Damnation Festival 2009

Leeds University Student Union was once again playing host to this years Damnation Festival 2009 and with a impressive line up yet again, this was setting up to be one special day. 

The day started out at the Terrorizer stage with the Australian Black Metal outfit Nazxul, for whom this was the first U.K appearance. Gracing the stage to the sound of an eerie backing track, they did not disappoint. Their raw sound of the low quality guitars mixed with impressive vocals made them a hit with the slowly growing crowd. This was a perfect start to a long day. 

Next over to the Rock Sound stage, where most of the bands I had come to see would be appearing. And So I Watch You From A Far, a band which I was not familiar previous, blew me away almost instantly. Their Post-Rock Instrumental take was a complete difference to Nazxul but not an unwelcome one. Their stage presence was an energetic one and the different contrasting elements of the songs made me eager to check them out on C.D. 

Electric Wizard, one of the reason I was very excited about the day, especially after their performance at Hellfest earlier in the year. This time venturing over to the main Jagermeister stage, to an already growing crowd I knew that I was not going to be disappointed. Opening with their infamous track Dopethrone it was apparent that this was going to be one loud performance. Their heavy riffs mixed with Black Sabbath esque doom elements and amazing vocals made their performance very special. They played four songs in total, Dopethrone, Dunwich, Satanic Rites of Drugula and Funeraloplis, a excellent end to one very loud and heavy show.

Making a hastey exit back down to the Rock Sound stage where the rest of the day would be held, I was excited to see A Storm Of Light a band which I had listened to previously on record and had high hopes. Disappointment was not something which I felt. Immediately the heavy but slow guitars and drums made it hard not to bang your head. Opening with the second track of their album And We Wept the Black Ocean Within, Vast and Endless, one of my favourite tracks. Playing to a packed room this is one band I would not turn down seeing again. 

Next up were This Will Destroy You, four bearded guys from Texas who once again I was very excited about after receiving their first full length self titled album. Opening with A Three-Legged Workhorse there sound was close to perfect. I knew instantly that this performance was not going to be one to miss. The flawless rendition of this song set the standard for the rest of the set. I was not by any means unhappy, hearing a few songs which I had never heard I knew exactly what I was going to be doing when I arrived home that night. The 45 minute set unfortunately flew over, I would of being very happy to stand and listen to them all night. The Post-Rock outfit are a must listen for any fan of this genre, highly recommended. 

Finally, Headlining the Rock Sound stage were Jesu one of my favourite bands at the moment. I had being looking forward to their set all day but unfortunately I was a little let down. Weather this was due to the technically difficulties lead singer Justin Broadrick was having or just not being their day. Never the less there were still some elements which sounded very good and all in all the performance was average. 

All in all the day was a success, and now looking forward to see what the Damnation team have in store for next year. 

Matthew Wright