Agent Steel / Whiplash / Nekromantheon / Deathhammer

Smuget, Oslo

13 Aug 2009
 

I arrived in Oslo earlier in the day and though a little tired I was extremely excited to see this collision of new wave of Norwegian thrash and old school American thrash bands.  Up first was the wild and crazy bastards from Deathhammer with Didrik (Obliteration) filling in on bass and Bowel Ripper (Lobotomized) adding heaviness on second guitar.  Sergeant Salsten is possessed of a maniacal countenance and he delivered a primal vocal performance with a diabolical gleam in his eyes.  Highlights from Deathhammer's set were Demonz in Leather, Deathbangers, Fullmoon Sorcery and my all time fave, Graveyard Necromancy!

Sindre's (Obliteration) thrash band Nekromantheon was the definition of blistering as he wielded his gigantic bass guitar and proceeded into a set of flesh shredding thrash.  For the first few songs the bass guitar was a little high in the mix.  This issue was soon corrected without doing much damage to the insane energy that was building in the room.  Nekromantheon's approach was somewhat more serious and their stage presence reminded me a little of when I saw Sadus so many years ago.  Nekromantheon's style of thrash was like a fist full of razors striking you across the face as they ripped into songs like We're Rotting, Metal Vendetta and The Coffin Awaits. 

Underrated thrash veterans Whiplash took the stage next.  As a trio they were deadly and controlled and the crowd was instantly electrified.  They alternated between old favorites and material off their new album.  As was expected the crowd was more energetic during the classics and the excitement was dialed-down a bit for the new tracks.  However the crowd was pretty accepting of these new tracks.  Though not the end of their set I feel a climax was reached when Whiplash tore into the Burning of Atlanta and even a small pit erupted. 

The last act of the night was the legendary Agent Steel.  A wall of thrashing noise was backed up with high energy and a strong stage presence from the band as they sliced with skill and precision through crowd pleasers like Guilty as Charged and Evil Eye.  I thought Bruce Hall did an admirable job filling the shoes of John Cyriis and hit those high notes with power and sharpness.  Though some others though he sounded a little "wimpy."  They closed out their set with Agents of Steel and Mad Locust Rising.  Everyone in the audience was singing along and an atmosphere of true thrash metal brotherhood was achieved!

A special thanks goes out to "AnnaCondor!!!!" of Old School Booking for helping set me up with a press pass and getting me access to the bands and such.  The people behind Old School Booking are true professionals.