With a darker sky above and the promise of rain, Darkness over Cumbria begins earlier on Day Two.
It begins with a new band for me, Oneiros. They begin with a suitable growl and venom and immediately impress.They have a dual guitar sound that massively ticks my box, and they have no issue with a guitar solo either. Their tunes are crunchy and cool while the vocal growls are menacing and evil. These are some very good head-banging tunes to start the day. The single Born of the Void is introduced by vocalist and songwriter Alex Wills before the band tear into it. This one track is a perfect example of the skill and song writing this band have to offer.
The next band Defod are no strangers to Darkness Over Cumbria and are the first of a Welsh double bill. Their atmospheric black metal tunes with a pagan edge also fit well into the tree-lined arena. Defod’s tunes carry weight in their slower pace. The bass guitar is struck with wallop and precision, while the vocals swirl around the afternoon stage. While their tunes are atmospheric, they still contain blast beats and malice. Speeding up and then slowing down, there is a musical flair contained in their music and song writing. The crowd is large for this band containing many Defod fans and T shirts, and we particularly enjoy a new song that is introduced to us. Through the wailing feedback, symbols crash and pagan black metal reigns in Cumbria.
The Miserable Metal Mind Podcast recommended Ofnus are the second of the Welsh invaders and take no time in lashing into their tunes from their Time Held Me Grey and Dying album. Already reviewed and discussed on our podcast, this band carry a stellar reputation in our world. This is however, my first experience of them live. The vocal talent of the screeching vocalist William Philpot is the first thing my festival mates mention to me, followed shortly by the quality of the band. Both are exceptional. Soaring black metal guitar solos flow from the stage while the miserable and haunting tunes impress the crowd. Drummer Ethan Reed Spargo shows no fatigue despite pulling double duty (he's also drummed for Oneiros). I find myself using the word outstanding as I congratulate the band as their set concludes, such is their quality.
It’s then time for Satanic punky, thrash merchants Aggressive Perfector to ruin our necks and break our bodies. A lot of the crowd happily assist in this goal. If you’re not in the pit, you are banging or nodding your head as this Manchester trio containing most of the band Wode. Onwards to the Cemetery causes more bodies to join the dust clouds spiralling around the pit, along with installing massive smiles on the rest of the crowd. The thrashy intent never wanes, the melee of the pit never subsides. And nor should it. Their tunes are immersed in heavy metal, with a punk edge topped off with thrashing guitars. This is a very good experience. There is a longer break before the next band giving us time to rest and reflect on what we have just witnessed. Also providing time for the sky to crack and unleash gallons of water down onto the festival. People shelter under the festival’s roof, or at their tent. But we do shelter.
Some of us drink, but we do shelter. Gyrdleah’s evil black tunes bring us back to the music, corpse paint, studs and inverted crucifixes reign on the stage as they plough into their wicked tunes. Vocalist and songwriter Flagrum is joined by various musicians including Nefarious Dust’s bass player. They create a demonic atmosphere, with candles being handed out to the audience only adding to the ambience. Their music manages to make heads bang fast, as well a rhythmic nod when the tunes slow to a menacing groove. Songs from 2023’s album Spellbinder go down very well with their combination of atmosphere and power.
Having had time to rest, members of Aggressive Perfector return as the four-piece Wode. Being a fan of this band excitement was rushing through my body. I have witnessed their devastating live show before and was hoping for the same. The thrash/black metal that rages from the stage does not disappoint. Their aggressive metal draws a pit, something I can’t resist, meaning my live notes are a little lacking! The pit is violent but friendly, the music is war-like. The atmosphere is electric. Fast growling riffs jet from the Cumbrian stage entertaining the crowd. Horns and plastic cups are raised in appreciation of the set just performed. We bump fists at the front, congratulating ourselves for not dying in the melee.
French black metal Lords Cénotaphe immediately grab hold of the crowd with their fast-screeching tunes. With their hands around the audience’s necks, their grip is relentless. With vocals in their native tongue, they rip into Fell Foot Farm like a sacrificial dagger through the heart of a virgin. This is a powerful set to observe, the music is strong, and the crowd is up for it. Majestical songs about tragedy and the stars once more fit perfectly in this Lakeland surrounding. Cénotaphe prove they are worthy headliners to this gem of a festival, maybe they will perform at an Olympic ceremony of their own one day.
