In the heart of Camden Town that provides the best alternative culture scene, I was once again bestowed by The Underworld's curse. This time it was true Heavy Metal that was the ritual which had me enchanted; the very night I am talking of was when Swedish Heavy Metal warriors WOLF conquered this venue. Of course they were not alone; their powerful allies PRIMITAI and HERECTIC ORDER were by their side to ensure a takeover.

As I arrived at one of my favourite venues in the area I noticed there wasn't a great deal of people queuing up outside; then again I noticed this last time when I was there to watch EDEN'S CURSE nearly a year ago but the venue filled up much later so I was hoping this was going to be the case with WOLF.

As the lights went down the first surprise act HERECTIC ORDER made their way to the stage; now I say surprise first act simply because on every single poster that was displayed on the old social media sites and at the venue it only showed WOLF and PRIMITAI as the line-up. HERECTIC ORDER proved to be a fine choice to open the Heavy Metal proceedings that very evening; the first thing that catches your eye instantly is their stage persona, very satanic which is very, well... Metal, and this appearance suited the band name perfectly. Their set was a devilish treat which was encompassed with many highlights such as great musicianship, especially on the guitars and a charismatic frontman. Judging from the audience's reaction, as the venue started to fill up, they had London under their spell and I am hoping to see and hear more from them in the near future.
 

Now I am unsure where to start about second act PRIMITAI since they became a new favourite band of mine after watching their gallant performance. As I listened to their sweeping melodies created by beautiful shredding on those guitars, excellent vocal work and thunderous drums I was reminded of the bands DRAGONFORCE and VIRGIN STEELE, which is great because I like both bands. With this excellent musicianship creating genuinely brilliant belters that could easily fill arenas, PRIMITAI are solid proof that British Heavy Metal is still alive and going strong. So to say they had The Underworld eating out of the palms of their hands would be an understatement. On a side note; any band that can create a guitarist pyramid during their set has my utmost respect. Definitely a band to keep your eyes and ears out for!
 

As I may have mentioned in a previous review; ever since I watched Swedish Heavy Metal heads WOLF for the very first time three years ago I became hooked and didn't look back. That night they conquered The Underworld proved why WOLF are still a personal favourite band of mine and I shall go on to tell you way.

As the lights went down, cheers and chants were heard throughout the venue. The cheers got louder as they made their way to the stage and opened with new tunes "Overture In C Shark" and "Shark Attack". I think it's safe to say WOLF had the crowds under their thumb from the word go. I might need a chiropractor for my neck now from all those neck braking solos and riffs provided by two of the best guitarists to come from Sweden. I am looking at you Niklas Stålvind and Simon Johansson. Their excellent setlist gave their fans a treat from across their fantastic discography, these included songs such as "My Demon" and "Skeleton Woman" from their latest album "Devil Seed" and material from their previous albums such as "The Bite", "Skull Crusher" and my personal favourite "Voodoo" which is such a joy to hear live.
 

The very thing I noticed and admired about WOLF was their interaction with their crowd; this showed me they are definite men of the people.  The crowds responded very positively to them posing for photographs, fist bumping their fans whenever they could and Metal's happiest bassist Anders Modd getting off the stage and joining the crowd as they played. He even managed to make it to the stage by the end of the song which shows true professionalism on WOLF's part. Their dedication to their fans is so evident and clear, even drummer Richard Holmgren's kidney stone didn't stop them cancelling their tour.
 

Ending with "Killing Floor" marked the end of an incredible night of Heavy Metal. This dedication to their fans continued after the show as they signed merchandise, posed for photos and spoke to everyone who came to see them.
 

I am hoping you have gathered from this glowing report that I highly enjoyed this brilliant night of Heavy Metal; each band showed tremendous passion and infectious energy that passed onto their fans, the genuinely friendly atmosphere proved that Heavy Metal is still alive and it won't go away.

*Photography: Tamar Elderton