Gothminister - The ministry triumphant in London

****3/4

Impressive live show from the Goth / Industrialists

Gothminister ****3/4 are a bit of a break are back in the UK, for a short tour. With the last night being in Tufnell Park, support at the show came from King Satan and Psycholies with Deadfilmstar pulling out at the last minute. The has been a little resurgence for Goth and Industrial music in the UK, but it still doesn't get the credit and coverage it deserves in England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales. And tonight's show really shows that, because it is so enjoyable. And I think people that are not even into this genre would really enjoy it. So if your reading this, and are not sure you like this kind of music... why don't you go to a show and give it a try.

After the 'Aftermath' intro the band open their set, the Gothminister has an evil king with a Goblin esq. Vampire as his microphone stand. He looks so menacing and so cool as he blasts out into first song 'Pandemonium'. I have to admit, I have never seen Gothminister live before... even though I have always wanted to. This is because they have always announced their tour, when I have already had comitments to be somewhere else. Not that I wasn't interested in what they are doing, because I have listened to them for years and always have thought they are a unique band that has so many elements to their music.

I think my favourite song in the set is 'Sinister', it is one of the songs with the most crowd participation and it goes down so well in their set. what I like about Gothminister they have heavy riffs of bands like Die Krupps and Rammstein, but at the same time mix it up with electronic sounds of bands such as Das Ich and a soundscape of sounds that could come from Game of Thrones or even a Horror movie. They really have a nice blend of ideas, and a great stage show to boot. Even though because of the size of the show / venue, and the fact it costs a lot to ship over the full props and costumes. The show is a little more stripped down. But don't you worry, this didn't effect how good the show was and everything looked so cool.

The band have a great intensity to them which is shown on tracks like 'Demons' and 'I am the Devil' (You can see the Video for this at the bottom of the page), but at they same time have great melodies which from their synths which come on the backing track tonight. They are a four piece consisting of  Bjørn Alexander Brem (Aka The Gothminister) - Lead Vocals, Programming, Instruments / Glenn Nilsen - Guitars and Ketil Eggum - Guitar,  and they are joined by a live drummer.

Strangely I would compare some of their performance to the likes of Power Metal band Powerwolf, but I am sure Gothminister have been around so many years before them. I think it is elements of the bands culture coming out, which is Germanic and European. The band sound quite European, and this is what you want from them. This sound really goes over well for bands of this genre, and I think Gothminister know how to use it as a major advantage. Other great songs in their set are 'I am the Devil', 'Pandemonium' and the awesome 'Battle of the Underworlds' which they close the set with. There is a few great moments with some cool lasers, which they shine at the audience... I have just had an eye opperation so had to be a little careful not to be hit by these. They certainly do look good in the dark room, along with some flashing in time lights.

They have so many great elements to their set, including giant Warewolves, Zombies, Monsters and Ray Noir guesting on 'This is your Darkness'... not to mention some added guitar provided by Chris Milden (NFD) and a burning book... which looked like a Bible. I will certainly be going to see Gothminister next time they play, and maybe even purching that £50 boxset of all their albums (Which they where selling at the merchandise booth... but sadly didn't have enough money on me to buy). But I think I will order it online, so I know all the songs for next time I see them.

They seem to have so many die hard fans, that sang every word and some people even came from Norway to see them. So many of my friends where also in attendance at the show, which really enhanced the experience. But it didn't need anymore enhancing, because Gothminister where so impressive. I didn't expect to enjoy them as much as I did, but the fact they put everything into the performance made this evening something quite special. Even my friend that went said "I have seen them a few times before, and they just keep getting better and beeter". So make sure you go and see Gothminister next time they play in the UK, I think you will really enjoy it.

Review and Photos by Dan Devour 

Gothminister - Setlist
-------------------------
Aftermath (Intro)
Pandemonium
Sinister
Someone is after Me
Ich will Alles
Stonehenge
Demons 
Monsters
Beauty after Midnight 
Star
The Procession
Utopia
Taking Over
We are the ones who rule the World
I am the Devil
The Sun
This is your Darkness
Angel 
Darkside
----------------
Dusk till Dawn
Liar 
Battle of the Underworlds

Check Out! the Video for 'I am the Devil' Below...