The next band Defod are no strangers to Darkness Over Cumbria and are the first of a Welsh double bill. Their atmospheric black metal tunes with a pagan edge also fit well into the tree-lined arena. Defod’s tunes carry weight in their slower pace. The bass guitar is struck with wallop and precision, while the vocals swirl around the afternoon stage. While their tunes are atmospheric, they still contain blast beats and malice. Speeding up and then slowing down, there is a musical flair contained in their music and song writing. The crowd is large for this band containing many Defod fans and T shirts, and we particularly enjoy a new song that is introduced to us. Through the wailing feedback, symbols crash and pagan black metal reigns in Cumbria.
The Miserable Metal Mind Podcast recommended Ofnus are the second of the Welsh invaders and take no time in lashing into their tunes from their Time Held Me Grey and Dying album. Already reviewed and discussed on our podcast, this band carry a stellar reputation in our world. This is however, my first experience of them live. The vocal talent of the screeching vocalist William Philpot is the first thing my festival mates mention to me, followed shortly by the quality of the band. Both are exceptional. Soaring black metal guitar solos flow from the stage while the miserable and haunting tunes impress the crowd. Drummer Ethan Reed Spargo shows no fatigue despite pulling double duty (he's also drummed for Oneiros). I find myself using the word outstanding as I congratulate the band as their set concludes, such is their quality.
It’s then time for Satanic punky, thrash merchants Aggressive Perfector to ruin our necks and break our bodies. A lot of the crowd happily assist in this goal. If you’re not in the pit, you are banging or nodding your head as this Manchester trio containing most of the band Wode. Onwards to the Cemetery causes more bodies to join the dust clouds spiralling around the pit, along with installing massive smiles on the rest of the crowd. The thrashy intent never wanes, the melee of the pit never subsides. And nor should it. Their tunes are immersed in heavy metal, with a punk edge topped off with thrashing guitars. This is a very good experience. There is a longer break before the next band giving us time to rest and reflect on what we have just witnessed. Also providing time for the sky to crack and unleash gallons of water down onto the festival. People shelter under the festival’s roof, or at their tent. But we do shelter.
Some of us drink, but we do shelter. Gyrdleah’s evil black tunes bring us back to the music, corpse paint, studs and inverted crucifixes reign on the stage as they plough into their wicked tunes. Vocalist and songwriter Flagrum is joined by various musicians including Nefarious Dust’s bass player. They create a demonic atmosphere, with candles being handed out to the audience only adding to the ambience. Their music manages to make heads bang fast, as well a rhythmic nod when the tunes slow to a menacing groove. Songs from 2023’s album Spellbinder go down very well with their combination of atmosphere and power.
Having had time to rest, members of Aggressive Perfector return as the four-piece Wode. Being a fan of this band excitement was rushing through my body. I have witnessed their devastating live show before and was hoping for the same. The thrash/black metal that rages from the stage does not disappoint. Their aggressive metal draws a pit, something I can’t resist, meaning my live notes are a little lacking! The pit is violent but friendly, the music is war-like. The atmosphere is electric. Fast growling riffs jet from the Cumbrian stage entertaining the crowd. Horns and plastic cups are raised in appreciation of the set just performed. We bump fists at the front, congratulating ourselves for not dying in the melee.
French black metal Lords Cénotaphe immediately grab hold of the crowd with their fast-screeching tunes. With their hands around the audience’s necks, their grip is relentless. With vocals in their native tongue, they rip into Fell Foot Farm like a sacrificial dagger through the heart of a virgin. This is a powerful set to observe, the music is strong, and the crowd is up for it. Majestical songs about tragedy and the stars once more fit perfectly in this Lakeland surrounding. Cénotaphe prove they are worthy headliners to this gem of a festival, maybe they will perform at an Olympic ceremony of their own one day.
Finally, as the music has ceased there is only one last thing for us and that is the ceremony carried out by local legend Barry the Baptist.
Blazing torches are lit, and we parade together following said torches to the moon pond in the woods. This pagan ritual is more relaxed than last year, but very well attended. Willing participants are baptised to bring them closer to nature and the incredible weekend is over.
This festival is a shining example of what like-minded people can achieve seeking the same goal. I am sure behind the scenes there are many hardships to endure in putting this festival on, but I have to say, both myself and everyone I spoke to very much appreciates what these guys put on.
If you don’t fancy waiting until next year for more of the same, the festival returns in the same location in October - tickets here
Review and photos by Neil 'Thrashtash' Bolton.
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