Every so often one of those gigs comes along at the Wedgewood Rooms that’s more than just any old show. It’s a sense of occasion. That’s exactly what it was the moment legendary US death metallers Obituary were announced.
When the opening chords of “Redneck Stomp” rang out, it was as if we’d been waiting an eternity for Obituary at the Wedgewood Rooms to finally come around. As for what followed, it most certainly didn’t disappoint.
Obituary – The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea, August 2023
The setlist may have pulled heavily from the bands’ latter output from recent years, but luckily the newest release “Dying of Everything” is a beast of an album. Songs such as “Barely Alive” were thrown in early. Meanwhile, the title track sounded right at home as a classic Obituary tune amongst the encore.
As for all that came between, this was one of the most brutal gigs likely to descend on the Wedge for some time. The sound was immense – something duly noted by several people clad in black t-shirts, following both the stunning support band (Pest Control) and once we’d all survived the onslaught of Obituary.
There were a couple of dubious moments spotted in the pit but in general, the atmosphere among the crowd was that of pure delight. As for when a band ends on a classic entitled “Slowly We Rot”, outsiders may find it hard to understand why music this extreme brings people together.
Yet, the reality is we could do with more nights like this in Portsmouth. After all, with our horns raised proudly in the air, we stand united… albeit hot, sweaty and slightly deafer than when we started.
Obituary – “Dying of Everything” Out Now via Relapse Records
