, Indigo