Album Review: Mephistofeles – Live In Europe
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
If you were one of the lucky people to see Argentinian trio Mephistofeles live last year in Europe, then I congratulate you. The most unassuming and humble of bands, who couldn’t quite believe the love and affection that was being shown to them on their first ever UK/European tour. The frontman mentioned that they were genuinely enjoying themselves whilst playing to a whole new audience and what this live release highlights is the talent of the band in it’s all glory as they mix their sets up with an amazing array of songs.
Most nights would have started with the epic that is “Satan Sex Ceremonies” and it gives you an insight into what they are all about and would have fired up the crowds watching as the trio exploded into life. From there on in, it was a case of either being mesmerised by the guitar skills of Rivers or the rumbling bass of Ismael Dimenza who combined effortlessly with drummer Luca Frizza, to create awesome rhythms that propelled the songs to insane levels.
What the shows demonstrated were a collection of songs that are good enough to grace any stage, listen to “Buried in Worms” or “Profanation” and you get a filthy guitar sound, huge bass notes and sleazy psychedelic doom that are a thing of beauty. I remember “Black Sunday” being a notable song that dark evening in Manchester, and they warmed the crowd when they hit that intro to “The Meaning of All Evil” which is a hugely impressive song to have in their repertoire.
They have that wonderful expansive sound in their armoury as well and get slow and low on “Curse of the Evil” and when I hear “Evil Beauty” once again, it reminds me of how they brought the heavy to a venue that has seen its fair share of heavy over the years. Their mix of tempos was one of the lasting impressions I had, whether it’s the fuzzed our craziness of “Frustrated” or the guitar wizardry and psychedelic passion of “Trash Lord” that engulfs you, they were ready to conquer and conquer they did.
One thing is for certain though, is that Mephistopheles are a band that you can’t afford to miss as their talents are up there with the best in the business and this live album demonstrates that perfectly.
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