17-12-2009 Mortiis

Supports: Deadcell; Venue: Watt, Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
By: Sabine van Gameren

The Norwegian industrial metal band Mortiis was in The Netherlands for a couple try out shows before the release of their new album comes in sight. The played in Watt, Rotterdam this evening and were supported by the Dutch ban Deadcell.

Deadcell seems to pop up every time an industrial band comes to The Netherlands as it seems. Not exactly a punishment as this band surely knows how to built a party. Colleagues magazines mentioned them as “the best Dutch band in its genre” which might also have to do with the fact that there are not too many of them.

The band has an interactive element in their show with the video background that supports their causes. The band started calmly to become more intense when the sets gets further. The one who gets the most attention for her add to the music is guitarist Snowflake, who seemed to be the most active one in the start. Vocalist Marcus Bodine is right beside her though and when the point comes he puts on his huge helmet he is that crowned emperor that owns the stage. Vocals are not aggressive from sound and perhaps open for a wide range of audience. Deadcell will get to the top eventually, it’s just a matter of time.

The Norwegian Mortiis is from a different caliber though. Starting off with the song “Decadent and Desperate” they immediately set the tone for the show. The start did not went smoothly, some technical problems came up and guitarist Levi Gawron broke a snare, but this did not break the fresh mood and good vibes with whom this gig was started. The band seemed motivated and relaxed, way more than the last time I had seen them on a festival.

They played some old songs, but also some new songs that had the stereotypical distorted guitar sound that Mortiis is known for in them but were played with a bit more freedom for each individual musician and especially the guitarists. This reminded me of the interview that Mortiis had done on their own DVD, in which was stated that he did not allow ego’s to stand forward in the music. To judge on what was seen now they stayed true to that, but nevertheless it gives space for them to show their own parts a bit, mostly in a way that a daddy let’s his children show of their skills but respects them all without allowing one to rise above the rest.

The show took about 60 minutes, which was due a late stage time not be completely seen by everyone, as some people had to leave earlier to catch a train, which they due to the heavy snow outdoors was a challenge as well. Nevertheless, the audience seemed to have a good time. The show was intimate and memorable in the Watt basement which gives space up to 300 visitors.