The O2 Academy Islington was the perfect crucible for a night of brutal, Technical Metal mastery. Packed to the brim, the venue’s close quarters allowed Obscura, Skeletal Remains, and Gorod to unleash their sonic assault right in the faces of the fans.
Obscura – Skeletal Remains – Gorod
O2 Academy Islington – 19 February 2025
Words And Photography: Ash Nash
The energy in the air was palpable, with the crowd primed and ready to experience the relentless precision and jaw-dropping musicianship that these Death Metal powerhouses are infamous for. The anticipation was like a ticking time bomb, and as the first notes rang out, it was clear that the night was going to be a Metal masterclass.
Gorod
First up, Gorod took the stage, immediately setting the tone with their signature blend of Technical Death Metal and jazz-inspired complexity. Hailing from Bordeaux, France, Gorod have been pushing the boundaries of the genre since theirformation in 2005, earning a reputation for their intricate arrangements and razor-sharp precision.
Their sound is a thrilling rollercoaster of mind-bending time signatures, fast-paced blast beats, and seamless transitions from brutal aggression to melodic, almost ethereal sections.
Guitarists Nicolas Alberny and Mathieu Pascal unleashed solos that were as surgical as they were face-melting, while drummer Karol Diers obliterated the kit with blast beats and insane speed. The crowd was hooked, headbanging and grinning as they tried to keep up with the band’s unpredictable shifts in tempo and style.
Gorod’s performance was a perfect storm of technicality and raw power, and the energy in the room was electric as the crowd fed off their chaotic brilliance. If there is one thing for sure, Gorod is one of the most innovative bands in Death Metal, and they delivered tonight.
Skeletal Remains
Next up, Skeletal Remains took to the stage, bringing their blistering brand of old-school Death Metal that seamlessly blends the raw aggression of early Death Metal with a more modern intensity. Hailing from the U.S., the band has made a name for themselves with their no-frills, unrelenting approach to Death Metal, and their live performance certainly lived up to their reputation.
Despite a few initial sound teething issues—some minor mix problems that caused the guitars to get buried early on—the band quickly found their groove and delivered an absolutely punishing set.
From the first riff, Skeletal Remains proved they have got the technical chops to back up their reputation. The crowd was immediately hooked, with fans thrashing and moshing along to every breakneck riff and pounding beat.
Vocalist Chris Monroy commanded the stage with his guttural growls and intense presence, while guitarists Raynor de Latorre and Elliott Sisson shredded through their solos with speed and precision. The rhythm section, anchored by drummer Charlie Koryn, was an absolute beast, hammering out blast beats and complex patterns that had the pit moving non-stop.
By the time the sound issues were resolved, Skeletal Remains were firing on all cylinders, and the crowd had completely bought into their high-energy, no-nonsense approach. Their set was a solid demonstration of their musicality and passion, and they left a lasting impression on the audience—proving they are a band to watch in the future of Death Metal.
Despite the initial hiccups, Skeletal Remains absolutely crushed it.
Obscura
As the night reached its peak, Obscura stormed the stage, unleashing an electrifying performance that left the crowd in complete awe. With jaw-dropping virtuosity and flawless precision, they reaffirmed their status as titans of Technical Death Metal.
The set was a relentless barrage of intricate compositions and high-speed shredding, proving once again why they stand at the pinnacle of the genre.
The atmosphere was nothing short of surreal. Dry ice billowed around the O2 Academy Islington, swirling like a demonic presence, casting an eerie glow that made the band seem like entities rising from the very depths of hell.
The fog thickened with every beat, amplifying the intensity of each brutal riff and thunderous blast beat as if the music itself were coming from another dimension—each note reverberating deeply through the crowd’s bones.
Obscura’s flawless technical execution, paired with the dramatic stage effects, crafted an unforgettable experience. From the complex intricacies of Akróasis to the full-throttle aggression of The Anticosmic Overload, each track was a testament to their ability to seamlessly blend beauty and brutality.
The crowd was completely absorbed, lost in the unrelenting ferocity of the music, while the visual effects only heightened the feeling that they were witnessing something monumental.
By the time they tore into Septuagint for the encore, it felt as though the entire room had been transported to another realm, swept away by the sheer force of Obscura’s performance.
If there is one thing this show proved, it is that Obscura, led by Steffen Kummerer (vocals/guitar), continues to reign supreme as one of the most innovative, skilful and captivating forces in the Death Metal scene.
Obscura – Setlist
- Forsaken
- Silver Linings
- Evenfall
- Emergent Evolution
- In Solitude
- Devoured Usurper
- Akróasis
- The Sun Eater
- The Anticosmic Overload
- When Stars Collide
Encore: Septuagint
