1349, Triptykon and Yakuza Concert Review

Without question, the debut album from Triptykon, Eparistera Daimones, will reside at or near the top of many year-end “best of” lists, mine included. Therefore, given that consideration and the fact that Triptykon is fronted by the legendary Tom G. Warrior, any appearance by Triptykon in Los Angeles is going to be very high on my concert going priority list. As an added bonus to the Weltenbrand Tour, firebrand black metal masters 1349 would appear on the bill as co-headliners, as well as support provided by the interesting sludge/ unclassifiable band Yakuza.

Yakuza were simply outclassed by the co-headliners on this bill, plain and simple. I’m not all that familiar with Yakuza, but they seem to be at their best when their approach is a meandering, sort of stoner-influenced jam on the lighter side. The more metallic moments of Yakuza simply cannot compare with the heavyweights appearing later, and the songwriting would seem to not be up to the task. In addition, unfortunately, the saxophone and clarinet employed by vocalist Bruce Lamont was nearly inaudible, detracting from Yakuza’s performance.

Triptykon were up next and, regardless of the blogosphere’s grumblings regarding 1349 playing above, I was at this show simply to see this band. Crushingly heavy with perfect sound, the set list chosen by Tom G. Warrior and company was pure gold, with Celtic Frost classics such as “Procreation (of the Wicked)”, “The Usurper”, and “Circle of the Tyrants” interwoven with now classic tracks from Eparistera Daimones. “Goetia,” the haunting “Abyss Within My Soul”, and “The Prolonging” were just mesmerizing in a live setting.

So was the inclusion of “Synagoga Satanae” from the very highly regarded concluding album from Celtic Frost, Monotheist. If any disappointment in the set can be possibly conceived of, I can only wish for Triptykon’s next appearance to include a live performance of “Dethroned Emperor” (as was included on the recently released EP, Shatter). Were that Triptykon were the only band on this bill, the rating of this concert would be five stars.

1349’s performance was instantly marred by bad sound. An inaudible microphone and a muted guitar were never really properly fixed throughout the entire performance, and the band’s frustration appeared evident as Ravn’s on stage glower was darker than usual. Regardless, as professionals, 1349 delivered a big set filled with popular songs. “Riders of the Apocalypse,” “Sculptor of Flesh,” When I Was Flesh,” and “Atomic Chapel” were all scorchers eagerly received by the crowd. Although filled with the band’s characteristic energy, I’ve seen better musical performances by 1349 in the past, as the musicianship wasn’t very tight. An off night, essentially, for 1349 from this listener’s perspective.

Overall

Triptykon were the reason for attending this show, no question. A five star performance from the rejuvenated Tom G. Warrior and the future of Triptykon seems very bright, indeed.

Disclosure: The company provided free access to this concert for review purposes. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.