And By Goth.... It's Carpe Diem, Mayhem!
Asian Legion Tour Singapore 2006

The central business district is nonetheless a quiet, laidback town on most Sundays. There was a happening during this particular day, 5th February 2006 where this exclusive part of town is being awoken to the sounds of extreme Black Metal emitting from the glass halls of The Pavilion @ Far East Square. It is the day when we could say "Big Showdown in the Far East" where the Norwegian Kings Of Black Metal band Mayhem make their premiere concert here in Singapore on part of their Asian Legion Tour 2006. The local audiences had been more than happy to experience such a pure treat from these Pure Norwegian Black Metal outfit. Right from the start when a local daily paper published its doubts about having a black metal band making its debut concert here in Singapore, (never before in years) to when a local Malay paper shows its interest to cover the trails of black metal scene in Singapore, it's been more than super-hype that is being felt amongst the underground scene. Music enthusiasts, music lovers, black metal followers alike embraced the day with fervour.

A steady stream of crowd in mixed ages were already seen milling around The Pavillion at half hour before the ticketing table opened for sale at 6pm. Strict regulations had been adhered with; constant age-checks among the young concert-goers are done as recommended by the authorities. That does not seem to hinder the enthusiastic crowd as actually many in the audience are between the age of 18 years till up to 50+ years old! While to some, being senior does not seem to become a factor in metal music appreciation because what's more important is being rational towards the black metal scene. The crowding lines at the queue is made up of mostly early ticket buyers who've snapped up pre-sale tickets at our supporting outlets. Quite a considerable number of VIP ticket holders are also seen and ushered up to the VIP holding area. Many youths have turned up early to catch up with friends; be them students or long-time brothers in metal and together with local fans itself. I was looking for some overseas visitors around, especially those from Malaysia, which I really did chance upon a few of these die-hard metal fans.

Just minutes before the concert doors open, Mayhem's vocalist Atilla walked up in front of the glass hall to let the awaiting fans catch a glimpse of him in person. Young fans called out to him in excitement and approached the pro for a handshake, cd-autographing and quick photo snaps. Evening crawled in and the crowd enters the hall, gradually filling it up. The first band to hit start the concert as an opening act is Dark Saviour (Singapore Battle Of The Bands 2005 finalists) with deliverance of 3 songs and showcasing their act with songs from Halford (Resurrection), Mayhem (Freezing Moon) and original song Dark Saviour. The crowd of supporters for this new young band gave their nods of approval. Curious first-time listeners are amazed to find the presence of drama in Dark Saviour's appearance complete with face paints, costume and spunk attitude. The second opening band, Sins Of A Curse, took stage and it blew the minds off the audience with their thunderous deliverance of songs - 'Left Behind By Fate', 'Enamoured By Darkness', 'Sorrowful Tears', 'Euthanasia' and 'Demons Within'. Probably the only melodic metal band in Singapore with powerful operatic female vocal in the lead alongside Vivek's deep growls, Sins Of A Curse woo the audience and brewing up heat. The hall is packed with free-standing crowds marking the concert evening climbing onto its peak. The pleased audiences, being served with two of Singapore's very own underground metal bands awaited the moment for the real mccoys to take over the stage. Unfazed by small technical last-minute checks, the true fans calls out for Mayhem again & again with horned fists in the air. The wait has been worthwhile...if it has been years for the Kings Of Black Metal to really touch-ground at Singapore, what's with a few moments of wait...

The peak of the moment surged in. As each Mayhem's members took position and as Atilla makes his stage appearance in goth, the hyper crowds worked up intensely wild like a wave of electrifying current. Cheers and chants followed-on through and raised arms with horned fists shot up above head. The VIP crowds enjoined the packing crowds downstairs for moshing, headbanging, bodysurf & to get a closer look at NecroButcher, Blasphemer, Hellhammer and Atilla.Without further delay in the process, Mayhem indulged on full gear ahead. Fans even knew 'Freezing Moon' just as Atilla spews it out from his mouth. Every boys and girls in the audience is deeply captivated with Mayhem's tight performance and headbangs through-out. The ongoing show has caught on various onlookers from outside, mainly unaware of this music called Black Metal, which makes them instantenously full of curiosity. A sea of happy heads with dozens of tossing hair ruled the concert grounds that night. The crowd grew more excitable at each pulsating drummings from Hellhammer's perfect timing. Atilla's definitely a big guy & that really attributed to his very obvious stage presence and by goth, the crowd is awesomely loving Mayhem. Atilla's power vocals may sound eerily grave yet it lends to the whole concept they're delivering. Necrobutcher is awed by the enthusiastic Singapore audience too, I can sense that in his movements. Blasphemer is very serious with his guitar works. He'd just had a bad account with his own guitar when its strings snapped. A spare guitar is being brought in, which nevertheless is as great as Blasphemer the player itself. He maintained straightforwardly intense onstage. I need to get a closer view at Hellhammer, god, loved how his hair spiralled down onto his shoulders! I don't see if there is any person not feeling superb at Mayhem's great performance - the band has got everyone absolutely nailed! It made everyone chanted for more, calling out for encore. While Mayhem's show may seem a tad shorter than what fans wanted, it proves the wholesomeness of Mayhem did make an impact as everyone perceives to be. Mayhem have moved through a variety of black metal styles, even going so far as delving into the areas of dark avant-garde industrial & electronica. The crowd's callings of "Mayhem! Mayhem! Mayhem!" and cheerings indicates of a reluctant separation between the artists and audience. We are proud to witness this respect and recognition for the Kings Of Black Metal and we sure hope this concert could be able to put Singapore in the spot for a must-have stopover for all other smashing Metal / Goth concerts.

The exeunt of the evening's show is being spiced up with Mayhem's meet and greet sessions with the VIP ticket holders. A long waiting line awaits patiently for Hellhammer and Necrobutcher to meet up each fan with autograph-signing and numerous photo-taking which went on well ahead till almost midnite. The VIP ticket holders are more than thrilled to be able to have the private meeting session with the great Kings Of Black Metal, Mayhem. A group of four Burmese students in Singapore has found themselves to be lucky to catch Mayhem 'live' in Singapore and immediately bought VIP tickets for themselves. Said one male student, "We've enjoyed this show very much. And this is my first ever Metal gig in Singapore." I asked the students, "Were you aware that Mayhem had just finished with their touring at Bangkok on 29th January afore this?" Grinning at me they quipped, "We were too overjoyed at their coming here, we didn't even know where was their last stop but we difinitely know it's banned in Malaysia and that's why we have felt very lucky being in Singapore to participate in this concert!" I've met with several other local concert-goers and even the most normal looking NS men takes every opportunity to be at this concert. On conversation with Daniel Foo he mentions, "This concert sure is good. Personally I like it because it's good especially Mayhem's slot. The moshing is good too. I could see the Norwegian band develops good ties with the crowd very well. But there's one thing I'm feeling here - Mayhem's show is short, we definitely want more actually." He attended the concert with two other friends also in NS life and a student. My other conversations with the local girls attending the concert, metal babes as they might be known as, mentions the show is good, "We would love to have more actually," says Ms Kaze. If at the aftermath, the concert leaves everyone craving for more, what is more that must be said? The local audience is truly in dire need for more upcoming action-packed Metal concerts to feed their hungry mind. Long live good support and by goth...it's carpe diem Mayhem!

Review Written by Lizardeouss.