New York City’s Gramercy Theatre was the epicenter of a black metal storm on a late spring night, with Abbath headlining the night in support of his “Dread Reaver” North American tour. The intimate venue, packed to the brim with die-hard fans, became a cauldron of raw energy and dark atmospheres, punctuated by the thunderous performances of the opening acts: Final Gasp, Imperial Triumphant, and Black Anvil.
The night started with Final Gasp, a band that brought a nice mix of Punk and Goth influences to the stage. Their set was short but impactful, with eerie tones and gloomy melodies. Their performance was less intense compared with the rest of the lineup but they provided a brooding and atmospheric start, warming up the crowd for the more extreme acts to follow.
Next up was Imperial Triumphant, who unleashed a chaotic yet sophisticated barrage of avant-garde black metal. Dressed in their signature Art Deco-inspired masks and costumes, they presented a stark contrast to the traditional black metal aesthetic, both visually and musically. Their complex arrangements, blending what feels prog meets death metal with jazz-infused structures, created a sense of disorientation and awe. The trio’s technical prowess and unique stage presence left a lasting impression. The bassist took a walk around the crowd during “Chernobyl Blues” and then they were also joined by Abbath guitarist, Ole André Farstad on “Cosmopolis” demonstrating why they are one of the most innovative bands around.
Black Anvil, another NYC favorite, took the stage next, bringing a more traditional yet brutally effective blackened thrash assault. Their set was aggressive, unrelenting, and full of raw power, resonated well with the hometown crowd. Tracks like “Miles” and “May Her Wrath Be Just” were delivered with venomous precision, igniting mosh pits and headbanging. Black Anvil’s performance was a masterclass in how to command a stage and engage a crowd, proving why they remain a staple in the New York metal scene.
As the lights dimmed, Abbath emerged with his trademark corpse paint and iconic swagger, immediately launching into a ferocious set that spanned his solo career and his legendary work with Immortal. The Norwegian Black Metal icon was in top form, delivering fan favorites from his former band Immortal like “The Rise of Darkness” and “In My Kingdom Cold as well as “Warriors from his “I” project. “Winterbane” and “Calm in Ire (of Hurricane)” with the intensity and charisma that have made him a living legend. His guttural vocals and frenetic guitar work were matched by a tight backing band, Drummer Ukri Suvilehto and bassist Andreas Fosse Salbu created a rhythmical atmosphere that was both chilling and electrifying.
What a great display of black metal in all its forms, from the avant-garde to the traditional. Abbath, along with his stellar supporting acts, delivered a performance that was both a celebration of the genre’s roots and a bold statement of its future.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY OMAR CORDY
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