The Moshville Times - Mayhem / Dragged Into Sunlight / Malthusian

Unfortunately due to the queue I arrived half way through one of Dublin’s finest death metal acts, Malthusian. The guys were in full flow and were doing a great job of setting the tone for the evening. The stage set-up for both the ing acts was pretty tight due to Hellhammer’s drum kit but Malthusian delivered a professional and engaging performance nonetheless.

This was the first time I have managed to catch Malthusian, but the intensity of the performance and quality of the tracks will ensure I don’t miss them again.

Despite the lack of space, Dragged Into Sunlight somehow managed to squeeze further props on stage, including a huge skull-adorned candelabra. When the band appeared with their backs to the crowd they alternated near total darkness with strobe lighting to create a chaotic atmosphere in keeping with the music.

The band delivered 45 minutes of extreme black metal with enough variation to create interest. There were very interesting drum sections during some of the tracks and the crowd in the Academy enjoyed every minute.

Dragged Into Sunlight are with Mayhem for selected dates on the rest of the tour.

This was to be my second time seeing Mayhem, the first being Hellfest 2015 and whilst it was more of a typical festival set list, tonight was to consist of the band’s 1994 album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas in its entirety.

The lights were dimmed and a fog made its way across the stage followed by the hooded of the band. Attila appeared particularly sinister as they proceeded to play the album from start to finish. “Freezing Moon”, “Life Eternal” and “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas” were stand out tracks for me.

As the last song played and they left the stage, the whole night seemed to be over far too quickly. De Mysteriis is an iconic album and certainly Mayhem’s delivery of it tonight was superb. Don’t miss the chance to see if for yourself.

Thanks to DME Promotions. All photos by Kerri Clarke of Exposing Shadows Photography.