October 18, 2011

The fourth annual Fall into Darkness happened from October sixth through the eighth in Portland, OR.  Unlike the previous three Fall into Darkness events, this year’s event was held at the Rotture (21+ venue) and Branx (all ages venue), as the previous place Berbati’s Pan had closed its stage portion of the establishment with Voodoo Doughnut expanding into the space.  As for the fest itself, it covered three days and each had their own distinct style of metal music.

Wizard Rifle

Agalloch

Premonition 13

Fall into Darkness Festival - 2011

Report & all Photos by: Peter

Day one of Fall into Darkness was at the Rotture, and was the most eclectic of the three days.  The first band to hit the stage was Eight Bells, which was formed from the ashes of Subarachnoid Space.  This was actually Eight Bells’ debut show, and given that they formed a few months prior to the show, one would expect some nerves heading into the show.  However, Eight Bells performed like they had been together for years, which Melynda Jackson and Christopher Van Huffel can claim as former members of Subarachnoid Space.  Eight Bells has a little more of a doom metal sound than the previous incarnation, but like its predecessor, it is captivating all the same.  Following Eight Bells was Wizard Rifle, a duo consisting of Max Dameron and Sam Ford.  Wizard Rifle has a little more of an improv jazz sound to their music, but where they shine is on stage, and Fall into Darkness was no exception.  Both members provide great energy to what is solid musicianship, and were the highlight of the evening’s show.  Experimental one man act Author and Punisher (real name Tristan Shone) was next, and while his choice of instruments was unusual, with Drone and Dub machines, bass, and vocals all accounting for the instruments at his disposal, it did provide some moments, particularly with the way he handled all of them.  The bizarre nature of the band from a music standpoint isn’t for everyone, but his set was likely the most watched of the evening, so he’s doing something right.  Laudanum closed the evening’s show with their brand of sludge doom metal.  While not as greatly watched as the previous acts, Laudanum did hold their own with a set worthy of a headlining act.

Eight Bells

Day two of Fall into Darkness was at the Branx and was headlined by Agalloch, and as per their tradition, the opening acts were picked by the band themselves.  Opening the evening’s show was the Olympia, WA band Sedan, who was actually operating without a drummer for this set.  The ambient style of music, primarily consisting of an electric piano, Sedan proved to be the odd act that Agalloch inserts as an opening act, following in the footsteps of acts such as Soriah (at Fall into Darkness 2009) and Allerseelen (last year’s West Coast tour).  Next up was Atriarch, who has actually improved from their first appearance at Fall into Darkness in 2009.  The doom metal act played to mostly dim stage lighting, making things a little hard on the crowd to actually see them, but it suited their style of music well.  Agalloch is great in a live setting and their set on this night cements the fact.  Beginning with “Falling Snow” and ending with “The Lodge (Dismantled),” Agalloch could do no wrong this night, with songs such as “The Watcher’s Monolith” and “Hallways of Enchanted Ebony” in between.  The latter part of their set was taken from The Mantle, with “Odal” and “In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion” included.  Overall, a great set from one of the most consistent bands in the last decade.

Fall into Darkness remains a largely regional festival that devotes itself to doom metal with a few interesting acts along the way.  However, it has also attracted people from around the country, which suggests that it is on its way to being one of the best festivals that few people have heard of in recent years.  Next year’s Fall into Darkness has something to shoot for in terms of expectations, and there is no doubt that it will do its best to meet them.

Acid King

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TO THE TOP

Bloodbrain

Bloodbraid

Agalloch

Laudanum

Author and Punisher

Eight Bells

Day three of Fall into Darkness switched back to the Rotture and was headlined by Premonition 13 and Acid King, with Witch Mountain and Bloodbraid as the opening acts.  Prior to the show, Bloodbraid had announced that they had changed their name from Tombstalker, which would undoubtedly have confused more than a few attendees.  Not confusing was their style of doom metal fused with blues-inspired female vocals.  A solid start to the evening’s proceedings, even if the last minute name change caused some confusion.  Portland’s Witch Mountain is a band that is on the rise, and opening for Premonition 13 on the recent West Coast tour has instilled a new level of confidence in them.  This was evident, as vocalist Uta Plotkin took command with blues-influenced vocals with the equally entrancing melodic doom sound providing a backdrop.  Premonition 13 is another band from Scott “Wino” Weinrich, and much like everything he is in, Premonition 13 proved to be a great live act.  Stoner doom that kept the audience’s attention, the set even saw a guest spot from Plotkin for a song.  The last band to go on was Acid King, who as their name suggests, play stoner doom metal.  Their set was good, but when you’re following a band like Premonition 13, that’s an uphill battle that few bands will win.

Witch Mountain