For anyone who is a fan of Black Metal, you know it is going to be a good and hellish night when two great acts like Carpathian Forest and Black Altar combine. Sure enough, things turned dark at Slay in Glasgow with pure mayhem and Black Metal.
Carpathian Forest – Black Altar
Slay Glasgow – 22 March 2025
Words And Photography: Razorrhead Productions
Doors open just after 7 pm, and we are already greeted by an interesting-looking altar on stage, very fitting for the name Black Altar. The Altar contains skulls, ram heads, satanic objects, and the usual types of items you would find for this peculiar theme. Incense is lit before the show starts, giving a calming yet ominous sense of what is to come.
Black Altar
Black Altar have already had a fair bit of experience on their side with producing high-quality Black Metal and keeping to their roots. Originating from Poland in 1996, they have had numerous tours and releases in the past. This band is more than capable of putting on a damn good show, and tonight, they did not disappoint. 
The sound Black Altar produce is huge, as if it was taken straight from the depths of hell itself. Their attire and setting fits the sound perfectly, as if their sole purpose was to take you a journey to be crucified by Satan.
The songs are long yet unique, sticking to the roots of Black Metal that creates a tense atmosphere. Satanism, Death, Misanthropy, and Darkness is exactly what was heard on this night. 
The vocals roar and echo throughout the venue. This is partly because there is a lot of delay use in the vocals, which is commonly used in Black Metal. It is extremely effective and adds to the fast-paced riffs and beats. 
Black Altar is exactly what you would expect in this genre. However their set was highly entertaining and a real treat for any old school Black Metal fans out there. After only a half-hour set due to a tight schedule, we are quick to face the main act for tonight.
Carpathian Forest
Any Black Metal fan has a fair bit of good knowledge of Carpathian Forest due to their long history. Although they have not released any new music in some time, they have still become a staple in Norwegian Black Metal. 
The setlist is mainly short and straight to the point, fitting in as many songs as possible. They waste no time on stage and kick straight into Skiend Han lik, I Will Follow, and Pierced Genitalia.
Nattefrost’s vocals are clear, precise, and grim, just like the records. In fact, the whole band’s sound is quite large and gives a clear definition of what Black Metal is meant to sound like. 
Although there are some technical difficulties with Nattefrost’s mics, there are some parts where his vocals cannot be heard until he was able to find a suitable replacement. This does not kill the mood, though, as the band just pulls through and continues song after song.
As the set goes on, Nattefrost complains that he has no friends and that his friends are dead. This kicks straight into a fun cover of All My Friends Are Dead, originally by Turbonegro.
Although their presence is not as serious as Black Altar, their sound is just as hellish. Pumping blast beats, fast-paced tremolo picking, and satanic shrieks are to the fore.
Carpathian Forest have always been more of a party Metal band to me, not as serious as other Black Metal bands with themes like burning churches. Their sound is more about having a good time but keeping their tone evil and brutal. The sound on stage is like sitting in Satan’s chamber with headphones on full blast.
Carpathian Forrest manage to almost fit in 20 songs, with an encore featuring Bloody Fucking Necro Hell and Carpathian Forest.
This was a great night with hailing Satan, music, and, of course, plenty of beer.
