If there was a running theme to last nights concert then it was, rather sadly, one of "technical difficulties". Which is what we say when we're being to polite to say "fuck ups".
In the fine tradition of almost evey gig I've ever been to the doors did of course NOT open on time, and then after that delay the first band on, Fen, experienced some degree of hassle resulting in them starting even later and only having time to play about 3 songs. Which was a shame, as their Drudkh like blend of melancholic keyboard infused black metal was actually rather good. I can't honestly say it was massively unique, but it was certainly enjoyable.
Next up were Fyoergyn, some sort of german thrash type thing. Frankly I didn't find it particularly gripping. Not that they were bad at what they did, simply that what they did wasn't really to my taste. But they managed to plough through their set without having to cut too much out, and seemed to go down fairly well.
After a brief interlude for changing the equipment, Alcest started their set is what I would like to say. But thats not what happened. After a brief interlude for changing the equipment Alcest started to fiddle with a broken amp for an interminable age, thus fucking the schedule all to hell again. Not their fault of course, but when you're running that far behind is it REALLY necessary to play a final song that lasts about 7 hours? Seriously, I appreciate a bit of epic, but this seemed like it was going to end about 15 times and then KEPT GOING. Musically I guess they were okay, with a fairly impress wall of guitar. But when the falsetto "aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh" ing occured all I could think was "ELF METAL". And suffice to say, elves are about the least metal thing possible. I can't honestly say they impressed me much, but maybe that was simply because I was getting somewhat impatient as the published schedule was blown all to hell and they JUST. WOULDN'T. FINISH.
Still, finally, a good half hour or more after the stated stage time, The Vision Bleak take the stage. After sitting through all the hassle and uninteresting performances my patience is at last rewarded. They come about and play a vey good set, even if it does seem a little truncated. The grandiose gothic metal comes over very well in the live setting. The new songs they play sound awesome, and the old favorites are of course rather rocking.
They even manage a brief encore.
It's quite frustrating that things went so tits up across the course of the evening, as it would have been nice to actually feel like you were getting a full set. Despite overrunning there was a definate sense that there should have been a few more tracks played. Maybe if someone could have taught Alcest the meaning of "shut the fuck up". But despite all that it was a good show, and I'm certainly glad I finally got to see The Vision Bleak in action, having missed them last time around.
It would be awesome to get them playing at something like The Great Exhibition though. They certainly match the asthetic sensibilities required. And that event really could have been a bit more metal.
But anyway, a good night was (almost) had by all. Rock on and such like.
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