On October 19, 2024, Quantic Club in Bucharest became the epicenter of atmospheric and black metal as Sur Austru launched their highly anticipated third album “Datura Străhiarelor“. Accompanying them on stage were two notable Romanian bands: WarHymn and Mauna Sol, both contributing their distinct musical styles to set the tone for an unforgettable night.
The official event poster
© Quantic Club
Mauna Sol: Crafting Atmosphere and Emotion
Mauna Sol kicked off the night with a powerful set that demonstrated their evolution as a band. They began with “A New Life” a song that frontman George Costan described as a staple in their performances. This track, with its themes of rebirth and self-discovery, resonated with the audience right from the start. It was both a bold and wise choice, as its anthemic quality perfectly set the tone for the evening. The energy in the room soared as George’s commanding vocals and the band’s tight performance conveyed the essence of breaking free from the old and embracing the new—a sentiment many could relate to.
Mauna Sol on stage, 19.10.2024
© Valentina Gănescu
“Temptation” followed, a track as captivating as it was mysterious. The song’s dark yet alluring atmosphere pulled the crowd deeper into Mauna Sol’s world. With each note, they blended the intensity of black metal with intricate instrumental passages, leaving the audience in a trance.
Next up was “Mirage“, the longest and most intricate piece of their set. This track stood out as the emotional core of the performance, weaving together complex rhythms and evocative melodies. The band’s technical prowess was on full display, with every member contributing to the track’s haunting beauty. George’s theatrically expressive gestures throughout “Mirage” only amplified the song’s emotional weight, creating a captivating visual and sonic experience.
George Costan on stage, 19.10.2024
© Florin Diaconescu
The set continued with “Elegy for the Past“, “Death Poem” and “Inner Rewards” along with a brand new song that was well-received by the audience. Each song carried its own emotional depth, enhanced by George’s dramatic stage presence, which added a unique flair to the performance. The band’s chemistry was palpable, and the audience was clearly enthralled by the seamless interplay between each musician.
WarHymn: Unleashing the Occult Fire
Celebrating their five-year anniversary as a band, WarHymn took the stage with the intensity of a band well-acquainted with delivering powerful live performances. Though they began as a studio project, the live energy they’ve cultivated over the years was unmistakable during this performance at Quantic Club.
WarHymn on stage, 19.10.2024
© Andrada Clontea
The band opened with “Opus”, a dramatic and atmospheric track that perfectly introduced the evening’s intensity. It was the perfect introduction, creating an air of anticipation before launching into their explosive next song, “Occult Fire (Lucifer’s Hymn)”. This track was a blast in every sense of the word—its heavy riffs and relentless pace left the audience in awe, fully showcasing WarHymn’s raw power. Răzvan Rizea was nothing short of outstanding on guitars and vocals, his commanding presence elevating the intensity of the song. The rest of the band matched this energy, delivering a performance that was stunning in the most beautiful way—each member flawlessly locked into their roles, contributing to the tightness of the sound.
WarHymn on stage, 19.10.2024
© Andrada Clontea
When “Descendants of Cain” came next, it was a personal highlight for me. I had been eagerly waiting to hear this song live, and it didn’t disappoint. The track felt like a fine piece of art, moving me deeply. WarHymn’s ability to weave emotional depth into their black metal foundation was truly impressive.
The rest of the set continued to captivate, with “Originea“, “Fresh Spring in This New World“, “Ancestral World“, “Sadistic Crowning“, and “Dominus Terrae II” all receiving enthusiastic reactions from the crowd. Each song built upon the one before, creating a crescendo of dark, immersive energy. WarHymn’s performance was a perfect tribute to their five years as a band—celebrating their past while clearly paving the way for even greater things to come.
Sur Austru: A Night of Enchantment
After WarHymn’s intense and gripping set, Sur Austru took the stage, and the atmosphere transformed. The entire space was stunningly decorated, enhancing the overall experience and setting the perfect backdrop for the band’s enchanting performance. Ethereal lighting and thematic elements created a visually stunning ambiance that resonated with their music and themes.
Now, I’ve been a fan of “Datura Străhiarelor” since its release, and I was thrilled to finally experience it live. Sur Austru delivered a truly outstanding performance, effortlessly captivating the audience from start to finish. But the show wasn’t solely focused on their latest album; it also featured remarkable selections from “Obârșie” and “Meteahna timpurilor“, offering a dynamic journey through their entire musical evolution.
Sur Austru on stage, 19.10.2024
© Florin Diaconescu
The set opened with “Cel din urmă” from their very first album “Obârșie”, which set the stage beautifully. Both the vocal performance and instrumental execution were nothing short of stunning, blending seamlessly to captivate the audience. Visually, the show began with an evocative interplay of lights, immediately drawing the crowd into the unfolding narrative. As the lyrics “Demult apusă-i lumea/ În care a trăit/ Solomonar anumea/ Aproape e zduhnit” resonated through the venue, they created a haunting yet powerful atmosphere.
Artistically, Tibor Kati‘s theatrical gestures added an extra layer of depth to the performance, perfectly complementing the immersive scenography.
Tibor on stage, 19.10.2024,
© Florin Diaconescu
With the stage perfectly set, the band moved into “Datura Străhiarelor”, the energy being intensified with “Strânsura“. Offering a profound reflection on the finite nature of the world and its inevitable decline, the lyrics “Veacul ăstei lumi finite,/ A ajuns la asfințite” resonated deeply, inviting listeners to contemplate the transience of existence.
“Arătarea” followed, delivering a truly unique moment. The track began with a slow, tension-filled intro, gradually building anticipation before unleashing its full power. The haunting lyrics—“Auzât-aț’ voi d-o hiară/ de stă pre doauă picioară,/ Hiclenită, de dreapt-cale/ ce-i la mare dipărtare?/ Are capu-mpăunatu, greu atârnă pre grumazu,/ Prelestește-n scârnăvie ș-odrăslește doar năcazu’“—resonated deeply throughout the venue. Lyricist Călin Miclăuș truly outdid himself in crafting these verses, perfectly capturing the song’s eerie and otherworldly essence. The combination of poetic mastery and the band’s intense performance made this a standout moment of the night.
Tibor on stage, 19.10.2024,
© Florin Diaconescu
As the performance unfolded, the energy intensified with tracks like “Cele Rele“, and “Cele Bune“. Each song was a testament to the band’s mastery of their craft, with “Cele Rele” standing out due to its dynamic and forceful introduction, unique instrumentation, and Tibor’s powerful vocals that set a high bar for the rest of the set.
Sur Austru on stage, 19.10.2024
© Andrada Clontea
Moving through the performance, “Fărmăcarea” entered with an intriguing and atmospheric intro that immediately captured attention. This track evolved into a melodically complex piece, weaving intricate layers of sound that reflected the band’s artistic exploration. The band also treated us with “Afurisirea“, “Împărăcherea”, “Isprăvirea” from “Datura Străhiarelor” and “Bradul cerbului“, “Caloianul“, “De dincolo de munte” and “Ucenicii din hârtop” from their earlier works. “Caloianul” especially resonated with me, featuring profound lyrics that paint vivid imagery.
Sur Austru on stage, 19.10.2024
© Andrada Clontea
If “Datura Străhiarelor” won me while listening at home, witnessing it live left an even more profound impression. In the same time, listening to some masterpieces from “Obârșie” and “Meteahna timpurilor” felt somehow like a journey through time. The combination of Tibor’s haunting vocals and the skillful musicianship of the band members made for an unforgettable performance. Sur Austru’s ability to transport the audience into their mythological explorations is truly remarkable, and I eagerly look forward to their future endeavors.
