CONAN - Live At Roadburn 2012

Stage1 at Roadburn 2012 was already overcrowded when Conan entered (with their gear through the audience) and laid down an hour of "Horseback battle doom". "The band were in obviously ebullient form, stoked at playing this legendary festival and also being asked to join Sleep in Oslo, as selections from the new and monstrous onnos' were intermingled with the huge and bulldozing force of classics like 'Krull' and 'Older Than Earth'. Jon's instantly likeable faraway vocals have never sounded more realised to these ears, and the audience were massively appreciative of Conan's true wallop as the Stonehenge of amps that framed the band belched out universe-sized slices of ultra low-end hostility. A special mention too for Paul O'Neil's expert drumming which represents the kind of versatility and intelligence that one would not usually expect with this most primal of genres, truly adding colour to the palette. By the end of the set I had cunningly worked my way into the centre of the room and believe me I was not regretful of the deoxygenated crush of Stage 01 - Conan had finally arrived on the international stage like the great wrecking ball that they have always been and I needed to be there to witness their special Roadburn moment. I toast thee lads - you are truly monolithic." The Sleeping Shaman Record Label: Roadburn Style: Doom