On November 9, Spears of Wallachia Festival‘s second day turned Bucharest’s Quantic Club into a crucible of intensity, showcasing a lineup that was both diverse and dark. Presented by Cavalleria Events, the night brought together the best in death, black, thrash, and symphonic metal, with bands from Romania, France, and Portugal unleashing their uncompromising sounds onto a fervent crowd. With a mix of veterans and debut performances, the night offered everything from black metal to relentless death-thrash, making for an experience that felt like a primal walk through metal’s shadowed domains.
Spears of Wallachia 2024
© Cavalleria Events
Wormgod: A Hypnotic, Hard-Hitting Debut
The evening opened with the long-awaited live debut of Wormgod, a black metal act hailing from Romania. Having rehearsed for six months leading up to this moment, Wormgod’s performance delivered on all fronts. Starting with “My Blood” from their album “Where Old Curses Rest“, they unleashed a dark, immersive force that washed over the crowd. The haunting tones of the guitars and the powerful vocals captivated the audience right from the start, proving that their debut was well worth the wait. “My Blood” was a wise choice for the start because it teleported you straight into the world that Wormgod carefully created for this band. Transitioning seamlessly, “Blossom of Fear” introduced a more aggressive edge without losing the atmospheric essence. The relentless guitar riffs combined with dynamic drumming created a sense of urgency, while the melodic interludes provided moments of eerie beauty. With “Amorphous Hate“, Wormgod delved deeper into the abyss of black metal. The track’s complex structure and intense tempo showcased the band’s technical prowess. The vocal delivery became more fierce, matching the song’s raw emotion and driving the crowd into a state of frenzied engagement. “În Vale” brought a unique cultural flavor to the set, incorporating Romanian influences that added depth and authenticity. The haunting melodies intertwined with traditional motifs created a mesmerizing experience, highlighting Wormgod’s ability to blend local elements with black metal seamlessly. Slowing the pace slightly, “Failure’s Reign” offered a brooding introspection. The song’s melancholic undertones and powerful lyrics provided a stark contrast to the preceding tracks, allowing the audience to connect on a more emotional level. The interplay between the instruments and vocals was particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the band’s versatility. Picking up the tempo once more, “Olden Crusade” injected a burst of energy into the performance. This track highlighted Wormgod’s ability to maintain intensity while exploring complex musical arrangements. “Icon of Sin” delved into darker thematic territories, with its layered compositions and haunting melodies enveloping the venue in an almost hypnotic ambiance. Closing their set with “Post-Self Apocalypse“, Wormgod delivered a powerful finale that encapsulated their signature sound. The track’s epic scale and cathartic release provided a fitting end to their show.
Wormgod on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Is there more to say? Honestly, yes. I genuinely appreciated the attention to detail and the diversity Wormgod brought to the stage.
Wormgod on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Next up was Ruyned, from Romania, with their fierce blend of blackened thrash and speed metal. The band’s show in Quantic Club was nothing short of a statement—proving their commitment to delivering “pure fukking metal” in its most aggressive form. Did they succeed in showing the Bucharest audience this unfiltered force? Absolutely! The band set the tone with a dark, ominous intro, creating an atmosphere of anticipation before diving into the heavier material. It felt like a storm gathering on the horizon, preparing the crowd for the intensity that was about to be unleashed.
Ruyned on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Kicking off with “Impaled“, Ruyned immediately demonstrated their fierce, high-speed thrash riffs and guttural growls. The track embodies the band’s blackened thrash roots, blending sharp guitar work with relentless drumming to create a chaotic soundscape. The title track “Ruyned” served as a brutal anthem, capturing the band’s essence with its aggression and speed.
“Fleshripper“, as intense as its name suggests, delivered blistering riffs and powerful bass lines. The relentless tempo and aggressive tone seemed to bring out a primal energy in the audience, who responded with a surge of headbanging.
With “Hellbeast“, Ruyned tapped into the darker, blackened side of their sound. The track had an almost ritualistic quality, with its sinister melody lines weaving through the brutal instrumentation. The growls here took on an even more menacing tone, amplifying the song’s devilish vibe. True to its name, “Speedchain” was an adrenaline-fueled track that highlighted the band’s speed metal influences. Rapid-fire riffs and unyielding drumming pushed the energy to another level, creating an electrifying atmosphere that had the crowd’s fists in the air.
