With doors opening shortly after the advertised 19:00 start, a healthy crowd had turned out in time for the early-starting symphonic metallers Hemloch. The crowd responds well as the band plays the entirety of their debut EP, Finality, while adding in some new tracks.
Godthrymm thunder onto the stage playing the title track from their debut EP, A Grand Reclamation, immediately demonstrating that while tonight’s show is a celebration of Projections, the set will comprise tracks from all eras of the band. I’m a photographer tonight, but it’s difficult not to headbang along to the slow, rhythmic riffs that are shaking the venue; the sound is crisp, with the guitar soaring over crunching bass.
The first track to be played from the new album is standout track “The Truth in It”, and it is also the first track tonight where Anabelle Brewster returns to the stage, providing soaring vocals which complement Hamish’s singing. Progressing from the slow, heavy, chugging riffs that drive the song, Hamish’s vocals are powerful, contrasted with Annabelle’s softer, melancholic style, before climaxing with a fantastic guitar solo.
The band are joined by both Anabelle Brewster and Aaron Stainthorpe for “Endure My Skin”, filling the relatively small stage of the intimate club. It’s wonderful to see Aaron on stage for the first time in ten years with Hamish, and everyone on stage is obviously relishing every moment of the set.
The crowd demands an encore, and the chants for the band to return to the stage are the loudest I’ve heard in the Brudenell, standing out even more for a genre where fans aren’t always the most energetic.
The band reminds us that while we may know many of the members, and this is album number three for Godthrymm, the band has only been in existence for less than ten years. Here’s hoping that this means we have plenty more time to witness them live as they continue to expand their core doom sound.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Photos by ECO Pixels UK
