CD/DVD Review: Morgoth - Cursed To Live (DVD/2CD)

Written by Ricarda Menn Monday, 25 June 2012 14:09

Artist: Morgoth
Title: Cursed To Live
Genre: Death Metal
Release Date: 22nd June 2012
Label: Century Media Records

Album Review

MORGOTH are among the most important German Death Metal bands, formed in 1987, dissolved in 1998 and reassembled in 2011. Their debut and influencing record ‘Cursed’ was released in 1991 and celebrated twenty years later with excessive live performances of the band. In addition, the appearance at the Way Of Darkness Festival was filmed and now, ‘Cursed To Live’ is available as a DVD and CD-version to include not only the show but also certain extras like other live clips, videos and extra songs.

The main constituent of the DVD is the performance at the Way Of Darkness Festival - 15 songs convey the typical atmosphere of a MORGOTH concert. The singer wears green fluorescent contact lenses, which reflect in the light and make him look evil. Apart from that, there are no other special effects like fire or other pyro on stage. Yet, this is not necessary as the presence of the musicians and the energy of the fast and brutal music is enough to focus on. In general, the performance of the band is very energetic and ambitious, the fans are encouraged as well and respond to the music. The announcements are very repetitive but typical for the band, with phrases like “We are Morgoth and you are…”. In general, the atmosphere is also very well conceived through the visualization. Although the audio quality is much better than the film quality, the setting and light are chosen very well. Fitting to the style of the music, the cuts are happening very suddenly and fast, there are lots of changes in perspective and the light show fits as well.

Included are long shots from the back of the venue, where funnily enough empty beer glasses are seen as well and so a typical festival mood is created. Also, close-ups from the front rows are included as well as focuses on the musicians, parts of instruments or simply a whole-stage view. The other live clips from the Rock Hard Festival and the band’s first performance in 2011 are not as well made but still interesting to watch since they show other versions of the songs and also more audience response. The official videos are interesting to watch, yet they are only a bonus and visualize the change of the band. The CD release obviously lacks the visual dimension but still is well-made; in general, the DVD is a must-buy for all fans of the band, since the live-performance is very powerful and shows that MORGOTH did not forget about their influence and abilities during their long break. Yet, extra-material like interviews or backstage footage would have been interesting, since this allows the fans another view upon the band.


Tracklist

Line-up

Marc Grewe – Vocals
Harry Busse – Guitar
Sebastian Swart – Guitar
Sotirios Kelekidis – Bass
Marc Reign – Drums


Website

www.morgoth-band.org / www.facebook.com/MorgothOfficial           


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: 7
Total: 8.3 / 10