Watain Kick Off Headlining Tour With ‘Wild’ Show in New York City

Swedish black metal band Watain brought one of the most intense experiences New York’s Irving Plaza has seen this year. Support included stellar performances by In Solitude and Tribulation.

Waiting for Watain to hit the stage feels like waiting for the gates of Hell to open up and consume you. There’s a certain anticipation and heat that radiates knowing that you are minutes away from seeing and feeling Watain live. Not to mention the “Hail Satan” chants from fans.

The hazy red lighting and the smell of blood and sweat are all part of the primal experience. Watain takes you away to another world and when performing, frontman Erik Danielsson seems to be in a trance. These vigorous anthems are his hymns that pay homage to what the band is about. Fans commemorate the convictions of Watain through the music, especially during ‘Reaping Death,’ ‘Sworn to the Dark’ and ‘Malfeitor.’

Watain are currently touring in support of their new album ‘The Wild Hunt’ and fans responded energetically to new tracks ‘De Profundis,’ ‘All That May Bleed’ and ‘Outlaw.’ The group ended their powerful set with the title track ‘The Wild Hunt’ and walked off stage leaving the crowd wanting more.

When Watain come to town, it’s much more than another metal show, it is more intimate, more sacred and much more meaningful. Everything from the stage set, to the clothes and primitive attire they’re dressed in pay homage to their beliefs.

Swedish act In Solitude also got in touch with their spirituality as they filled Irving Plaza with the scent of floral incense. With moody lighting and the lively presence of singer Pelle 'Hornper' Åhman, the crowd could not take their eyes off of this band. The death metallers of Tribulation kicked off the night of intensity with a high energy set. Go here to see Watain's full list of tour dates.

Check Out Photos of Watain Performing in NYC: