Few events embody the sheer power and mysticism of black metal quite like the Unholy Trinity Tour. Brought together by revered acts: Rotting Christ, Satyricon, and the mighty Behemoth. It was a night of ritual, ferocity, and musical precision – a celebration of extremity that left the crowd awestruck.
The crowd, already buzzing with anticipation, was drawn into the ritualistic atmosphere as Rotting Christ took the stage. Their tight and atmospheric set, heavily drawing from their latest album ‘Pro Xristou’, was met with a mix of headbanging and reverent silence. Tracks like ‘The Raven’ and ‘Dies Irae’ roared with melodic menace, and Sakis Tolis, clad in black and illuminated by blood-red lighting, led the band through a performance steeped in mysticism and Greek heritage. It was a fitting invocation for the night ahead.
Satyricon followed with cold, calculated power. Their set balanced groove and aggression, leaning into fan favourites like ‘Now, Diabolical’ and ‘K.I.N.G’ Satyr stalked the stage with quiet dominance, while Frost’s drumming provided a relentless, pounding backbone. The crowd roared for ‘Mother North’, which closed their set stormingly.
Then came Behemoth. With smoke, fire, and ritualistic visuals, they launched into ‘The Shadow Elite’, instantly grabbing the crowd by the throat. Their set was a relentless onslaught, featuring devastating performances of ‘Demigod’, ‘Conquer All’, ‘Christgrinding Avenue’, and ‘Wolves ov Siberia’. The band’s showmanship was not just sharp, but exceptional, with Nergal presiding like a dark priest over his unholy mass, creating a grandeur and spectacle that was unmatched.
Highlights included the thunderous ‘Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel’, the hypnotic ‘Bartzabel’, and the newer, doom soaked ‘Once Upon a Pale Horse’. Every note was executed with militaristic precision.
The encore, ‘O Father O Satan O Sun!’ was a triumphant finale – slow-burning, grandiose, and drenched in atmosphere. The entire crowd joined in, their voices echoing like a choir at the end of the world.
The Unholy Trinity Tour lived up to its name. Rotting Christ, Satyricon, and Behemoth each brought their vision of darkness to Brixton, but Behemoth’s closing ritual elevated the night into something mythic.
It was a flawless, brutal, and transcendent evening of extreme metal.
Review & Photos By Rebecca Bush
https://www.instagram.com/beckybphoto/
Rotting Christ
Satyricon
Behemoth
