Live Review: MØL with Countless Skies & Calligram at The Underworld, Camden, London (08/05/23)

One of the most anticipated shows of 2023, MØL have made their triumphant return to the UK with a headline run of dates across the country. This tour, in support of their stellar latest album, Diorama, sees melodic death metal band Countless Skies and blackened hardcore noise-mongers Calligram along for the ride.

It’s going to be an insane tour. The proof? This first night in London. Where a packed-out Underworld (it may not be sold out but there’s not much breathing room on the floor) has come to swear fealty to metal.

This line-up couldn’t be more perfect. A range of musical styles, all with something in common… engagement. Calligram, Countless Skies, and MØL are three bands who connect to their listener bases in ways that remind you of the importance of feeling in music. Sure, we can go wild in the pit, and plenty do, but it’s just as possible to simply close your eyes and let the waves of varied, exciting, and emphatic metal wash over you.

Although, the noise that emanates from the blistering intensity of Calligram’s black metal and hardcore sound will snap you right out of that dream state.

Now, for clarity, this reviewer only caught the last ten minutes of Calligram’s thirty-minute show because of an interview commitment. So, the bulk of the review comes from another GBHBL member who did watch the full thing. Ten minutes of Calligram is nowhere enough, and it’s amazing how, in that short amount of time, the brain still felt like it had been ripped out, stamped on, and then shoved back in with force.

Take it away Lou…

A nice crowd for the opening act Calligram – and with a 30min set there’s no time to mess about. They sound insanely heavy and brutal. The front man is fascinating to watch, not needing a mic at some points for his intense screaming vocals. Calligram are a perfect fit on this incredible line up and the intensity of their songs seen live was great. With a new album on the horizon, there is plenty more to come from Calligram.

Tonight is extra special for Countless Skies, thanks to some effort and crowd-funding, they are joined on stage by cellist Arianna Mahsayeh. Which just makes so much sense considering their latest release, ‘Resonance’, is a selection tracks from the band’s first two albums, performed live from the studio with Arianna.

Now, you might think a Cello is likely to be drowned out in this environment, especially as The Underworld isn’t always sound-perfect, but that’s not the case at all. There are many moments where Arianna’s immense talents shine, and she stands alongside Countless Skies comfortably.

Who are on the form of their lives tonight, so much so that they are in real danger of stealing the show. Making forty-minutes feel like ten, there isn’t a moment during Countless Skies enormous set that doesn’t have the audience mesmerised, head-banging, or both. From the layers of brilliance that bursts from Glow to the chorus-driven grandiose sound of Tempest, it is a jaw-dropping show. This is a band capable of headlining venues like this, if not bigger.

Any other night, and they’d be the highest rated band but MØL are here, and aside from us being utter marks for the band, they are on absolute fire. Now with two album’s worth of material (as well as two EPs), and a more confident look on stage. MØL continue to get better and better, heavier and heavier, more captivating, more dreamlike, more refined, and more beautiful. You might wonder how those words can go together to describe a band but that’s MØL for you.

Their brand of shoegaze, blackgaze, and blackened post metal results in some of the most stunning pieces of music and many of them are on display tonight. Tracks like Fraktur, Serf, Penumbra, Jord, and Photophobic have never sounded so good. The new tracks fitting alongside the beloved older ones perfectly. In fact, the latter of those listed there sounds better live than it does on record as the meatiness reverberates around the Underworld.

They are a stunning band with stunning tracks who deliver a stunning live show… again. Just like Countless Skies’ set, MØL’s is over far too soon and their hour on stage feels like a quarter of that time. Nobody is dissatisfied though, not just because of MØL, but because of the entire night and the band’s involved. If you have the chance to catch a date on this tour, do so, you’re going to be witnessing three of the finest, hungriest, and lovable bands in the metal scene right now.