Dark Funeral – Live in Gothenburg 7/4-23

Clad in leather and spikes Dark Funeral entered the stage this Good Friday evening, intent on unleashing a relentless barrage of Christ-defiling black metal. Good Friday certainly is a great day for a black metal show – what day could possibly be more suited to spit at Jesus at a crucifix, rub him against your crotch and then play “Nail Them to the Cross”? Entering the venue I couldn’t help but notice, however, that most of the attendees had come to watch Cannibal Corpse. With this in mind, the crowd was somewhat reserved during Dark Funeral’s gig. Still, a good bunch of us had been looking forward to them as much as Cannibal Corpse. I’m happy to say we were treated to a fine show.

Playing a relatively short set, the choice of songs was crucial – and spot-on. Newer songs such as “Unchain My Soul”, “Let the Devil in” and “Where Shadows Forever Reign” shone alongside older gems such as “The Secrets of the Black Arts” and “Attera Totus Sanctus”, which is a favourite of mine. I have at least a couple of issues with their 2005 album with the same name so I was happy to experience the song in a live setting, crowned by a fantastic vocal performance by Heljarmadr.

Speaking of Heljarmadr – watching Dark Funeral, it becomes apparent rather quickly what a commanding and mesmerizing stage presence he has. This in addition to his haunting screams which elevate the songs to new heights. That goes especially for the slower, dramatic “When I’m Gone” – a blood-chilling, gut-wrenching breath of fresh air in the middle of the show, contrasting against the more full-force, max-speed songs. A highlight of the gig, for sure.

Heljarmadr taking over the vocal duties almost ten years ago might actually be the best thing that ever happened to the band. It seems to have reinvigorated the band immensly and their last two albums are probably some of their absolutely finest work to date. With many classic black metal bands laying dormant or being mere shadows of themselves, Dark Funeral keep holding the banner of black metal high. Heljarmadr waving a Dark Funeral flag at the end of the show really emphasized this. I only wish it would have kept on going longer.

Who: Dark Funeral
Where: Pustervik, Gothenburg
When: 2023-04-07
Rate: 8/10