BELPHEGOR, MALEVOLENT CREATION, CONFESS-Nasty Abyss@Boogaloo Zagreb, 18.9.2024-REVIEW

CONFESS is a groove/death metal band from Iran whose two members Nikan and Arash were sentenced to prison terms for speaking out against religion and against the regime in the music they created. When they paid bail, both defected to Norway. Their story is an incredible inspiration to us all about and a hard lesson about staying by your life principles at all costs! It will pay up in the end, as even if you lose everything and most of what you had, the most valuable thing is to be able to look at yourself in the mirror.

Their performance was energetic and explosive and it instantly warmed up the audience! Last time the audience from Zagreb had a chance to see the band live was in May 2023, when they performed together with NILE. At that instance they immediately gathered new fans as Siyanor was wearing a Croatian checkered pattern T-shirt, once again proving music doesn’t recognize any boundaries and everyone who is in creative professions shouldn’t either!

MALEVOLENT CREATION (death metal) was formed in Buffalo, New York 37 years ago; before moving to the developing death metal scene in Florida. The bend presented in detail exactly why they are considered as a legendary band whose influence is overwhelming, especially considering that their albums “The Ten Commandments”, “Retribution” and “Stillborn” as one of the best albums of the genre in the history of death metal.

The band came to Zagreb for the third time and definitely proved their status as one of the most important institutions in death metal. I was mainly impressed by the highly skilled drummer Ron Parmer who joined the band in after 13 previous involvement in 13 bands, so it seems that 14^th was the charm! Its so happens that people around me were more into black metal (mainly as myself) and no so much into death metal, but even the non- death metal fans enjoyed the gig as the energy and uplifting power the bands possesses were indisputable! The concert was closed by: “Blood Brothers” and “Eve of the Apocalypse” which were both highly impressive!

We definitely support gigs with bands from different metal genres as it adds up to diversity and there’s definitely no need to compare one band to another which only brings out the beauty in diversity!

BELPHEGOR needs hardly any introduction as you surely worship the band from a long time ago. The band was formed 32 years ago in Salzburg and they have provided a very unique mix of black metal and death metal with hints of melodic elements and just the right amount of aggressive sound attacks. Their unique signature lies in the atmosphere that devours you and sounds like its fit for a ritual. Its no wonder as Themes the band revolves around are connected to satanism, blasphemy, sadomasochism, perversion, death and other. It can be sensed and felt.

Last time the Zagreb audience saw Belphegor was in December 2021., at a gig with Batushka and Diabolical and it was INSANE! Pure perfection! I was a bit scared before the concert, as their last concert was absolutely fuckin amazing and we all had so much fun and enjoyment out of it! The scary part was the question: “How can they possibly top that?” I mean, I adore the band and worship their songs, but the first impression wasn’t topped last night and I was left somewhat confused after the concert. First problem was that some of the older metal-heads already saw the band so many times that they didn’t bother to attend so the venue wasn’t quite filled. Also, this month is packed with concerts so the audience had to choose which concerts to attend. Luckily, the audience was packed with youngsters and some of them had free access (those below 18-years of age). Some were not impressed by the band performing in the same/similar stage setting and performance moves but that wasn’t at all that crucial.

I think my mood of “not being all that thrilled” lies in the fact that the set-list at the last concert was more satisfactory and some of my favorite songs I love were not performed. I adore specific songs that have an incredible strength and impact and many of those were not performed.

Absolute climax of the concert was the performance of “Virtus Asinaria – Prayer” which is a magic instant teleport to a dark ritual space which is also simultaneously enchanting, irresistible and scary. I was once again mind blown by the magic of the enchantment the band creates during the ritual of that specific song performance. “Baphomet” also caused all hell breaking loose. It is undeniable that the concert was great but hopefully I’ll be mind-blown for the whole concert next time I see the band once again!

Satan Is Real! Do you have a moment to talk about Satan?

Satan is real. Satan is among us. But he’s not a red monster with horns, pointed tail and hooved feet.  He resides and shows his face in words and actions of humans that walk among us and accumulate a great capacity to hurt others without any remorse, but for their own enjoyment. Sometimes those people are the ones you see every day and they have the capacity to create Hell on Earth.

Satanism is a broad term that refers to various religious, philosophical, and cultural movements that incorporate the figure of Satan or devil-like entities. However, it’s important to note that Satanism doesn’t necessarily equate to the worship of an evil being, as many might assume.

The correlation between individualism and Satanism is significant, especially in the context of modern, symbolic, and philosophical Satanism. Many forms of Satanism emphasize the importance of the individual, personal freedom, and the rejection of external authority, making individualism a central tenet. Thus, individualism in Satanism is about placing the self at the center of one’s life, where the individual is their own master, free to determine their own values, ethics, and path without deferring to higher powers or external rules.

So, with all that being said I watch back to my own evolution from someone who didn’t understand over-obvious over-use of Satanism, as I hate all forms of evil. But now I understand so much more. I support complete individualism and support mechanisms to help yourself in order to be a decent human being that doesnt hurt anyone. Only if you are completely true to yourself and your core values can you be authentic and sane enough to never hurt anyone, as you will train yourself never to act out of hate or anger, but instead you will know how to maintain control, as you’ll have complete control over yourself and your reactions. To me, that is an evolution into a decent human being and not some formal involvement in any sects or any religions or anti-religion movements. So, no more prejudice about people’s choices.