Text by Marcelo Gomes
Fans turned out in droves for Draconian in Brazil. With tickets sold out at least two months in advance, fans were given an extra date which took place the following day at La Iglesia.
When I arrived at the time the venue was supposed to open (5 PM), the line, packed with fans eager for what was to come, already stretched around the block. Neither the gray sky nor the cold that plagued São Paulo on Saturday dampened the excitement of the fans who patiently waited to get inside.
Draconian's first visit to South America was made even more special by the return of vocalist Lisa Johansson , who participated in the band's first albums alongside vocalist Anders Jacobson . Accompanied by Johan Ericson (guitar), Daniel Arvidsson (bass), Niklas Nord (guitar), and Jerry Tortensson (drums), the crowd that filled the venue went wild as soon as the sextet took the stage. They opened with "The Sacrificial Flame," and that was enough to give everyone goosebumps.
Next, they played three songs from their most recent work, Under A Godless Veil (2020). The chosen tracks were “Lustrous Heart,” “The Sethian,” and “Sleepwalkers,” which were originally recorded by former vocalist Heike Langhans . Lisa's interpretation perfectly suited these compositions with her sweet voice, as well as “Stellar Tombs,” which ended with everyone shouting her name. The singer responded with a “Thank you, Brazil,” and said it was an honor to be there.
A minor technical issue preceded “Sorrow For Sophia,” and vocalist Anders Jacobson took the opportunity to announce that despite the long wait, they were finally in Brazil. With everything resolved, they performed the track, which exudes unparalleled beauty, while Anders' guttural voice creates an intriguing yet captivating symbiosis. Those who follow the band's career know they had been playing a shorter setlist this year, but for the South American tour, they prepared something special for the fans who had been eagerly awaiting this moment.
The setlist was longer than usual and included some of Draconian's best songs. They revisited the thrilling "The Cry Of Silence" from the band's first album, a doom track with strong Black Sabbath , as well as "Scenery Of Loss" with its unmistakable rain and thunder intro. Without warning, they played "Dishearten" and "The Morningstar." The latter was a real treat for the fans, as it hadn't been performed in over a decade.
One of the most celebrated songs was “Pale Torture Blue,” a melancholic track in which Lisa's voice stood out once again with its smoothness contrasting with Anders' deep and aggressive style, in a perfect combination. The final part of the show featured “The Amaranth,” “Daylight Misery,” and nothing better than saying goodbye with the epic “Death, Come Near Me,” a true epic that unites all the elements that made the band famous in a single track, providing the listener with a deep immersion into the band's atmosphere.
With a 2 hour and 10 minute show, Draconian delivered a powerful experience for fans. From beginning to end, the band, which blends gothic and doom, captivated the audience with its beautiful melodies and haunting vocals. Vocalist Lisa Johansson gave an excellent performance and left everyone amazed. Her angelic and mesmerizing voice created an immediate connection with the fans. The entire band was impressive, with an incredible stage presence.
The atmosphere the Swedes created was surreal. The fans had an unforgettable night, and Draconian definitely delivered a performance that made all those years of waiting worthwhile.
