Combichrist - Storm the capital!!!

August 16th 2022

London, Islington Assembly Hall, UK

****

Combichrist are more brutal than ever!!!

Combichrist **** are a band I have not seen for a little while now, their has been a few line-up changes and their sound has gone towards a little bit more Metal. If you want to say that Combichrist do anything in small motions, Combichrist are a band that do things in a big way. And this is something I have always loved about them, their pure aggression and wall of sound. I was wondering how their set would work in the Islington, Assembly Hall, a venue used normally for quiter shows. But actually it seemed to work quite well, the sound was amazing and the show looked great. Which would make me want to see more heavy bands in this venue, in the future.

I actually can't believe it's been just over three years since the release of 2019's 'One Fire', which they only play 'Hate like Me' off. Which is a little surprising because of the banner ext... is all from that album, it might have been nice to hear a couple more of this record. But maybe the time has gone for that, because they played a show at the London, Electric Brixton around the time of it's released. I was just a little surprised that already they had decided to cut songs from what is probably seen still as the new record, which is a little disappointing. But what is great they play a brand new song 'Heads Off', and are confident enough to open with it (which is a very bold statement). Which makes me on the edge of my seat with anticipation for their new record, if all the other songs are going to be this good.

Andy comes to the stage with his hood up, and is a haunting figure as he breaks into this track. The current line-up consists of Andy LaPlegua (Vocals) / Eric 13 (Guitar) / Dane White (Drums) / Jamie Cronander (Guitar / Keyboards / Percussion) and Elliott Berlin (Bass / Keyboards / Percussion). One of the other things I like is that Combichrist use the whole stage, everywhere you look their is something to watch. There is nothing boring about Combichrist, they know how to put on a good show. Which is almost turning into the Combichrist party, which is shown in their meet and greets (VIP) and tracks like 'Maggots at the Party'. I think what the fans really want in a classic Combichrist performance is the rhythmic Electronic drum lead frantic beats, which are most present in songs like the classic 'Get your body Beats', 'What the F**k is wrong with You'. Both of these would have to be present in any fans dream setlist, I couldn't see anyone leaving them out.

Ok maybe they have a different flair without drummer Joe Letz (Aesthetic Perfection / Emigrate / Ex-Amen / Genitorturers), who was always a favourite of mine I have to admit. But I have to admit they are still standout in the set in the London set, and make you go away into your week in the right way. 'Not my Enemy' sounds really nasty load, which is really enjoyable. But I think for me 'Blut Royale' is my personally highlight in the bands set, this is a track that has grown on me every time I hear it done live. I also think Elliott Berlin has really come into his own in the last few years, he is not a vital part of every evening in every way. I have not seen this guy, not running around to somewhere to make sure something is done. And I think this is why Combichrist are so great live, because they all work as a team.

I am not entirely sure if I have seen guitarist Jamie Cronander play in Combichrist before, but I think he is really great. He is a great spooky figure in the corner, and a great presence on stage playing some interesting riffs. So hope he stays in the band for a long time, because I really enjoyed seeing him play. I have to say I have seen Combichrist better in the past, but this is not to say this is not a great Combichrist performance. Because I think Combichrist have set their standards so high high in the past, that I feel some of their past live shows would be hard to be beaten by anybody. Like a classic performance at the Out of Line Weekender which was mind blowing, and London, Heaven another show that they were just on form for. If you want to see a great Industrial Metal / Electronica / EBM / Metal band live you can't go wrong with catching Combichrist when they play near you.

Review and Photos by Dan Devour

Combichrist - Setlist
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Heads Off
Not my Enemy
Throat full of Glass
Get your body Beat
Blut Royale
Compliance
Hate like Me
Can't Control
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Maggots at the Party
What the F**k is wrong with You?