Gig Review: An Unholy Night of The Infernal Sea’s Hexes, Riffs and Historical Tales
Venue: The Underworld
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Date: Feb 10, 2024
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Location: London, UK
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Venue: The Underworld | Date: Feb 10, 2024 | Location: London, UK |
Chort and myself once again found ourselves at the grimness of the Underworld, our bodies trembling in anticipation of the official launch of The Infernal Sea’s new album, “Hellfenlic”.
Starting off by pounding some extremely expensive Neck Oils at the nearby pub and filling our tummies on Taco Bell we said hi to Chris (bass) from the band, shared some laughs as well as our exclusive Heavy Metal Citadel stickers. We then hurried to see the opening salvo from one of our UK favourites, Deitus. They never disappoint, drawing a formidable 6pm crowd and smashing out a short but sweet playlist heavy on their latest assault, Irreversible.
LDN’s presence is unmatched as per usual, and his anguished screams right next to our ears remains a highlight of the night, along with (what seems to be) a new axeman who crushed some tasty solos. Check out our full review of their last gig here and our interview here for more Deitus goodies!
Now on to the main act, and the reason the have gathered you heathens here today. The records show that Hopkins, the infamous Witchfinder General, charged towns £23 plus his travelling expenses to hunt in the town. For less than this price you can enjoy the same vibes without being burned at the stake by attending a gig from The Infernal Sea!
The air was electric with anticipation, thick enough to slice with a battle axe, as the crowd geared up for a history lesson wrapped in a wall of sound. Chort slapped on his official trademarked ‘The Infernal Sea’ mask, and also put on my discount eBay black hood, ready to contribute to the atmosphere in our own uniquely cretinous way. Known for their raw energy and atmospheric stage presence, The Infernal Sea did not disappoint.
Plunging into the murky depths of the venue, the band turned it into a black metal bonanza, riffing off England's infamous witch-hunting shenanigans. Draped in an aura of mystique, they unleashed the majority of tracks from their new album "Hellfenlic," a masterful blend of ferocious riffs and haunting melodies that narrate tales as old as time, resonating with the grim tales of witch trials that once plagued English soil.
Each song served as a portal, transporting the crowd to a time when fear and fascination with the occult ran rampant, a theme that The Infernal Sea explores with both reverence and a modern edge.
Their performance was a spectacle of sound and fury, with "Hellfenlic" tracks like “Black Witchery”, “Shadow of the Beast” and “Bastard of the East” standing out as highlights. These new anthems, performed live, encapsulated the band's evolution, showcasing their ability to weave historical narratives with the raw power, and the latter track ending in a proper heavy metal headbang session from the punters.
The stage was decked out in symbols that might have made old Matthew Hopkins himself feel right at home, if he wasn't too busy hunting witches to enjoy some tunes. They added a visual layer to their storytelling, making the performance not just a concert but a historical reenactment fueled by black metal.
Dean Lettice, with a voice that could summon the spirits of the accused, led the charge with a presence as commanding as a general’s. He was routinely pointing out possible witches in the audience, including Chort, which came as no surprise to me. From Witchfinder Generals to Guitar Generals, Jonathan’s (guitar) and Chris’s (bass) work was sharp as a blade, cutting through the darkness with each riff, but often found it hard to cut through the drums.
Potent and relentless, I nearly lost my teeth as James’s blasts overpowered my oblong skull as well as the intricate layers of guitar and atmospheric elements, particularly during the more nuanced passages of songs from "Hellfenlic."
For those fascinated by the dark edges of history and the unyielding force of black metal, The Infernal Sea at the Underworld was an unforgettable experience. "Hellfenlic" stands as a testament to their craft, a beacon for those who wander in the dark, seeking stories woven with the threads of the past and the present.
We left the night constantly talking GG Allin’s antics (who Deitus covered their last gig) with his feces and about what we would do as witches. All in all, a frightfully good time!
Written by: Chernoglav The Hero With The Silver Moustache
Sporting more than just a moustache under his hood, Chernoglav loves underground Metal, but also listens to a dynamic range of other sub-genres like Power. He’s also never had a moustache.
