Conan, Sea Bastard & Bast

Opening band Bast’s varied, progressive blackened sludge employed different shades of metal, and the tones, effects and changes of pace were refreshing and intoxicating. Brighton-based Sea Bastard were the most raucous and fun band of the evening, with birthday celebrations and audience interaction accompanying the lumbering, shuddering doom.

Conan were understandably the headline act, with their thunderously loud bassy cacophony the most accomplished, cohesive sound of the evening. Songs built up gradually into thudding drones, and were then released with all-consuming reverbed vocals in a powerful, moving way. An excellent programme of metal and a rowdy start to the weekend for Brighton’s small but spirited metal community.

Prince Albert, 22 March 2014

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