Dublin was treated to a thunderous showcase of Extreme Metal and Atmospheric Folk/Black Metal on the 18th of October, as four powerful acts took to the stage at The Academy. From the blistering intensity of local openers Coscradh, to the mythic grandeur of headliners Primordial, it was a night that highlighted the diversity and depth of the heavier end of the metal spectrum.
Doors were scheduled to open at 5pm, and while the venue technically did open on time, attendees were directed to a different part of the building as some bands were still finishing up their soundchecks. Delays like this can sometimes dampen the energy, but Dublin’s metal crowd seasoned and supportive took it in stride. As it turned out, the wait was well worth it. While the night began slightly behind schedule, the stage crew impressively made up time during changeovers, keeping the momentum strong throughout the evening.
Coscradh, the Dublin-based death metal outfit, kicked off the night with unrelenting aggression. Their set was short but savage, a raw assault of riffs and blast beats that set the tone for the chaos to come. Despite being first on the bill, the band commanded attention, earning roars of approval from the hometown crowd.
Next up was Switzerland’s Bølzer, a duo with a colossal sound. Known for their unique blend of blackened death metal and atmospheric experimentation, they delivered a set that felt both primal and transcendent. Vocalist/guitarist KzR’s howls echoed through the venue like ancient war cries, matched by cavernous guitar tones that rumbled through the chest. Their chemistry as a two-piece continues to astound, creating soundscapes that feel far larger than the sum of their parts.
The third act of the night, Scotland’s Saor, brought a welcome change of pace without losing an ounce of intensity. Merging atmospheric folk elements with black metal fury, their set transported the audience through misty highlands and ancient battlefields. The soaring melodies and melancholic undertones were a stark contrast to the raw aggression of the previous acts, a reminder that metal can be both brutal and beautiful.
Finally, Primordial took the stage to a hero’s welcome. As titans of Irish extreme metal, their presence always carries weight, and this night was no exception. Frontman Alan Averill commanded the stage with theatrical intensity, his voice a powerful force that cut through the venue like a blade. The setlist pulled from across their storied discography, with crowd favourites like “Empire Falls”, “Gallows Hymn”, and “The Coffin Ships” igniting the room. The audience, as always, gave it their all, proving once again that Dublin’s metal community is among the most passionate and respectful in the world.
On the technical side, sound quality was consistently excellent across all performances, punchy, clear, and well-balanced, especially given the sonic extremes on display. However, the lighting left something to be desired. Predominantly low reds and blues with heavy backlighting made the stage look flat and, at times, lazily lit. Having photographed Primordial at the same venue in April 2024, where both sound and lights were exceptional, it was a bit of a letdown to see less effort in the visual department this time around.
Still, the minor technical gripe did little to tarnish what was otherwise a masterclass in metal performance. From local underground brutality to internationally renowned atmospheric soundscapes, this gig was a celebration of heavy music in all its forms and proof that Dublin remains a vital stronghold for metal culture.
Coscradh photos:
Bølzer photos:
Saor photos:
Primordial photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Gods to the Godless
The Golden Spiral
Gallows Hymn
The Gathering Wilderness
Traitors Gate
The Soul Must Sleep
No Nation on This Earth
The Burning Season
Cities Carved in Stone
The Coffin Ships
Empire Falls
To Enter Pagan
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic