REVIEW: Ne Obliviscaris, Walkways and Freedom of Fear

October 22 wasn’t just another day on the calendar. It was the day when Quantic Club in Bucharest became the stage for an unparagoned night of metal mastery, hosting Ne Obliviscaris, Walkways, and Freedom of Fear. Organized by Metalhead, this event was a must-see, drawing fans eager to witness a line-up that would resonate in their memories long after the final note faded. With tickets flying off the virtual shelves, the night promised to be spectacular.

Freedom of Fear: A Thunderous Arrival from Australia

Freedom of Fear, coming all the way from Adelaide, Australia, immediately set the bar high. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, and from the opening moments of “Immortal“, it was clear they were here to leave a lasting impression. The lyrics—“Darkness, this life is mine to lead”—hit with a raw intensity, delving into themes of personal struggle, the fleeting nature of time, and the blurring of reality and fiction. The way the band intertwined technical brilliance with these philosophical musings created a performance that felt profound, each riff and lyric carrying significant weight.

The next track, “Primordius“, took the atmosphere deeper into a realm of darkness and myth. With lyrics like “The glaring iris of the basilisk/ From the abyss, awaits”, the song painted a vivid picture of annihilation and cosmic dread. The crowd was drawn into this world, the powerful riffs and growls matching the apocalyptic tone of the lyrics. “Lock eyes with the goliath/ Breatheth flames of obsidian”—this line, in particular, echoed through the room, leaving a haunting resonance that seemed to silence everything but the music. The presence of “Primordius” on stage felt like a force of nature, gripping the human beings and pulling them into its chaos.

Freedom of Fear continued with “Nebula” and “Carpathia“. “Carpathia” stood out with its hypnotic, almost enchanting aura. The lyrics—“Elemental dust on moonlight ray/ Sailing through black clouds”—invoked images of ethereal beauty amidst darkness. There was something almost cinematic about this performance, as if the band was guiding the audience through a landscape of desolation and eerie tranquility. The chilling atmosphere of the song, paired with the haunting melody, made it a highlight of the night.

As they moved through “Entities” and “Zenith“, the vocalist’s hypnotic energy continued to transfix the audience. Each move, each scream, pulled the crowd deeper into the performance, creating an immersive experience that blurred the lines between performer and observer. Freedom of Fear’s ability to captivate through both their music and stage presence turned their set into something far beyond just a performance—it became a trance, leaving the audience spellbound.

The next suit, Walkways, an alternative metal band hailing from Tel Aviv, Israel came to Bucharest with one clear goal: to connect with the audience on a deeply emotional level, and they achieved this with every note. Their performance was a powerful expression of vulnerability, anger, and hope, all delivered with an energy that was impossible to ignore.

The band kicked off their set with “Human Beings” and “Hell Born Shove“. Now, “Hell Born Shove” truly set the tone with its fierce guitar riffs and heavy-hitting rhythms. The vocalist’s intensity on stage immediately drew the audience in, his raw energy amplifying the heaviness of the track. Every line felt like it was coming from the depths of personal struggle, with lyrics that spoke of defiance and inner turmoil. One notable thing is how Walkways seamlessly communicated on stage without needing words—just a glance or a nod was enough to synchronize their next moves. This effortless interaction made their transitions between songs feel organic and kept the momentum alive, ensuring that the energy never dipped. The cohesion between the members allowed each song to flow into the next, creating a continuous, immersive experience for the audience.

The moment that stood out for many was when they performed “Half the Man I am“. This track showcased a more introspective side of the band, and it was during this song that the vocalist’s energy shifted. As the lyrics unfolded, there was a palpable sense of vulnerability, his voice echoing through Quantic with a haunting clarity. He sang with a sincerity that hit hard. This was the moment that moved me.

When he delivered the lines “I’m always one step from giving up, letting go/ Letting it all go to hell with me”, the emotional intensity reached its peak. The rawness of the words, paired with his powerful delivery, felt like a confession.

By the time they closed with “Actions“, the atmosphere had reached a fever pitch. The track was short, but its impact was lasting. The crowd was left buzzing, fully immersed in the sonic journey that Walkways had taken them on. The band departed the stage, but the intensity of their presence lingered in the air long after their final note.

Walkways didn’t just play their music; they lived it, and they made sure that everyone in the room did too.

An Epic Journey Through Sound: Ne Obliviscaris on Stage

And then… the epic finale arrived. Ne Obliviscaris, from Melbourne, Australia, took the stage, and from the first note, it was clear that this would be a performance of sheer magnitude. The band, known for their complex compositions and progressive metal prowess, delivered a moving set; each track being stormier than the last. The concert opened with the three-part masterpiece “Painters of the Tempest“. A strong opener, right? The precision of the guitars and the fluidity of the violins were a testament to their technical brilliance. Tim‘s vocals soared over the intricate instrumentals, striking a perfect balance between guttural growls and clean, ethereal melodies.

Then, as the lights dimmed, the song “Pyrrhic” made its way into the venue. The song’s dynamic range moved from blistering speed to slower, melancholic passages. There was a visceral intensity, perfectly encapsulated by the haunting lines, “Of blood and time within these veins/ Pulsing the dim, thundering…”. One standout moment came with the lyric “Beksinski’s hooves cascading heaven”. This powerful imagery links the music to the haunting and dreamlike art of Zdzisław Beksiński, renowned for his dark, surreal landscapes. In that moment, it became clear how the performance invited the audience to reflect on the interplay between art and music. The evocative visuals conjured by the lyrics sparked conversations among fans, bridging their love for both auditory and visual experiences. The evening crescendoed with the powerful declaration to “Bring forth the stars and tear down the sky”.

As the band moved through “Devour Me, Colossus” (Part I and Part II), it became evident that Ne Obliviscaris’ power lies in their ability to evoke strong emotions through intricate musical storytelling. The interplay between the violin and guitars created an atmospheric depth that resonated deeply with the audience.

When they performed “Misericorde I & II“, the raw intensity of the music was palpable. The tracks, with their haunting melodies and thunderous rhythms, showcased the band’s signature style of blending extreme metal with classical influences. Every member of the band was in sync, pushing the boundaries of what progressive metal can be.

The evening culminated in “And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope” a song that encapsulated the entire journey of the concert. Its relentless intensity and emotional weight were the perfect way to close out the night.

Ne Obliviscaris crafted an epic narrative, one that swept the audience off their feet and carried them through a sonic odyssey that will be remembered long.