Royale Blood
I was a little worse for wear this evening ladies and gents as this was the night after Gojira, and I had been working all week too, but I was still in high spirits as my gig buddy for the evening quite likes Combichrist and we were looking forward to a great night out. The die-hard fans began to take their places at the front to get an up close and personal view of their heroes. The introductory music always entertains and today was no different, we had ‘Vision Thing’ (Andrew Eldritch….sigh….swoon…) and I was ready to lose the plot. The anticipation is in overload as we wait for Combichrist to appear front and centre. I’m neatly tucked away in the press pit and my eyes are glued to the doorway where I know the band are standing. It’s goose bumps and hair standing on edge time, the clock just doesn’t move fast enough my friends.
Finally, they show themselves, the crown princes of aggro-tech, and with two drummers we know this is gonna be one helluva gig. Opener ‘Hate Like Me’ is taken from their latest album ‘One Fire’ which itself is an album that may not rectify the wrongs of this world but will definitely galvanise and strengthen our desire to significantly improve and ameliorate our lives. We ‘Follow The Trail Of Blood’ and therein we find influences of the early Marilyn Manson era- all the good stuff- edgy, raw and quite pointed in its attitude.
We surrender ourselves to the hail of bullets which is ‘Blut Royale’ and get on down with the ‘Maggots At the Party’ where we ask, ‘What The Fuck Is Wrong With You?’
If you came seeking redemption, there will be none, we are here to burn in the ‘One Fire’ that has been instigated by our heroes. With chunky guitars and even chunkier drums for us to chomp on it was a fantastic way to end their UK run of this tour. Singer Andy takes time out to salute our friends who are seated in the designated area for those with access arrangements, a touching and heartfelt moment to witness.
With an impromptu ‘War Pigs’ it is a neat dedication to the Home of Metal. Sublime.
Combichrist – The Mill, Birmingham on 30th June.