Home Gigs Gig Review : Winterfylleth and Domhain, Voodoo, Belfast

Gig Review : Winterfylleth and Domhain, Voodoo, Belfast

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Review by Hugh Spence for MPM

The air in Belfast’s Voodoo crackled with anticipation. A damp February night outside was mirrored by the brewing storm of sound about to be unleashed within.

This is the third and final gig of Winterfylleths Irish tour, having hit Dublin and Limerick on the previous 2 nights and having received strong crowds and a great reception, this is surely going to be a night to remember.

Local project Domhain took the stage first, tasked with warming the steadily growing crowd. Their blend of folk-infused black metal proved a compelling appetizer. While the sound mix occasionally muddied the finer details, their passion was undeniable.

Opening with “The Mourning Star” they bring the atmosphere immediately to the eager crowd. The folk elements, often delivered through clean guitar passages and evocative melodies, provided a captivating counterpoint to the harsher, blast-beat driven sections. Up next is “Footsteps” a song I’m unfamiliar with but I really hope will be on an upcoming release.

They showcased a clear understanding of the genre’s dynamics, building tension and releasing it with well-placed ferocity.  Their third song of the evening comes from their most recent release, 2023’s Nimue, which was released on These Hands Melt record label, “A Silent Frequency” and it delivers on all fronts, its followed by another unreleased song “Wood For The Axeman” which really shows the potential this band has to big very big in the black metal scene.

Domhain demonstrated a strong stage presence and connected with the hometown crowd by finishing up with “A Pile Of Stone Upon Her Grave” which is also the final masterpiece on Nimue which has set the night up nicely for headliners Winterfylleth.  Domhain is a band that will continue to grow and I look forward to hopefully seeing many more times in the future.

Throughout the night the merch stands have been manned by the bands themselves, a true sign of how hard these bands work and great opportunity for a wee chat with them, Chris tells us they’ve enjoyed their tour so far and Ireland has been good to them and no doubt tonight’s showing will be no different.

The lights dimmed, a hush fell over the room, and the opening notes of the intro “First Light” pierced the darkness. Immediately, the atmosphere shifted. This wasn’t just a gig; it was an immersive experience. Winterfylleth’s mastery of atmospheric black metal was on full display. The wall of sound they created was immense, yet meticulously crafted.

Each instrument, from the soaring guitars to the thunderous drums, found its place in the mix, creating a textured and dynamic sonic landscape. “Dishonour Enthroned” followed, showcasing the band’s ability to blend raw aggression with moments of almost ethereal beauty. The transitions between these contrasting sections were seamless, a testament to their musicianship and understanding of dynamics.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Winterfylleth’s discography. “To The Edge of Tyranny” and “The Reckoning Dawn” whipped the crowd into a frenzy, with heads banging and fists raised in unison.

The energy in the room was palpable. But it wasn’t all about unbridled aggression. Tracks like “Upon This Shore” and “The Imperious Horizon” showcased the band’s ability to weave intricate melodies and evocative passages into their music, creating moments of introspection amidst the storm. These moments of respite, however brief, only served to heighten the impact of the heavier sections.

A particular highlight of the evening was “A Soul Unbound,” which segued perfectly into “In Silent Grace”, this was only the third time this song was played live, the first two times being in Dublin and Limerick.

 The addition of Alan “Nemtheanga” Averill on guest vocals for this song was a masterstroke. His distinct vocal style added another layer of depth and intensity to the already powerful performance. The raw emotion in his voice resonated with the crowd, creating a truly special moment.

As the night progressed, Winterfylleth showed no signs of fatigue. Their energy remained relentless, their performance flawless. “The Ghost of Heritage” and “Whisper of the Elements” further cemented their status as leaders of the UK black metal scene. The final song, “Mam Tor (The Shivering Mountain),” was a fitting conclusion to the evening as it was the first song Winterfylleth ever wrote.  

Its epic scope and majestic melodies left the crowd breathless, a perfect encapsulation of Winterfylleth’s unique blend of power and atmosphere.  Playing 5 songs from the impeccable new album “The Imperious Horizon” just shows what a masterpiece it is and the crowd ate every moment up, a lot of the time at other gigs people only want to hear the “old stuff” but not with Winterfylleth, everything they have is pure gold and “The Imperious Horizon” is no different.

These guys are genuinely nice guys that just walked off stage and met fans and talked with anyone that wanted a chat, guys like this are all too rare nowadays so I would highly recommend everyone to support them, buy merch, vinyl’s and get to their gigs.

Leaving the Voodoo venue, the cold Belfast air seemed less biting, the remnants of the band’s fiery performance still lingering. Winterfylleth delivered a masterclass in atmospheric black metal.

From the powerful musicianship to the carefully constructed setlist and the captivating stage presence, everything was perfect. This wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience, a journey into the heart of darkness and beauty. If you have the chance to see Winterfylleth live, don’t miss it. You won’t be disappointed.

They headline the March Into Walhalla festival in the Netherlands on February 22nd, followed by a few more dates around europe before hitting summer festivals like Alcatraz in Belgium and Frantic Fest in Italy.

Domhain Setlist:
The Mourning Star
Footsteps
A Silent Frequency
Wood For The Axeman
A Pile Of Stone Upon Her Grave

Winterfylleth Setlist:
First Light (intro)
Dishonour Enthroned
To The Edge of Tyranny
The Reckoning Dawn
Upon This Shore
The Imperious Horizon
A Soul Unbound
In Silent Grace
The Ghost of Heritage
Whisper of the Elements
Mam Tor (The Shivering Mountain)

Photography by Paul Verner for MPM

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