“What Lies Beneath” was about conjuring a sinister atmosphere. It pushes you into the thrash-laden realms. I felt that the song brought a sense of mystery and foreboding.
The night continued with “Eternal Torment“, a song that hit like a freight train, a relentless surge of sound that gave no quarter. Then came “Lobotomized” with its furious pace and blistering vocals. It was the embodiment of Ruyned’s “pure fukking metal” mantra—raw, unrelenting, and unapologetic.
The mood shifted with “Orgasm Through Death (Vampire of Dusseldorf)“, “Profanum Sacrificium” (a crowd pleasure for sure) and “Sex’n Speed“. With these songs, Ruyned went out on a high note, leaving no doubt about their commitment to raw, aggressive metal. This final track felt like a brutal farewell, as the band unleashed their heaviest riffs and unrelenting speed one last time.
Ruyned on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Following Ruyned was Spinecrusher, another fierce Romanian force that brought their unwavering drive to the stage. Spinecrusher opened with “Blasphemy“, a track that is always great to be heard. This song had exactly the kind of impact you want in a performance opener. It grips you. It makes you want to be in the frontline. Following “Blasphemy” they launched into “Hammer of Hell” and it felt like a punch to the face—in the best way possible. This song was an absolute headbanger, delivering crushing riffs and powerful drumming that resonated through the crowd. “Did the audience «hear the bell, from the pits of hell?»”, you might ask. Well, yes. I kinda lost the track of the headbangers at this song, which felt nice. Next up was “666“, a song that fans have always admired. When they played it live, the atmosphere was electric. I couldn’t help but think, “There were burning fires in the night”, as the lyrics said, because the band truly ignited the crowd’s energy with this one. It’s one of those anthemic tracks that just hits differently when you experience it live, surrounded by fellow fans.
Spinecrusher on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
“Shadows of Ypres“, a very fresh song, brought a darker, more haunting vibe to the set. This song is like a descent into history’s bloody pages. The somber yet intense tone resonated with the audience, creating a sense of atmosphere that was palpable. The guitar work and pacing here felt immersive, as if Spinecrusher were taking the audience into another era. The next song, “Crypts of the Slaughter“, kept the intensity high, with relentless riffs and an ominous melody that added a layer of sinister energy. This track felt like a march through dark, haunted corridors, perfectly blending aggressive rhythms with a chilling atmosphere. The sheer enthusiasm was palpable.
After that, they performed “Beyond the Gates“, one of the night’s undeniable highlights. For me, this song holds a unique resonance, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, it seemed to captivate everyone else just as strongly. There is something about this tune, something that makes you forget about everything you encountered during the day and let the night of their show to become an exhilarating, almost otherworldly escape into Spinecrusher’s dark realm.
After the powerful surge of “Beyond the Gates”, which left us entranced and transported, Spinecrusher plunged into “Bringer of Souls” a track that, for me, stood out as another personal favourite. This song exudes a primal force that feels almost unstoppable, carrying an energy that rippled through the audience like an electric charge. The way Spinecrusher delivered it was nothing short of a battle cry—an immersive blend of aggression and storytelling that made every note feel like an invitation to join the fray.
Then, as the night drew to a close, they unleashed “Martyr (For the Devil)“—a perfect ending to a set that was relentless in its impact. Where to put the fact that it is another fresh piece of work? This final track brought a solemn, almost epic quality. Its progression from pounding riffs to a more introspective close felt like a powerful reflection on sacrifice and resilience. The intensity of that closing left everyone with the sense of having witnessed something truly unforgettable.
Spinecrusher on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
After Spinecrusher, came Godiva, from Portugal. Now, now… Godiva comes to bring damnation to the stage; that is their ultimate goal. Did they succeed to do that on their first visit to Romania? Yes. Through their sound, stage presence, and costumes, they nailed it. The atmosphere was electric as they took the stage of Quantic. From the opening intro, it was evident the band had come to make a lasting impression. The stage design, lighting, and their striking costumes set the tone for a captivating performance that would not soon be forgotten.
