It’s roughly 10 minutes before the Legendary Black Metal outfit hailing from Norway is set to hit the stage.  At this point I start to feel something that I haven’t felt for some time.  Do you remember the first time you were at  a show and something in the air told you that it was going to be special…?
Well THAT  is what I started to feel.  You can’t put your finger on what exactly instigates this special kind of anticipation, but you can’t deny it.

The lights go out… the place starts to hum and progresses into a powerful roar.  At this point there is no confusion or doubt how the band was going to be received. Satyr and company start the aggressive spiral into black with “Repined Bastard Nation “.  The set list to follow would initially divide some fans.  With the new direction Satyricon has taken with the past few albums,  it’s safe to say just like anything in life,  with change usually comes resistance.  I was not immune to this.  I have to admit that I was more of an old school Satyricon fan.  I was about to embark on a revelation.

“Now Diabolical ” was the next offering, and held the intensity with a commanding presence.  Now was the time to break out the brand new shit.  “The Wolfpack “, “Commando ” and the breakout track ” Black Crow on A Tombstone ” from “The Age Of Nero “.  The crowd sang all the words, and were totally enthralled with the new material.

The previously stated revelation was about to take place.  The band served up a pulverizing treat to the senses with (probably the track that has received the most criticism of their career)  “K.I.N.G.”   I remember when I first heard this song, it was referred to as “Black & Roll”, and of course I was a little resistant.  I don’t care what the fuck you call it, but live it is HEAVY AS FUCK!  Then I realized why the fuck am I getting caught up in this “labeling” bullshit?  If it’s Metal and it kicks my ass, then what do I have to piss and moan about!  I can’t say enough about the incredible and masterful precision of the whole production, from Frost’s impeccable time keeping,  all  strings on  point and  razor  sharp, and of course the dark evangelistic characteristics of Satyr that commanded the crowd effortlessly through the whole journey… nothing was overlooked or understated, right down to the visual presentations of every band member.

The performance closed out with “Fuel For Hatred “,  and the closer “Mother North “.  The only complaint if any would be that the set list was too short, but then again………..it’s always a good thing to leave them wanting more.