Text and photos by Rodrigo Simas
It was 6:30 PM sharp on October 7th when Unto Others took to the stage at the beautiful Coliseu dos Recreios to begin their show in the Portuguese capital. The audience, which was already packed, welcomed the band with open arms, approving of their blend of gothic elements, mainly through the vocals of guitarist Gabriel Franco, with melancholic melodies combined with the heaviness of the guitars.
Carcass was next to perform. Needing no introduction, the English band wasted no time, starting with the classic "Buried Dreams". In great form, the group followed with classics and some tracks from their new album Torn Arteries , such as the excellent "Dance of Ixtab (Psychopomp & Circumstance March No. 1 in B)". Bill Steer is always a show in himself, with impeccable solos and an unmistakable style. To finish, it couldn't be any different: "Heartwork" proves that it is still one of the greatest death metal classics of all time.
After a brief intermission, it's Nergal & Co.'s turn to take over the Colosseum. One of the greatest exponents of black metal in the world today, Behemoth is by far the heaviest band of the night. The stage, already completely modified to receive the group, creates the perfect atmosphere for an avalanche of riffs and blast beats. Highlights include "Thy Becoming Eternal," from the brand new Opvs Contra Natvram , and the essential "Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel" and "Chant for Eschaton 2000," which closes the satanic mass in an apotheotic way.
But the night truly belonged to Arch Enemy . Before the show, the screen with the words "Pure Fucking Metal" already alerted us, but seeing them live makes it easy to understand why they are the headliners of a lineup of this caliber. Having been the vocalist for 8 years, Alissa White-Gluz commands the party, exuding charisma and stage presence while the band showcases highlights from their entire discography, including the iconic "Ravenous," "My Apocalypse," and "Nemesis," originally sung by Angela Gossow.
Promoting their latest album, Deceivers , and showcasing their full potential, the band includes six tracks from the album in their setlist, among them the excellent "The Watcher" and "Handshake With Hell." Instrumentally, Arch Enemy is also impeccable, with a phenomenal guitar duo – it's hard to think of many bands with a better duo than Michael Amott and Jeff Loomis (ex- Nevermore ) alternating riffs and solos – and a killer rhythm section with Sharlee D'Angelo (bass) and Daniel Erlandsson (drums).
The tour will include Brazil with Arch Enemy & Behemoth in November (along with local opening acts) and is not to be missed!
