Live Review: Corrosion of Conformity – Engine Rooms, Southampton 2018
Having already been treated to Black Moth and Fireball Ministry, main support Orange Goblin pretty much stole the show at the Engine Rooms. Corrosion of Conformity may have been the headliners, but they were going to find Orange Goblin a hard act to follow.
Live Review: Orange Goblin
Frontman Ben Ward is somewhat a larger than life character. He appeared huge in stature, but also in personality. In a night that was always going to be full of heavy riffs, Orange Goblin were exactly that.
The difference being however, Orange Goblin were full of Motorhead inspired tracks, compared to COC and their sludgy Black Sabbath influences. In fact “the Devils Whip” by Orange Goblin is openly a song in honour of the mighty Lemmy Kilminster.
Orange Goblin Engine Rooms
Then there was the showmanship, Ward certainly got the crowd to open up. Especially when it came to an old-school wall of death. You only needed to look at the carnage unfold to see how well Orange Goblin were going down.
This was a set performed with much enthusiasm and just the right amount of crowd interaction. Not only that, but it gave the band a chance to let out their inner Motorheadbangers. Lemmy would be proud and personally, I felt Orange Goblin nailed it.
Live Review: Corrosion of Conformity
Once those down the front had picked themselves up and grabbed another beer, it was time for the fourth and final act. Things quite literally got off to a slow start, with Corrosion of Conformity playing classic stoner rock. While some generalise metal with being fast and furious, COC takes heavy in the opposite direction.
Initially, it seemed Corrosion of Conformity were a little slow off the mark. Maybe it was just due to the change of pace following Orange Goblin, but either way, this was more a case of nodding approvingly than a chance to rush back into the pit.
Live Review: Corrosion of Conformity
Then, just as COC were getting into their stride, those of us needing to make a prompt exit had to start clock watching. The combination of doors being put back an hour, along with a planned train strike, meant reluctantly having to leave a little early.
It was, of course, a great shame, especially knowing the gig was likely to still feature two of their popular tunes. Sure enough, Corrosion of Conformity pushed “Albatross” and “Clean my Wounds” to the latter part of the set. So while I didn’t experience it first hand, I can only assume they ended the night on a high, both figuratively and literally.
