Belphegor - The Devils North American Tour

Arriving at the Oriental Theater I knew one thing for sure, this was going to be a night of some serious metal. Black metal, death metal, folk metal, and pagan metal, with powerful vocalist’s that will set your ears on fire! Starting the night off was Denver’s own, Vale of Pnath. They unleashed their sound onto the crowd and this night of extreme metal began. Vocalist Ken Sorceron poured out his hardcore vocals as the crowd threw up the horns and started headbanging. This continued throughout the band's set filling every inch of the venue with the power of their music. They finished their set and the crowd let them know their appreciation from the band's powerful opening of the show.

Vale of Pnath members:

Vance Valenzuela Guitars (2006-present)

Ken Sorceron Vocals (2020-present)

Austin Rolla Bass (2023-present)

Gabe SeeberDrums (2023-present

It had been a few years since I last saw Arkona and was looking forward to seeing them again. Arkona is known for its blend of folk metal with pagan influences and they sing in Russian which is their native language. Maria “Masha Scream” Arkhipova, vocalist and keyboardist “has spoken about their decision to sing in Russian, emphasizing its connection to their musical identity and the themes they explore”. Arkona took to the stage, each wearing a long gray cloak, started their set with the song, “Kob” from their album of the same name. This is their 9th album released in 2023. Maria’s raspy growls fill the air and though you may not understand the language, the music helps with the flow of each song. Throughout their set, the music would be light, heavy, and dark.

Though you may not understand the language, listening to Maria’s vocals and the powerful musicians behind her, you can feel the strength in their music. Arkona finished their set with “Zimushka” from their 2011 album Slovo. The crowd cheered in thanks as the band said good night.

Arkona members:

Maria "Masha Scream" Arkhipova – vocals, keyboards (2002-present)

Sergei "Lazar" Atrashkevich – guitars (2003-present)

Ruslan "Kniaz" Rosomaherov – bass (2003-present)

Alexander "Noff" Smirnov – drums (2021-present)

Setlist:

Kob'

Ydi

Ugasaya

Mor

Goi, Rode, Goi!

Zimushka

The stage was set for Belphegor and it was an interesting stage to see. (see photo gallery) With heavy fog and lights coming from every direction, Belphegor made their way onto the stage and opened their set with, “The Procession” and let the headbanging begin! The powerful opening to their set awakened the senses and it was only the beginning. “The Devil’s Son” was pulsating and heart pounding as Helmuth poured out his aggressive growls as the crowd was now moving. The power of the band and the lighting was mesmerising as I tried to capture it all through my lens. Their setlist took you back and forth in time reminding you of the intense and punishing sound developed over the years. With songs, “Belphegor - Hell's Ambassador” from 2006, “Pactum in Aeternum” from 2014. To the intense “Lucifer Incestus” from 2003.

To witness this show live was a real journey for me. Photographing it was just as intense as the music powering through the fog and lighting. I believe I was able to do just that. You be the judge. Belphegor finished their set with, “Totentanz - Dance Macabre”. A short break and they returned to top off an amazing powerful night, the hardest metal show I have seen in some time with, “Gasmask Terror” from 2014.

This is a must see show for all you die hard metal fans and I would like to thank

Belphegor personally for allowing me to do a promo shoot with them after the show.