Hardcore vs Hardcore Punk.

Norwegian hardcore merchants Kvelertak are the main focus tonight at Manchester's Academy 3, although prior to their performance we are treated to the delights of fellow countrymen Social Suicide and Canadian hardcore punks Grave Maker.





Social Suicide prove Norway is truly the home of intense, blistering music. A young, therefore lively outfit, inclusive of a lead singer suffering from St Vitus Dance. Never still for a second, covering every inch of the stage and monitors.







The band outline everything good about the metal scene, breakneck speed guitar work, driving bass with trademark incredibly powerful, quick handed pummeling drums. Attributes leading to a good response from the early evening crowd.    

http://www.myspace.com/socialsuicideweb





Second on the bill tonight are Gravemaker. For me, their performance is less about the music, more the change in atmosphere and attitude within the venue. A punkier, more metal side of hardcore it seems, has a wholly different following and attitude within the fan base. The band's look is daunting, especially the man mountain on lead guitar, it's the audience however that prove overall more disconcerting.  As Grave Maker hit their stride, the metal heads begin to prowl.





I have a good friend and fellow blogger / Mudkiss contributor in Canada, Tim Verhaegen who's mentioned in many ways, the metal / hardcore scene centres around violence, something I could never really understand.  I've been watching live rock music for many years, never feeling intimidated within the arena.  Tonight is different.  The movement of some fans borders on martial arts and woe betide anyone standing in the way.  While perhaps no one is actually spoiling for a fight, potential harsh physical contact doesn't appear an issue.  Strangely on occasions a synchronicity of individual movement arises, almost manifesting as choreographed. While difficult to pick out the lyrics, what can be heard is infinitely more confrontational than Social Suicide, add the harder guitar sound, the differences between hardcore rock and hardcore punk begin to surface.
http://www.myspace.com/gravemaker



And so to Kvelertak.  I'm unsure after Grave Maker how the audience will react, my aim initially to stand at the front, take a couple of photos, ready to retreat to comparative safety if necessary.  I notice a change in faces alongside however, perhaps even more telling, length of hair and age.  As the Norwegians take the stage, the average age has increased by some years, gnarled old rockers pushing their way past the metal heads. As Kvelertak break into "Fossegrim,"  I could be back at The Manchester Apollo, circa 1982 as the head banging starts with more loose ends than a soap opera, on show. The throat ripping vocal is pure metal, although the music more heavy / hard rock and therein lies the major difference.  The metal heads stand non plussed, with a sneering look of "What the fuck do you call that" while the rockers pay homage.

Taken purely from the debut album, the 30 minute set including, "Blodtorst" and "Nekroskop" literally bludgeon the senses into submission. An incredible live band all round, three guitars acting as sonic detonators  with a rhythm section that could easily be hired out for demolition duties.

Down side, no "Sultans of Satan!!!" and the sound being muddy and murky. With so much involved musically, detracting as the guitars on occasions blurred too easily into one. Small gripes however, the pure energy, vigour and sheer power driving the six piece through.  Whatever the sound issues, closing track "Mjod" quite simply one of the most glorious live experiences I've ever witnessed.  A beautifully chaotic piece of visceral hardcore, leaving everyone absolutely breathless.

I had a few quick glances around late in the set, noticing a couple of the metal heads faces, breaking into wide grins.  Kvelertak, may well have bridged a few gaps tonight and long may that continue.

     


http://youtu.be/_9W5kpyHgvo

http://www.myspace.com/KVELERTAK