Isiliel, The Grace, London
Who knows why black metal, once the preserve of a select group of narcissistic Norwegians, became a phenomenon and reached every part of the globe? It’s a quandary to which I’m yet to find an answer, but I’m sure glad it made its way to Japan. With their uncanny ability to put new slants of familiar themes, a whole scene developed which fused Japanese folklore to the raw blast of black metal. The most original proponent is undoubtedly Himari Tsukishiro, member of dark idol unit NECRONOMIDOL, who now performs solo under the name of Isiliel. On the first of a two night stand in London, Isiliel returns to Europe to cast a dark spell over The Grace.
In a scene that placed great emphasis on authenticity, you would think that a young lady performing choreographed dance routines to a backing tape would be the complete antithesis to black metal, yet such is the conviction brought to this project that you can’t help but buy into it. With long hair flowing like Rapunzel, Isiliel appears to the opening refrain of ‘Seian Kengen’, initially standing statuesque and then exploding into life with the music and from this point on she becomes a blur of energy, seemingly intent on making eye contact with all present. Attired all in black like a witch or a valkyrie, Isiliel certainly weaves her magic over the venue, performing intricate dance routines and enchanting us with her boundless energy and if there were any doubters present at the beginning of ‘Seian Kengen’, they’re converted by its conclusion.
For those unfamiliar with the Japanese tongue (in which these songs are sung) Isiliel’s dance routines act as subtitles; both are closely related and give a good indication as to what the other is about. So whether Isiliel is stamping her feet like a flamenco dancer to express rage or flapping her arms as if in flight, there are plenty of visuals to compliment the music and what’s presented is a kind of sensory overload; such is the activity radiating from the stage that it feels as if there is more than one performer and it’s hard to comprehend that all this energy is expended from a solitary person. In fact, it doesn’t take long for Isiliel to become drenched in sweat and she soon loses her stage costume so she can finish the set in the way she started (i.e. as a force of nature). Those present know they’ve seen something special tonight, and Isiliel’s set is rewarded with rapt applause.
Review and photos by Peter Dennis