When Filter unleashed their first record nearly 30 years ago, it was like a sonic sledgehammer smashing through the music scene’s norms—unadulterated industrial metal at its purest. Yet, as they evolved, shredding the playbook for a sound that melds gut-punching riffs with a denser, more organic metal, their creative trajectory has only ascended.
Their London gig on Saturday was no mere concert; it was a tempest of sound, helmed by the indomitable Richard Patrick, whose genius has only intensified over the years. The Algorithm marks a zenith in their journey, marrying the ferocious energy of their early days with a sharp modern edge that cuts through today’s musical clutter.
Having seen Filter live a dozen times over the years, I can assert without a hint of hyperbole that now is the ultimate time to experience them. The setlist—a seamless blend of their immense catalogue with the blistering tracks from the new album—showcases a band at the peak of its powers.
Onstage, the atmosphere was electric, a visual spectacle of deep purples, blues, and enveloping smoke, making for a photographer’s nightmare but a fan’s dream. Patrick, in his signature Ray Bans, was a force of nature. His voice, commanding and potent, anchored the night, drawing us into a shared journey through Filter’s evolving soundscape.
The setlist was a masterful raid on Filter’s arsenal, zeroing in on the raw power of their first three albums while snatching some gems from soundtracks and their more underrated works. “Jurasitol” and “Trip Like I Do” detonated with epic force, while “You Walk Away” and “American Cliché” hit harder than ever, each riff a sledgehammer to the senses.
The inclusion of four tracks from their latest album added fresh firepower, leaving an indelible mark on the night. “Obliteration” stood as a colossal beacon of Filter’s unyielding relevance and their relentless pursuit of evolution. Despite missing a few classic anthems (ok, more like personal favourites), the gig’s energy surged unabated—a testament to Filter’s sprawling discography and their uncanny ability to ensnare the crowd with a blend of old favourites and new bangers.
The finale—a fierce combo of “Welcome to the Fold” into “Hey Man Nice Shot”—landed with such an impactful blow that the lack of an encore echoed as a bold statement of completion. The venue, bursting at its seams, bore witness to Filter’s undiminished magnetism and the electrifying connection they share with their fans.
In a world where concerts blend into one endless loop of predictability, Filter’s latest gig tore through the fabric of the mundane like a chainsaw through butter. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill rock show; it was Filter, full throttle, laying down a setlist that felt like they’d raided my brain for my personal greatest hits. Seeing them now, with The Algorithm tracks throwing gasoline on their already blazing catalog, is like catching lightning in a bottle. If you’re thinking of seeing Filter live, stop thinking and get moving. This is them at their peak, crafting a setlist so spot-on it’s almost eerie. Not too shabby for a night out, right?
