Yeah, only two days after Author & Punisher and Bong-Ra I was already back again on my swimming home away from home, the MS Stubnitz for a Blackened Drone Doom Raga dream come true, as Neptunian Maximalism fulfilled their destiny to perform their recent mammoth album "La Sacre Du Soleil Invaincu" live there.
The previous Sunday night had raised the bar very high with one of the best sounding shows in my recent memory - and regarding that everything else, from the weather and smooth traffic to the music in my car, had also contributed to a special experience, this Tuesday had already lost in a couple of categories, since there were several annoyances on the way there and back - and when I was already home again the still right now disappointing reveal, after I had rolled out my latest textile merch acquisiton, that I got the wrong shirt!
Damn. I mean the concept is similar and it's not bad, but I liked the color and design of the one I actually wanted much more and probably wouldn't even have bought this, if it had been the only choice. Gnnnhhmmmppphhh... Lesson learned: If you buy a rolled up shirt, immediately check it! Such an unnecessary midnight downer after a show of almost surreal quality.
The previous Sunday night had raised the bar very high with one of the best sounding shows in my recent memory - and regarding that everything else, from the weather and smooth traffic to the music in my car, had also contributed to a special experience, this Tuesday had already lost in a couple of categories, since there were several annoyances on the way there and back - and when I was already home again the still right now disappointing reveal, after I had rolled out my latest textile merch acquisiton, that I got the wrong shirt!
Damn. I mean the concept is similar and it's not bad, but I liked the color and design of the one I actually wanted much more and probably wouldn't even have bought this, if it had been the only choice. Gnnnhhmmmppphhh... Lesson learned: If you buy a rolled up shirt, immediately check it! Such an unnecessary midnight downer after a show of almost surreal quality.
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| NEPTUNIAN MAXIMALISM |
It wasn't the first time I saw this particular performance. The Belgian group had played the album on last year's edition of Roadburn Festival. So not only have I already reviewed the 3LP box of a live recording from London in 2023, but also written about the actual live experience in 2024 - and later ranked it as my second favorite festival show of the year.
And now the same over ninety minutes long epic piece again. What can I still say about this mighty larger than life crushing yet meditative music experience without redundantly repeating myself at this point? Is there anything I could even add? Well, Neptunian Maximalism could add a thing or two. So I should be able to do so, too. I definitely loved this Psychedelic Drone Metal ritual more than the last time - and there are reasons for that.
Obviously a composition like "La Sacre Du Soleil Invaincu" isn't static. It's not meant to be reproduced in the exact same way down to the last detail, but it evolves. And my impression was that two years after its premiere the atmosphere has gotten darker with a stronger Black Metal presence, yet I also wouldn't be surprised if also the groove and the flow of other passages have increased over time.
Without wanting to belittle the flawless performance of the the five musicians (yes, it was six last time, the line-up keeps shrinking) on drums, bass, up to three guitars, but also gong, electric saz or zurna - the probably more important factor was the sound. Of course the players' instrumental skills and their effect boards - especially Guillaume Cazalet had fantastic ways to accentuate his leads - have a huge influence on that as well.
But obviously the MS Stubnitz once more proved her supreme superiority as a venue for anything deep and colossal. Speaking of colossal, this night felt a little like a déjà vu to Big|Brave, who I had also already seen playing the exact same album a couple of months before, which had been my favorite show of A Colossal Weekend. Yet still onboard this vessel they droned even bigger and braver, stunning me even more! With Neptunian Maximalism I experienced the same wonderful thing all over again.
Especially impressive was the fact that no matter if the band majestically crawled through slow motion Doom, spread Middle Eastern Kraut vibes or threw all their massive sludgy guitar weight into Blackened blast storms - the sound was always equally great and powerful, yet still clear enough to appreciate every element in the mix. Bringing their own engineer who knew the material payed off for sure.
Ok, writing more would only bring me deeper into repitition territory. The conclusion is: It was great! Amazingly, overwhelmingly, breathtakingly, shakingthefoundationsofEarth-ly great.
And now the same over ninety minutes long epic piece again. What can I still say about this mighty larger than life crushing yet meditative music experience without redundantly repeating myself at this point? Is there anything I could even add? Well, Neptunian Maximalism could add a thing or two. So I should be able to do so, too. I definitely loved this Psychedelic Drone Metal ritual more than the last time - and there are reasons for that.
Obviously a composition like "La Sacre Du Soleil Invaincu" isn't static. It's not meant to be reproduced in the exact same way down to the last detail, but it evolves. And my impression was that two years after its premiere the atmosphere has gotten darker with a stronger Black Metal presence, yet I also wouldn't be surprised if also the groove and the flow of other passages have increased over time.
Without wanting to belittle the flawless performance of the the five musicians (yes, it was six last time, the line-up keeps shrinking) on drums, bass, up to three guitars, but also gong, electric saz or zurna - the probably more important factor was the sound. Of course the players' instrumental skills and their effect boards - especially Guillaume Cazalet had fantastic ways to accentuate his leads - have a huge influence on that as well.
But obviously the MS Stubnitz once more proved her supreme superiority as a venue for anything deep and colossal. Speaking of colossal, this night felt a little like a déjà vu to Big|Brave, who I had also already seen playing the exact same album a couple of months before, which had been my favorite show of A Colossal Weekend. Yet still onboard this vessel they droned even bigger and braver, stunning me even more! With Neptunian Maximalism I experienced the same wonderful thing all over again.
Especially impressive was the fact that no matter if the band majestically crawled through slow motion Doom, spread Middle Eastern Kraut vibes or threw all their massive sludgy guitar weight into Blackened blast storms - the sound was always equally great and powerful, yet still clear enough to appreciate every element in the mix. Bringing their own engineer who knew the material payed off for sure.
Ok, writing more would only bring me deeper into repitition territory. The conclusion is: It was great! Amazingly, overwhelmingly, breathtakingly, shakingthefoundationsofEarth-ly great.
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