On November 18, 2024, Symphonic Death Metal band Septicflesh announced they would return to North America on a headliner run with Vltimas and Ex Deo supporting them. What was even more exciting is that the tour would coincide with the release of their new EP, “Amphibians”.
What’s interesting about the new EP is that it contains orchestral versions of “History Repeats Itself”, and “The Experiment”. In 2019, Septicflesh performed with an orchestra and choir at the Metropolitan Theatre of Mexico City for the first time. Later in 2024, Septicflesh would again perform with an orchestra and choir in Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Unfortunately, a couple of weeks before the start of the tour, due to the increasing delays in visa processing, two members of Ex Deo didn’t receive the proper documentation on time, which led to the band canceling their appearance. Luckily, Melodic Black Metal band Stormuler would replace Ex Deo.
After eighteen tour dates, Septicflesh, Vltimas, and Stormruler would finally descend on their nineteenth and final stop, New York, NY at the Gramercy Theatre.
For those who haven’t been to Gramercy Theatre, it’s a nice mid-sized music venue in NYC that can accommodate 650 people. This setting was a perfect way to end the Modern Primitive In North America Tour.
Stormruler
Based in St. Louis, MI, and founded by Jason Asberry (vocals, guitars) and Jesse Schobel (drums), Melodic Black Metal band Stormruler was the first opener of the show. Not every day, one gets to see a Black Metal band from St. Louis perform; Stormruler is no exception. As far as influences, bands such as Dissection and Dark Funeral are prevalent sonically but lyrically, the band talks about mythology, war, and history instead of diving deep into Satanism. What’s amazing about Stormruler is that they keep the roots of traditional Black Metal intact but add their flavor to the mix, keeping it interesting as a whole. In some instances, one can hear some Thrash/Death Metal, leading to the band not remaining rigid regarding Black Metal. Stormruler’s wardrobe consisted of spikes, dark clothing, and props, including a sword, which denotes war preparation.
Most of the songs performed were from their latest album, “Sacred Rites & Black Magick”, released in 2022 via Napalm Records, which includes “Ten Heralds, Ten Desolations”, “Internal Fulmination of the Grand Deceivers”, and the title track. The crowd enjoyed their set, and the essence of darkness prevailed in the air, welcoming the next band, Vltimas.
Vltimas
With the portal of darkness fully opened and a crowd full of anticipation, Vltimas entered the stage after Stormruler. Formed in 2015 by guitarist Rune Eriksen and legendary Death Metal vocalist David Vincent, Vltimas knows no bounds. As a band, one can say that their style is Death Metal, but with a more blackened approach. In some instances, the songs had a groovy nature, but the elements that remained consistent were evil and primitive. The uniform on stage was wicked, leading only to the realms of the dark.
Most of the songs that Vltimas performed were from their latest album titled “Epic”, released in 2024 via Season Of Mist Records, which includes “Invictus”, “Miserere”, “Scorcher”, “Mephisto Manifesto”, and the title track. In between songs, David Vincent’s stage banter was interesting, and one couldn’t help but see him as a dark priest who gave a quick eulogy to commemorate the themes and ambiance of each sinister track. The ominous presence of Vltimas surely wasn’t enough for the crowd, seeing that the anticipation for the headliner, Septicflesh, grew exponentially high. With the haunting and dismal atmosphere filling the air, the arrival of Septicflesh was imminent.
Septicflesh
One of the masters of Symphonic Death Metal founded in the early 90s, Septicflesh performed after Vltimas and was the night’s headliner. The monstrous vocals paired with grand orchestral soundscapes added to the grandiosity of the event. The sound would become even more intense if a live orchestra was added to the mix onstage. With themes ranging from mythology to the occult, the crowd loved Septicflesh’s presence and suspenseful aura.
The show in NYC was the tour’s last stop, and one couldn’t help but wonder if there would be any surprises. What was lovely about Septicflesh’s set was the balance of song choices. With 11 full-length releases, it can be difficult to set up a balanced setlist, but most of the songs performed were from their latest albums including “Modern Primitive”, “Codex Omega”, and “Communion”. “Virtues of the Beast “, a select song from their “Sumerian Daemons” album, was a nice addition. As the show was approaching its end, David Vincent was invited to the stage and joined Septicflesh as they performed the song “Anubis”. The evening ended with “Dark Art”, and the crowd filled the venue with boisterous cheering as devoted disciples. The Modern Primitive In North America Tour has reached its end, but the spirit of these Greek titans lives on.
