Mortiis, John Dee (NO)
Location:
John Dee, Oslo, Norway
Lineup:
Zensor, Mortiis
Audience:
132
Duration:
31 minutes
Setlist:
Weepingwall
Nothing
Saliroman
Intimat
Wither
Hospital
Stasis
Zensor's comments:
Not a gig we planned for, and not the best timing, appearing in mid-production for the album and Nordic tour. Still, being asked, we figured we could have a farewell-gig to the old material, and use it to try the new band configuration, sporting Tom K. Alte at the drums. This was a Pandemonium metal club night, headlined by Mortiis, and we retrofitted the setlist somewhat to the occasion. The new songs, “Hospital” and “Wither” constituted the mellow part of the set, while the remaining was kept rather a bit more intense.
Despite the short runway of three rehearsal nights, Tom delivered a very pleasing performance. This was probably where most anxiety was lodged, and hearing the new dynamics work smoothly with the old sound was a considerable relief. Meaning we could slug this one out as we use to, and we pretty much did. All things considered, the set behaved as desired.
Some technical issues – Patrick was too cramped at the far right of the stage, and kept elbowing his synth rack and second keys. The Porta One used for distortion got all its operating buttons broken in the ride from the studio, but was temporarily fixed by a screwdriver jammed in where the play-button used to be. It seems this was the last ride for the cranky four track. Otherwise, things worked as they should, and the sound on stage was more than excellent. If anything, the vents above stage could be a little less loud, and a little less cold.
It's always a pleasure to see the bar devoid of people while we play. It's also a pleasure to see people showing up for an steeply priced gig that wasn't too eagerly announced. Unleasing the new material in December will be a blast, if the audience stick to their responce given at this gig.
Thanks to mr. Alte for coming from Trondheim to do this, and the usual affectionate nod to our crew of technicians, who keep pushing the envelope every time. Thanks also to Mortiis, Radar Booking and Pandemonium for asking us out.