dødheimsgard

Having given an insightful interview with Dayal Patterson earlier in the day in the theatre, Vicotnik and Dødheimsgard prepare to wow. The interview discussed his approach to writing music, his definitions of black metal and the influence of the early Norwegian black metal scene. It is an enthralling listen to someone that has been there, done that, and got the t-shirt.

When their stage time arrives, they play a full rendition of their latest magnum opus, 2023’s Black Medium Current. Lauded on release, the album features plenty of extreme black metal passages in the truest sense, however the album as whole is wildly progressive. Incense fills the air, and there is much tension in the room with the anticipation of what is to come. Like Akercocke, they utilise the visual aspect of the stage setup perfectly, if not better. DHG have nine people making up the live band and this makes for a grandiose show where each musician can be seen feeling every fibre of the music.

‘Theres a long road ahead…let’s commence…this is Tankespinnerens Smerte,’ says the enigmatic Vicotnik. He’s not wrong. Black Medium Current is 70 minutes long, and is a complete trip. They pay tribute to a departed colleague in Vasilis Serdentiotis from Pulsar 1081. He had performed with the band at Roadburn Festival recently. Interstellar Nexus is a huge highlight of the show. As a whole, the overall drama is absolutely superb, offering the kind of pomp that makes music and art superb. ‘Are you loving it?!’ asks Vicotnik. A resounding ‘yes’ is the answer. It is an absolutely spellbinding performance that will be talked about in the annals of Fortress folklore.

https://atthebarrier.com/2026/06/02/fortress-festival-2026-day-one-scarborough-spa-live-review/amp/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSM9oFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA1Tm1SR2hrQW9aR1dvZ0p5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoh1Dz48l39j0WqjHNXr1en8gUm76pgcZCuKqruQJHP4pGHoMxrGM787Xg4x_aem_wsGVc1w5_t2kWJyHwLffCA