Live Review: Enslaved, Rise Of Avernus, Germ

The brainchild of ex-LORD drummer Tim Yatras, accompanied by mysteriously-cloaked session members from Wollongong metallers Troldhaugen and Carbon Black, Germ selected a grand occasion for their live debut. A unique meshing of atmospheric black metal and post-rock, a (deliberately) mostly non-animated Yatras segued from harrowing screams and howls to occasional clean vocals, offset by ambient backing tracks and impressive leads. After initially sending a few sickened punters scurrying to the bar, they hit their stride and attendees slowly warmed to their somewhat acquired taste.

Being regulars on the gig circuit for the past 18 months has culminated in a road-hardened ethos and positive early response to Rise Of Avernus' debut full-length L'Appel Du Vide. The Sydneysiders' progressive-minded, impassioned death/doom was thus appreciated by a room of like-minded individuals. The 'Beauty and the Beast' bipolar vocal schtick is a well-worn staple of this style, but their ear-catching juxtaposition somehow breathed new life into the dynamic, despite keyboardist Cat Guirguis' angelic tones sadly being somewhat lost in the mix. They are ones to watch.

Considering the extraordinary number of international heavy acts that had visited our shores in the preceding month, all jostling for punters' attention and hard-earned dollars, just how many turned out for Enslaved presented a curious proposition. Even taking into account that it was the Norwegians' maiden voyage to these parts after two decades in the game, there were no guarantees their Viking epics would attract the crowd they deserved. Loyalists who had waited for such a lengthy period didn't let their heroes down though, a strong albeit not enormous attendance making sizeable noise for the veterans' proggy blackened fare.

Taut and boasting punishing yet clear sound, they efficiently (unnecessary drum solo aside) ripped through a set almost wholly based around the past decade of their career. More recent brutal yet melodic gems a la Roots Of The Mountain, Ruun, Ethica Odini and The Watcher were contrasted by digging deep into the catalogue for Allfaðr Oðinn from their 1992 demo, an era prior to their early, unexceptional black metal becoming far more refined. Herbrand Larsen's keyboards and backing vocals afforded a vital counterpoint to growler Grutle Kjellson's commanding presence. “Fantastic, Sydney, why don't we do this more often?” the latter cheerfully told the gathering near set's conclusion. For the converted that would be an enticing prospect – and they'll likely bring a few more friends along next time around.