Live Review: Enslaved – European Spring Tour 2024 – Islington Assembly Hall, London

In the pantheon of metal gods, Enslaved stand as towering figures, their legacy etched into the annals of black metal history. But before the Norwegian titans took the stage at London’s Islington Assembly Hall, the night unfolded like a symphony of chaos and beauty, with each band adding their unique flavour to the sonic tapestry.

First up were Wayfarer, hailing from the rugged landscapes of Colorado. As they emerged onto the stage, their presence was magnetic, commanding the attention of all who bore witness. With a sound that harkened back to the days of steam trains and dusty saloons, Wayfarer’s twanging guitar riffs and thunderous drum beats transported the audience to a bygone era, where the spirit of the Wild West still lingered in the air. From the haunting melodies of ‘American Gothic’ to the raw intensity of their death metal vocals, they proved themselves to be pioneers of innovation, pushing the boundaries of genre with each soul-stirring note.

Svalbard

Next, Svalbard took the stage, wielding a potent mix of black metal fury and shoegaze sensitivity. With frontwoman Serena Cherry leading the charge, their set was a whirlwind of emotion, with tracks like ‘When I Die, Will I Get Better?’ and ‘The Weight Of The Mask’ weaving a tapestry of cathartic intensity. As Cherry’s vocals soared above the tumult, her haunting melodies cut through the sonic maelstrom like a beacon of light in the darkness, it was impossible not to be swept away by the sheer power of their performance.

Enslaved With Jo Quail

As the night reached its crescendo, Enslaved emerged, clad in the garb of modern-day Vikings, ready to embark on a sonic odyssey unlike any other. With guest performer Jo Quail on ethereal violin, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to their already mesmerizing sound, they proved once again why they were the undisputed masters of their craft. From the thunderous chords of ‘Kingdom’ to the haunting melodies of ‘Forest Dweller,’ they reminded us that in the ever-changing landscape of metal, they were the undisputed kings of the realm. And as the final notes echoed into the night, it was clear that history had been made, and the legacy of metal lived on.