Godiva on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
After a few, “Faceless” resounded in Quantic Club, a track that demands attention and contemplation. The song is rich in motifs and diverse in sound, offering intricate melodies. The band’s deep connection with the piece was evident in their passionate delivery. Next, they launched into “Death of Icarus” one of the centerpiece tracks from their album “Hubris“. Based on the myth of Icarus, the song took on an almost mythical quality, with soaring guitar riffs and a vocal performance that mirrored Icarus’ ill-fated flight. The tragic narrative was woven beautifully into the music, drawing the audience deeper into its themes of ambition and downfall. Believe me, if you want to hear about those two motifs in a poetical way, listen to this song live, or even at home.
“Hollow Within” followed, a track that was meant to be shared with the crowd. Its melancholy mood was balanced with a sense of empowerment. The music of it captured the complex emotions.
Then came “Dawn” a song filled with both hope and tension. Godiva showcased their ability to balance light and dark in this song, with delicate, atmospheric moments giving way to heavier, more intense sections. This contrast was seamless, drawing the audience in and leaving them hanging on every note.
As the set approached its climax with “Oblivion” and the relentless “Superbeast” the energy in the room surged. They closed with “All Seeing Eye” an epic finale that encapsulated the dark, introspective themes explored throughout the show.
Godiva on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Necrowretch, from France, the headliner of the night, took to the stage with a setlist crafted for utter mayhem. Yes, mayhem. From the very start, it was clear they were ready to push the limits, and it felt like they were set to obliterate the drums and every inch of the venue along with it. But it all seemed natural to them. They tore through a setlist that was crafted to inflict sonic devastation, with each track embodying pure evil.
Necrowretch on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
From the opening notes of “Ksar Al-Kufar“, the atmosphere was charged. The lyrics echoed through the venue like a dark incantation: “There is a land of disbelief,/ A land of which thou must not speak…”. And indeed, the land they created was a forsaken realm of shadow and fury.
Moving into “Dii Mauri“, Necrowretch summoned ancient idols and divine forces, calling forth the spirits of the Netherworld. The song radiated a dark majesty that was both terrifying and enthralling. By the time “Swords of Dajjal” filled the air, with its grim imagery of dying stars and the rise of black legions, it was clear, once more, that this was an invocation. “Vae Victis” delivered a brutal anthem to violence and conquest, declaring, “To the vanquished, woe! To the victor, gold!”. The intensity only deepened with “Even Death May Die“, where the lyrics seemed to blur the boundary between life and death: “For with strange aeons, even death may die”. In that moment, Necrowretch made believers of us all. The conviction in their performance made it easy to accept that with strange aeons, even death could indeed die—a chilling notion that felt all too real.
“Numidian Knowledge” then took us deeper into ancient secrets, summoning the wisdom of past kings and lost civilizations. The band’s mastery was apparent as they seamlessly transitioned from this eldritch tribute to the instrumental “Daeva“, a haunting interlude that set the stage for the final blow.
Closing with “Total Obliteration“, Necrowretch embodied the wrath and doom they sang about. With lines like, “I’ll be the death which will kill the world”, they left the audience in a state of awe. This was more than a concert; it was a rite of darkness, an unforgettable piece of metal history.
If you wanted to hear Necrowretch, you should have been there. For those who were, it was a moment that will be remembered—as already mentioned, true piece of history for the ages.
Necrowretch on stage, 9.11.2024
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Final Thoughts
The second day of Spears of Wallachia Festival was nothing short of a masterclass in live metal. Each band brought its own unique flavor of intensity, creating a night that was as diverse as it was dark. Wormgod’s haunting debut showcased the deep, immersive potential of black metal rooted in cultural motifs, while Ruyned and Spinecrusher electrified the crowd with unrelenting blackened thrash and speed metal. Godiva’s mythical themes and theatrical flair added a unique atmosphere, captivating the audience with their poetic renditions of ambition and tragedy. Finally, Necrowretch took the stage as the ultimate purveyors of chaos, leaving Quantic Club in shreds with their powerful, visceral sound.
When all was said and done, the answer was clear: yes, we want another edition.
Spears of Wallachia 2024
© Cavalleria Events
