Neurosis - live in London

On 2nd December we went for a quick trip to London, just to see one of the heavy music legends – Neurosis. I must say that I’ve never been a maniac fan of them, the only album I really used to know was “The Eye of Every Storm” (what a shame, I know). I found about it when I was 17 – my cousin bought it and I was attracted by its cover. And later I realized that music was also very unusual compared to my taste that time. So disquieting, dreary, but also compelling. I have been listening that album every now and then, but still without diving into their whole discography. But in November they released new work entitled ‘Honor Found in Decay’. It’s not their best album, but I truly love it. ‘At the well’ gives me thrills, and whole album looks like made specially for rainy, cold autumn. So when we found out about exclusive concert in UK this year, we couldn’t resist, even it was actually before the premiere of the record. 

A lot of Polish people attended this show and we all had to wait in a long queue to get inside the HMV Forum. I really liked the place, because it looked like an old theatre with balcony above our heads. There were old-fashioned chandaliers and ornaments on ceiling, so we could feel really unique atmosphere of whole event. The venue was totally packed and we all were waiting impatiently. 

The evening started with performance of Godflesh –amazing duo of Justin K. Broadrick and Ben Green. It’s not easy to see them live at gig and having a chance to experience their music just before Neurosis seemed to be so unreal. But it happened on that Sunday and gratefully I was a part of it. It was the first time I have watched someone’s performance without drummer. Just one guitarist and one bassist and drums from playback. It was a new experience, but I didn’t feel a lack of anything. The gave us a powerful show, enriched by really suggestive visuals. 

And then after short break we felt like out of London, out of Europe, or even out of our world. Neurosis started their concert with ‘Distill’ and I was watching totally hypnotized. So much energy, so much power. Flawless sound that made floor under my feet moving. I was staying still but I thought I would fall down. Even I think now it wasn’t the best concert in my life (there is a lot of competition here) I’ve never had this feeling before. Everything was vibrating, like in trance. I couldn’t suppose that some old guys are able to impress me (and most of audience) so much after countless concerts I’ve ever been to. I am so glad that I was there. Once in the lifetime music opportunity: Godflesh + Neurosis.