Well, looks like Summer has arrived in the Netherlands at last. Even better, it’s brought some heavy-rifftastic bands along for the ride. 013’s Stage01 is playing host to Black Pyramid and Dutch locals Toner Low.

The relatively modest-sized venue is packed for the night, and apparently some guys called Whitesnake are playing somewhere in the vicinity as well. Any thought of that, or of the sweltering heat, is blown away at the opening chords of Doomers Toner Low. Massive riffs that flow slow as molasses, interspersed by occasional samples and screams into the mic constitute their sound. It doesn’t always have to be grievously complicated to be good, and the many heads nodding along to the music evince the fact. The minimalist lighting onstage gave their act a further ethereal quality.

After Toner Low most folks in the audience go and get a much-needed breath of relatively cool air. Soon enough though, it’s back to the sweat lodge as it’s time for Black Pyramid to get started.

They start off with songs from their first two albums, a pleasant mix of psychedelic doom and stoner that soon captures the attention of everyone in the room. It’s worth mentioning that the band went through a line-up change not too long ago, with veteran vocalist/guitarist Darryl Shepard replacing Andy Beresky after internal issues within the band.

Halfway through their current tour, they certainly seem to have found their stride. Pounding drums, a bassist with a 1.000 yard stare and sweat dripping from everyone certainly make for quite a memorable show. It’s not until they start playing songs from their latest album, Adversarial, that I find myself truly dragged along to some alien realm of dust and desert wind. ‘Swing the Scimitar’ in particular stood out as a song that is both original as well as resting on bedrock of solid pounding riffs and drumbeats. Add Shepard‘s growling vocals into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for some damn good doom.

Bass and guitar often follow the same riff in Black Pyramid’s material. Considering the thickness of their sound, it works very well to create a compelling sound. The up-tempo ‘Issus’ showcases this very well. Rapid chord progression combines with solid drums to create a song that kicks ass and takes no prisoners.

As is often the case, the good times end too soon. After the lovely viciousness of ‘Bleed Out’ it’s time to go dunk my head into a bucket of water somewhere and head for home. Well, after the encore, that is. I would have been happy to forgive them for not playing one given the by now tropical conditions in the room, but when you’re metal, you’re metal. And that means you don’t let a little heat stop you from doing what you love. And that, more than anything, is very clear from the way these three guys act on stage.

Black Pyramid And Toner Low
Tilburg, 013
June 18, 2013
Rik Mertens
Photos: Susanne Maathuis

Toner Low – Facebook
Black Pyramid – Facebook