The Ceremony of Black Illumination

Last night I headed down to the Borg Ward to catch, 'The Ceremony of Black Illumination,' which made for a night of (mostly) black metal, and fantastic black metal at that! Most of the bands featured last night have been discussed recently around here and I realize some of the foreign readers might not care much about a local gig in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but since it turned out to be quite an enthralling and utterly enjoyable night I simply had to do my usual post-gig report. However, I'll keep it brief.

[Note: A band by the name of Burning Bethlehem from Minnesota was scheduled to play, but could not attend. Regrettable too, since from what I heard they definitely sounded good.]

Satan's Dealer:
Two-piece, Satan's Dealer was up first. My friends and I arrived for the bands last two songs, opting to spend our earlier time doing our usual pre-gig drinking.

At any rate, Satan's Dealer was the oddball of this evening playing some sort of sludgy doom metal. The drummer I've recently seen play in two other bands, Asatta, and a punk-ish band last month who opened for an Iron Maiden tribute band. Even the guitarist/vocalist seemed familiar to me, but I'm getting off task. From the two songs I witnessed these guys sounded fairly decent, in fact if I'd known their songs better I'd probably started to headbang, and the same could be said for one of my friends who would have likely started a mosh pit. For just two musicians they sounded tight and well rehearsed and I'd definitely hope to see them again or hear some studio songs. I wish I could say more or show a video, but when I arrived I was socializing with friends.

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The Cold Beyond:
Yes, its true that I've talked a lot about this band recently through an interview and both a gig and EP review, but that's just more of a reason for you to take notice of this admirable two-piece black metal band. This being the second time I've seen them I've really come to the understanding that they are even more powerful live, which to me seems like an odd and rare thing for black metal music, but that's what I've felt on these past two occasions. Largely the band sounds more turbulent, yet still visceral in their actions, plus seeing them stalk around in the gloomy blue shadows slathered in corpsepaint adds a strong visual presence that many bands lack.

The band played the same four songs from their recent EP, 'Forever Burning,' and just like last time everything felt a 100% sincere and dedicated while actually lifting the songs to greater heights through their ardent and often times wild playing. I mean, honestly, how often is that you hear a two piece band inciting audience members to shout phrases like, "Holy fuckkkkkkkkk," in an almost non-believing awed manner after they've just plowed through a tremendous song? Not often, I'd guess. It was also more enjoyable for me on a personal level since I've gotten to know the songs well enough to the point where I could shout out lyrics and headbang to the speedier parts of their music. In any case, another great performance!


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FIN:
Although I've only recently heard it, the debut demo from this Chicago, Illinois band made quite an impression on me. Since 'Fated by Will & Iron's' late '11 release, this two-piece has expanded to four with one member focusing entirely on vocals while another takes up bass duties. FIN is interesting visually since they have a militaristic image to go with their war themed music and even have some stage props to further the thematic.

Musically the band has a violently combative black metal sound that's raw and cold in its execution with mostly speedier parts, though some slower sections, melodic characteristics and totally catchy headbangable parts can be heard. The band members brought a lot of energy as they battled through a number of songs, the vocalist unleashed hell through his voice and although I didn't see it coming some audience members got passionately crazy too.

I was quite pleased with the song selection, playing my two favorites from the demo, 'Guilty of War Crimes' & 'Upon Our Enemies' Ruin,' as well as at least one new song, which sounded quite exciting.

I spoke with FIN's guitarist and drummer, and was told a new demo is about to be recorded, which definitely has me curious and eager to hear their next creation. You should be too!


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Sacrificial Massacre:
Although both members are in their early twenties, I think Sacrificial Massacre could be seen as a band that sort of brought black metal back to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Formed two years ago, although originally in '08 under the name, Mermeroth, Sac Mass (as they go by) often play live, perhaps getting under peoples skin enough to the point where they inspired others to pick up their instruments and write and even push already existing bands further. Point being, there's a black metal scene and just a metal scene in general in Wisconsin again, and believe me that's a feeling of awesomeness I can't even begin to describe.

Since '10, Sac Mass has released two demos with their full-length album looming on the horizon, but before that is released I can once again confirm that these two black possessed metalers delivered another great performance. These two play utterly raw, chaotic and orthodox black metal and generally you don't expect a two-piece to sound so tight and cohesive, but that is exactly the case with these guys. Much like the previous bands they raged amongst the shadowy blueness of The Borg Ward, slathered in corpsepaint and blood, they summoned ancient highly atmospheric black metal evilness like few can or dare to do so.

As no fault of the band, the only problem during their set was that some people started unnecessarily pushing and even blindsiding me with their shoulder while I crouched down to get a photo. That aside, it was a triumphant night of black metal here at The Borg Ward - I look forward to the next assault!


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