Bell Witch/Fuoco Fatuo -
Corporation, Sheffield, Thursday 16th August 2023
On a brisk summer evening in Sheffield, metal enthusiasts gathered at the renowned Corporation venue, anticipation thick in the air, to witness a musical experience that transcended the ordinary.
The Italian funeral doom juggernaut, Fuoco Fatuo, took the stage. From the very first note, Fuoco Fatuo established an atmosphere of eerie mystique. The red-lit venue provided the perfect backdrop for their brand of crushing and introspective soundscapes.
The band's ability to weave a tapestry of dark emotions through their music was evident as they seamlessly transitioned from one composition to the next, each song an emotional rollercoaster.
The guttural growls and mournful, drawn-out riffs cascaded over the audience like waves of melancholy, yet strangely soothing, delivering an almost meditative experience. Fuoco Fatuo's performance wasn't just about the music; it was about the entire experience they crafted for the audience.
The red lighting, which really pushed the melancholic danger of their music and stage presence enhanced the eerie aura of the show. Fuoco Fatuo's performance was a testament to their mastery of crafting deeply immersive sonic landscapes.
The ethereal sounds of Bell Witch echoed from the walls of the Corp’ small room from the first note. The Seattle based doom duo, delivered an 80 minute set of dark, funeral metal that drove the suffering of their lyrics into the fibre of your very being.
The dimly lit ambiance was tailor-made and perfected for their haunting compositions, creating an immersive environment that blurred the lines between reality and the metaphysical.
Dylan Desmond's mastery over the bass guitar was on full display as he conjured a vast spectrum of emotions through his intricate plucking and bowing. The resonance of each note seemed to hang in the air like a weighty mist, enveloping the room in an aura of melancholic beauty.
Jesse Shreibman's drumming was equally mesmerising, with every beat and cymbal crash carrying a profound sense of longing and introspection. Bell Witch's performance at the Corp was not merely a concert; it was an exploration of the boundless potential of music to transcend conventional boundaries and evoke a profound, almost meditative experience.
By Alex Holmes