Written by:	Abattoir
Published:	April 27, 2020
Event:	Cult Of Luna: European Tour 2019
Location:	Kino Siska, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Round 37 : Cult Of Luna, Brutus (BEL), A.A. Williams (04.12.2019 - Ljubljana/Slovenia) --> Venue: Kino Siska

The last month of this extensive, one-year-long touring journey has come upon us. Even though the previous two months (October & November) were not as rich in concert attendance from my part as they should have been, the very last month was here to offer an exciting dose of varied and, more importantly, quality music acts to say the least. The first out of three December shows already brought to the table none other than the mighty post-metal formation from Sweden, Cult Of Luna, presenting and promoting their latest exquisite musical output, A Dawn To Fear. Supporting them on this European trek were post-hardcore trio Brutus (BEL), also with a newly released full-length, and ambitious solo performer A.A. Williams, who plans to unleash her debut full-length record sometime this year.


A.A. WILLIAMS

As an opening act, starting this evening full of expectations, was A.A. Williams with her accompanying group. This London-based musician surfaced on the world map of music not long ago, with the release of her self-titled EP about a year ago. Recently, she also signed a new record deal for a debut full-length release this summer, which I'm looking forward to hearing. In 2019, A.A. Williams was quite active with touring around Europe, especially in the second part of the year. Her tunes resonate in the manner of alternative rock/dream pop compositions. The prologue of this evening began lightly with her slow, darkened melodies. What I really dig concerning her music and performance are the soulful, intimate vocals she is able to provide. Enviably executed.





BRUTUS (BEL)

The female leadership continued with a more intensive driving force: post-hardcore outfit Brutus (BEL). I was introduced to their music by listening to the second studio record, entitled Nest, so not too far prior to this event. In general I've never given much attention to post-hardcore music, but this was definitely an aural refreshment as well as a full-on electrified live performance. The Belgian trio prepared a 40-minute-long set with equally portioned tracks from both studio albums. In front of all the goings-on was a stunning frontwoman, drummer/vocalist Stefanie Mannaerts, who really kicked the hell out of those drums. And that was not the best thing happening - she executed a combination of her drumming with powerful (screaming) vocals without any struggle. The strength and variety of Stefanie's vocals are one of the main factors that had already gotten my attention from the very beginning, while listening and getting into the Nest album. She's the prevailing factor that contributes the additional dose of self-confidence and sovereignty to the band's overall performance. If you have the opportunity to catch Brutus (BEL) live on stage, do not hesitate. It's an experience worth seeing and hearing.








CULT OF LUNA

The female stage superiority was concluded, but the positive vibes and feelings? Not by a long shot. After two (surprisingly) exciting sets of two talented supporting acts, the stage and we, the audience, were ready for a transcendent appearance by Swedish post-metal powerhouse Cult Of Luna. The level of expectations was set high, although good studio performances and good live performances do not always go hand-in-hand and neither should be taken for granted. It can go either way (I have my own explanation of this; I'm not going to elaborate here, but it's simple and logical). Anyway, this sextet from Umeå have been in the foreground of the post-metal scene for more than a decade now, which they've indisputably confirmed with their latest full-length effort, A Dawn To Fear. Fear the dawn, but do not fear participating in the absorbing post-metal journey.




The background scene of the stage was set up with big, sail-like "sheets" (I couldn't find a more suitable word) that actually served as giant props for the (colourful) visual effects. With the seven-piece coming up, the stage was closely packed, and it was not a small one. Yes, seven indeed. As has been their usual when touring around the world in the last couple of years, the group completed their live line-up with an additional guitarist. Let's not forget that they have two sets of drums as well. It's not that common at live shows, but that makes them all the more special.




Cult Of Luna's 100-minute-long set consisted of nine songs, narrowed down to three chosen albums: A Dawn To Fear (four songs), Vertikal (three songs) and Somewhere Along The Highway (two songs). The majority of the songs clocked in at around 10 or 10+ minutes, tending to evolve gradually and suck you into the world of heavy soundscape expansiveness. Cutting through the noisier, heavier songs (especially the ones from their latest album) and calming down the atmosphere were super relaxed, drifting songs like "And With Her Came The Birds". The set list was strong enough, no doubt about it, though if I'd have to single out a song or two, "Finland" and "The Fall" would be my picks for this evening. I won't deal with the activity and performance quality of the individual members, because you can sense the completeness of the band, working prudently as a whole on the stage. Everyone was devoted to making their presentation and interpretation of the sound as close to perfection as it can get. And though I've never been "obsessed" or bothered with it too much, of course it's understandable that certain preferred bands or sub(genres) could "take advantage" of your preexisting feelings and general impressions.




If you have a liking for Cult Of Luna's music or are a post-metal enthusiast in general, then I can guarantee you that seeing this band live is an extraordinary, breathtaking experience, of which you shouldn't be left deprived. To use the aforementioned relationship or comparison regarding studio-live performances = win : win. Of course, let's not forget the more than enjoyable shows of the highly ambitious support groups, A.A. Williams and Brutus (BEL). This event turned out to be the peak of this year-long endeavour, which featured around 45 concert/festival days and around 90-100 music acts seen. And it's not the end of it.