Psychonaut 4 at Downstairs at the Dome, London 2024

Downstairs at the Dome hosts many artists from around the world. This time, for one exclusive evening, it housed the first ever UK debut show of Psychonaut 4 – a post-soviet suicidal black metal band from Georgia, Tbilisi. Tickets sold out weeks before the event, exposing the strong London fan base and resident metalhead’s cravings to discover new metal sounds. They made new fans that evening, as Psychonaut 4 delivered an incredible show.

Originating in 2010 within a small and very niche metal scene in Georgia, with four albums under their belt and 5th release coming out at the end of October, their set list was strong. It took us through some of their diverse sounds and meaningful lyrics, not shying away from touching on the often difficult subject of depression and some of the darkest and most difficult feelings and moments of what it sometimes means to be a human. Many fans were singing and screaming along, showing how deeply their songs resonated with their listeners.

Unfortunately, band vocalist and founder Graf von Baphomet was not able to perform, but his cover was as exciting as their arrival in London. Lord Lokhraed from the French band Nocturnal Depression picked up the microphone at short notice, throwing even more people in the crowd into a frenzy, perfectly matching the band’s energy. We were all privy to a fantastic showcase of Eastern & Western Black Metal fusion of sounds. Coming from a post-soviet country, I could hear and feel the generational trauma mixed with the realities and expectations of the modern world, especially during the performance of Sweet Decadence or Tbilisian Tragedy. Walking out of the concert, I was their new fan myself.

Apart from the fantastic headliner, we got to listen to some of the UK’s very own black metal talent. First up on stage, we witnessed London’s local band Eihort taking the stage with a characteristic performance filled with satanic themes and symbolism. Active for just under a year, they are slowly settling in across the stages of London and beyond.

Second up was Necronautical, a well-known and established band within the British scene. Both Necronautical and Psychonaut 4 started their activity around the same time, and it’s been interesting to see and hear the contrasting influences coming together during this exciting evening. With four albums under their name as well, they were a perfect bridge for the Georgian headliner. Please check out the band’s social for more information about their upcoming shows.