You can support Terra Relicta by donating! Please, do so, and thank you!
A week ago, Channel Zero (Ljubljana, Slovenia) hosted two doom legends: UK funeral doom outfit Esoteric and Danish melancholic doom metallers Saturnus.
I'm well aware gig reports should come sooner, but what can I say - it was a busy week. So, here it finally is - with no praise good enough! The relatively small place, Channel Zero, was almost full, and the sound engineers did a fantastic job. But first thing first...
About a few hours before the gig, Tomaz and I met up with Saturnus' founder and vocalist Thomas and guitarist Julio for the interview, which we'll soon share with you. A little later, the other "primal" band member, bassist Brian and the other guitarist, Indee, joined the relaxed conversation. I'd say we only missed drummer Henrik and keyboardist Mika, but considering we were already crowded enough in the upper level of the tour bus, I guess we better didn't, though it would be nice to meet them also - hopefully some other time, and soon. After about 40 minutes of the interview, a quick drink followed and then - Esoteric: four songs in about an hour. Well, it's Esoteric - the band with seven full-lengths in its discography and rare tracks under 10 minutes. Esoteric brought us - slowly and precisely - to a psychedelic/funeral atmosphere and left us there till Saturnus' time. The guitar leads were breathtaking and technically perfect. Interestingly, all three guitarists are the last to join the band; and not long ago either. The performance was, funerary, as supposed; I wouldn't even mind if it was my funeral, though I would still like to hear Saturnus live before ending up six feet under.
Saturnus' repertoire was three times more extensive - regarding the number of tracks. And what a repertoire and its execution it was! I was sitting on a balcony, having a perfect view over the stage, although not needed since I mostly had my eyes closed. If there was heaven, it should be like this. Then I'd have nothing to complain about. Perhaps only about loud discussions, which don't only bother other attendees but, even more importantly, the performing artists that sometimes, like this time, have to adjourn the performance and ask for some quiet to continue...
Back to heaven, where sounds of sadness and nostalgia gave birth to some "Überlebensgefühl" (over-feeling): from "Forest Of Insomnia", "Embraced By Darkness", "All Alone", to brand new "The Calling", and "A Father's Providence" for closing. No providence brought us to this concert, but the decision - and, one of the best ones like the concert was one of the best in years (including the pre-pandemic era). I can only wish for more such fulfilling experiences. With best regards till the next gig report!
Report by Jerneja
Photos/video by Tomaz
Saturnus - Embraced By Darkness
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
