Both reviews written for MetalIreland.com
Winterfest 2009
Having not previously seen Overoth I was informed by a fellow attendee as they were setting up on stage that “it’s complete Morbid Angel worship”. They weren’t too far off the mark. They weren’t wrong either with the rest of that sentence, which ended with “and that’s not necessarily a bad thing”. Recognised for some time now as one of Northern Ireland’s leading death metal bands, Overoth are perhaps somewhat less known in the Republic, but their Winterfest performance has surely gained them a new legion of Southern fans.
The two words “Morbid” and “Angel” were mentioned more times than one can count by various onlookers who I spoke to both during and after their set (originality is over-rated anyway), and most eyes in the venue seemed firmly fixed on the stage throughout their set of pummelling old school death metal. Frontman Andy knows how to front a death metal band. You see, it’s not simply about mastering your instrument or vocal style.
It’s just as much about the look. And I mean the look on a frontman’s face when mid-growl he casts his eyes up to the god that most of us don’t believe in, with a scowl that is almost a visual representation of the frustration – nay – hatred – with which the same entity is viewed by any self-respecting death metaller. It makes you believe in the music. And that is death metal delivered at its finest. Confident, technically agile, with a hint of insanity (if only for theatrical purposes). With a full-length album due out in 2010, Overoth are definitely a band to keep your eyes on.
- Muiris O’Fiannachta
Winterfest Aftermath
And now to Overoth. What more needs to be said? Best death metal band in Ireland bar none (yes Abaddon Incarnate, you’ve been usurped), and completely wired from a potentially lethal car tyre blowout on the drive up, they’re exhilarating to watch. Full of energy, massive stage presence and unbelievably good songs, Overoth are untouchable, and easily the band of the night.
More manic and oppressive than the previous night’s performance, they tear through a technical and brilliant set that ignites a fury of headbanging down the front. Great stuff all round, and it leaves the crowd looking and feeling completely spent.
- Dónal McBrien