LIVE REVIEW: FULL OF HELL @ THE UNDERWORLD 23/08/2018
Background:
Since their foundation in 2009, American grind core ‘Full Of Hell’ have gained notoriety as one of the heaviest and most abrasive acts going. With three studio albums and a further three collaboration records to their name, ‘Full Of Hell’ are continually moving from strength to strength.
The Underworld 23/08/2018:
Kicking off proceedings tonight are 'Wound'. Formerly known as 'Deadwound', the quintet from Kingston Upon Thames are a more than adequate start for what looks set to be a ferocious night. With a wild collection of savage riffs and wild vocals, 'Wound' merge elements of blackened sludge with heavy as balls hardcore. An unexpected intermission to change a broken bass string does little to slow things down as 'Wound' quickly make up for lost time with a barrage of fist in the air hardcore. Celebrating the release of their new album 'You Took The Sun When You Left', 'Leeched' are on tremendous form. It has only been a few weeks since we last saw the trio play a supporting slot to 'Employed To Serve', but there is already a formidable change in quality between then and now. Due to the extreme and abrasive nature of their sound, it is questionable how far 'Leeched' can go in terms of popularity, but judging by how well they are received tonight, it would appear that they have no intention on slowing down. Sonically, 'Leeched' sound as though 'Code Orange' have been fed through a blender; relentless savage and gnarly as fuck! Performance wise, 'Leeched' are more energetic tonight than when we last say them at the Borderline and the energy is infectious.
Far away on the opposite side of the spectrum, 'Dawn Ray'd' bring a welcome respite from the intensity of the previous two bands whilst maintaining the level of quality. 'Dawn Ray'd' are a band that we have been wanting to catch live for quite a long time now, ever since the release of their sensational debut 'The Unlawful Assembly' and tonight they do not disappoint. In contrast to the frantic hardcore of both 'Wound' and 'Leeched' before them, 'Dawn Ray'd' play a far more melodic style of black metal with violin sections thrown in for good measure. Like many black metal artists, 'Dawn Ray'd' are far more suited to playing live than they are on record and it is great to see them on such a large stage tonight in front of a captivated audience.
By the time that headline act 'Full Of Hell' take the stage, the venue is now full to the brim and the energy in the air is palpable. Needless to say, 'Full Of Hell' do not write music for the faint-hearted and what follows is a horrifying oral assault that would make Satan himself want to crawl into the fetal position and beg for it to stop. Never has a venue been more aptly named than tonight's show at The Underworld. Bone crushing riffs, demonic howls and industrial samples smash together to create something that is as mesmerising as it is terrifying. By the end of the show, the ever expanding mosh pit has become a sea of flying bodies and flailing limbs as 'Full Of Hell' continue to push the boundaries of extreme music.
We leave the venue feeling rotten inside, yet fully satisfied.
