Perturbator made quite a name for himself. Especially live James Kent is famous for his electronic outbursts and gained a very positive reputation. So of course, I was really looking forward to this event. Although Perturbator‘s latest offering doesn’t enthrall me that much (see: here) I still have a soft spot for James Kent‘s Goth infused Synthwave. And listening an album at home is an entirely other experience than witnessing live, isn’t it?

But first it is time for GosT to show his shenanigans on stage. I have made a review of his latest album (here). The music James Lollar makes is not so easily digestible. It’s harsh, aggressive and continue shifting. Really intriguing, but it sometimes is a little overwhelming. Also live this is the case. Seeing GosT for the fourth time, I must admit it still packs a punch and is thrilling but after a short time I am loosing interest. The constant sonic attack and rather generic way of building up momentum sees to it that after twenty minutes my mind starts wandering in other realms than the stage. Together with a bass player Mr. Lollar still is ferocious as hell. But I would recommend also playing some less aggressive songs, such as the sublime song “Sigill”. And some background effects wouldn’t hinder as well. Ah well, never mind me, I am spoiled with loads of concert experience and definitely am getting old. Yet, it seems the reaction of the audience was also pretty tame. Nevertheless, songs such as “Possessor”, “Leviathan” and “Obituary” were executed very well and despite my comments GosT still is a force to be reckoned with. Especially when you haven’t witnessed them live it is good for you to get an overdose of darkness provided by this unique act.

Personally, I would have put Kaelan Mikla before GosT. No, this hasn’t anything to do with their quality of music. I really like this band. It simply has to do with the genre these Icelandic ladies operate in. Their music has a different energy when you compare it with the other two acts. A mixture of Post-Punk, Darkwave and a hint of Ethereal is being offered. It doesn’t have raw power but is much more subtle. I have seen them twice on a much smaller stage (Merleyn, Nijmegen) and must admit that this is more befitting. It is just more intimate and feels that the member have more contact with the audience. At times it feels like as if the Gothic dames are a bit lost on such a big stage.

But these remarks aside: Kaelan Mikla did not disappoint! They put up a very intriguing show. It is danceable yet also feels fragile and dreamy. I would have put the volume a bit higher but songs as fan favorite “Kalt”, “Draumades”,”Andvaka” and “Solstudor” (were the audience screams together with vocalist Laufey Sofia) are executed in superb manner. And Laufey Sofia always provides something extra with her theatrical moves on the stage. The response was very good and deservedly so,! A job well done for this three piece outfit. Looking forward seeing Kaelan Mikla again on the stage, very soon. And perhaps in a smaller venue?

After quite a long wait it is time for Perturbator. And, wow! James Kent, together with an excellent drummer, pulls of a very energetic, enjoyable and sublime show. The sound is spot on, the visuals were executed with military precision and have an epic /majestic feel. And the tracks on todays setlist showed nothing more than raw power and energy. If I should have one remark it is this: the additional vocalists on the albums (such as Christopher Rigg from Ulver) were not present. The vocals from guest musicians on the albums were strictly digital which is understandable but also feels a bit sterile. Stop whining Erik!: with songs as “Excess” (such a killer song!),“Future Club”, “Venger” and many, many more Perturbator  managed to create a killer show which got my booty going. The atmosphere, the energy, the visuals….everything came together and the audience was loving it. People were dancing and enjoying the hell out of it. Well…..some people weren’t dancing but moshing. Even songs a “Apocalypse Now”, with the digital vocals of Christopher Rigg. from their latest album were absolutely smashing on stage.

I think Perturbator is at it best on stage and this evening proves it. You take a talented musician, a drummer and some very good visuals and you have a recipe for a great concert that only James Kent can pull this off. This was one of the best concerts I attended this year (and I’ve been to loads of concerts this year). The venue was packed and deservedly so. Perturbator still is the king when it comes to chilling, thrilling and energy spilling Synthwave. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Thank you Doornroosje for making this possible!!!!

Setlist Perturbator:

1. The Swimming Pool
2. Excess
3. The Art of War
4. Apocalypse, Now
5. Corrupted by Design
6. Dialobus ex Machina / Weapons for Childeren
7. Humans are such easy Prey
8. The Glass Staircase
9. Messalina, Messalina
10. Venger
11. Neo Tokyo
12. Future Club
13. Tacticial Precision Dissaray
14. Tainted Empire

Setlist Kealan Mikla:

1. Mara
2. Draumadis
3. Kalt
4. Sirenur
5. Stjörnuljós
6. Andvaka
7. Sólstöður
8. Hvitir Sandar

Setlist GosT:

1. Garruth
2. Malificarum
3. Behemoth
4. Leviathan
5. Obituary
6. Shiloh’s Lament
7. Digital Death
8. Prophecy