Nile @ Electric Ballroom, London 8 March 2005

In a few short years, it seems that the mighty Nile have conquered all. So it is with no surprise that tonight the Electric Ballroom was packed with excited spectators, all eager to get a taste of the the forthcoming album as well as to see if it's actually possible to play THAT fast live.

I arrived just after main support act Dying Foetus had begun their set. They play fast, clean, precision death metal with just that right amount of groove; a blastbeat from hell gives way to a pit-moving mosh riff, and vice vera. Tonight they were on song, blasting the shit out of the Ballroom and I'm sure converting a few new fans in the process. A most unexpected bonus to the night and a throroughly enjoyable set.

And then it was time for the mighty Nile. Fresh from recording their new album, entitled "Cast Down the Heretic" the Floridian Egypt-death-grinders calmly walked onto the stage. For about the next hour, the mosh pit barely moved. Now this is not a discredit to Nile, rather, the crowd was too busy picking their chins up off the floor to mosh! The constant barrage of awesome blastbeats combined with the Egyptian-style interludes made for an exciting package. Much material from throughout Nile's career was covered tonight. Songs played included "Cast Down the Heretic", "Sarcophaus", "Ramses, Bringer of War", "Chapter" and "Annihilation of the Wicked". Throughout all Karl Sanders and Co did not let the intensity slip one bit, new bass recruit Joe Payne also performed admirably, wildly swinging his hair around whilst miraculously still being able to play all the notes. The final number tonight, "Black Seeds of Vengeance" left none in doubt that Nile can indeed play fast very well, thank you, and although the set was only an hour long it was probably the perfect dose. I can't wait for the new album!

Back the bootlegs page