FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM (+
HIM,
Dolomite Minor)
O2 Empire, Shepherds Bush
06/12/2014
Thirty years on from their début EP 'Burning
The Fields', The Fields Of The Nephilim have become a corner stone of
the gothic rock movement, with every subsequent generation of bands
citing them as an influence. The band's mystique has failed to wane
in this time despite, break-ups, reformations and false starts. They
are a band that take their time and get things right as they proved
on their return album, 2005's 'Mourning Sun'. They have maintained a
strong live presence and have never failed to draw a crowd and with
the prospect of a new studio album n the horizon, the time seems
right for a celebration.
The second evening of the two-night
stint at Shepherds Bush Empire in London kicks off with the garage
rock meets grunge styling of Southampton's Dolomite Minor. The duo
take the White Stripes model of guitarist/vocalist and drummer and
throw in some swampy grunge influences courtesy of 'Bleach' era
Nirvana, and add a kick of dark stoner rock dementia. It is an
interesting mix that is appreciated by the fans who assemble in the
venue in time to catch them. Yet they don't really project much of a
presence on the large stage and it feels as though they've just been
poached from the pub gig down the road for the sake of adding an
extra band to the bill.
HIM make their return to London,
drawing in a sizeable selection of under 25s to the evening. The last
time this reviewer caught the love metal Finns was about ten years
ago and front man Ville Valo's lacklustre performance was a sad and
boring spectacle. Luckily the decade since has seen an improvement in
his ability. He has more power in his voice (even if he can't sustain
it that long), and he varies his style a lot more.
The set
list is comprised mainly of older material with such songs such as
'Sacrament', 'Gone With The Sin', 'Wings Of A Butterfly', 'Buried
Alive By Love', 'Wicked Game', and 'Soul On Fire' illicit big
reactions from the crowd. Valo's performance still sees him
essentially basking in the crowds adoration as he awkwardly skulks
about the stage, but if their presence draws the attention of younger
music fans to the work of the headliners, then their job for the
evening is done.
Then it is the turn of the Fields Of The
Nephilim to take to the stage to the now familiar intro of 'Shroud'
before opening with a powerful rendition of 'Straight To The Light'.
And like their first single, power is the name of the game. The
band's sound fills the venue, and Carl McCoy's unmistakable growl
erupts from the stage as he stalks about like a post-apocalyptic
shaman.
The band play a strong selection of favourites such
as 'Preacher Man', 'The Watchman', 'For Her Light', 'Moonchild', and
'Last Exit For The Lost'. As well as a welcome airing of 'Zoon Part
3' and a particularly rousing performance of 'Dawnrazor'. Though the
best gift was in the form of a brand new song, 'Prophecy', which
gives a hint to what is still to come from The Neph'.
The mix
is a little off in places, with the guitar distortion swamping
McCoy's vocals on occasion. But this isn't a huge issue as the band
perform with the poise and precision befitting their enviable veteran
status.
The evening comes to an end with an encore comprised
of 'Psychonaut' and 'Mourning Sun' as the band close the book on the
first thirty years of the Fields Of The Nephilim with a brief but
humble thank you to the audience and an air of expectation for a new
release in the near future to welcome in another decade.
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