Nazxul & Witch Tomb @ Public Assembly (pics & setlist)

words and photos by BBG

Nazxul at Public Assembly

Aussie black metallers Nazxul are currently making the long trek back to their homeland after a reported triumphant set at Maryland Deathfest, and a pit stop in NYC for a show at Public Assembly on June 1st. I'm particular about my keyboards in black metal and Nazxul know how to tastefully integrate the instrument, adding layers of atmosphere and touches of (anti)melody to their stormcloud songwriting. Furthermore, the keyboard touches were not as prevalent as they are on their recorded output. The band played a rousing set that pulled from both their classic 90s burner Totem and their recent release on Moribund, Iconoclast. A picture of their setlist is below.

Direct support came from the killer war-metal trio Witch Tomb who, despite playing in shroud, ripped the crowd with a killer set of high-octane and even higher violence blackened fury.

Mutilation Rites opened the show and though I missed them, I'll be in attendance when the band plays Union Pool alongside The Funeral Pyre (who released their new LP on Prosthetic this week) and Early Graves (who have a certified banger on their hands with Goner).

More pics of Nazxul and Witch Tomb from Public Assembly are below...