The Oration Festival stands for the rise of the Icelandic black metal scene, which has made a name for itself in recent years. For the third and last time the special event took place in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. In two locations, Oration Records and Studio Emissary presented 19 bands on three days.
The cast of the festival also formed a cross-section of the different styles of Black Metal. Ambience sounds of NYIÞ, atmospheric music by Vemod or Auðn, rough gaits such as Naðra or Misþyrming or dissonant Black Metal coined by Svartidauði and Sinmara.
The entire festival was a highlight but some bands stood out. Thus, Sortilegia created an inimitable ceremonial atmosphere, accompanied by a few candles, Abyssal immediately convinced at their first ritual, Misþyrming shattered the crowd with rudeness and speed and Rebirth of Nefast celebrated the full length Tabernaculum in their last concert with a haunting sound. Organizer Stephen Lockhart has created something special with the Oration. The festival will be missed, precisely because the finale was grandiose.
Pictures are reminiscent of three furious, atmospheric and intense evenings.
All Photos & Text by Void Revelations
Oration Day 1
NYIÞ
Naðra
Auðn
Asagraum
Sinmara
Aluk Todolo
Oration Day 2
Mannveira
Devouring Star
Abominor
Abyssal
Slidhr
Sortilegia
Virus
Oration Day 3
Almyrkvi
Inferno
Misþyrming
Svartidauði
Vemod
Rebirth of Nefast
