Septicflesh Unleashes a Symphonic Storm at The DNA Lounge
San Francisco’s DNA Lounge was transformed into a temple of darkness as Greek symphonic death metal titans Septicflesh took the stage for their Modern Primitive tour. Known for their cinematic orchestrations and crushing brutality, the band delivered an unforgettable performance that blurred the line between the epic and the extreme. With an audience packed tightly into the intimate venue, anticipation hung thick in the air—devotees ready to be engulfed by the band’s signature blend of grandiose orchestration and relentless heaviness.
As part of the Modern Primitive tour, Septicflesh was joined by two powerhouse supporting acts: VLTIMAS and Stormruler, both bringing their own brand of devastation to the night. However, for this particular stop at The DNA Lounge, the lineup featured an additional special guest—Siglos, who opened the night with a ritualistic fury that immediately set the tone for the chaos to come.
Siglos – A Ritualistic Opening to the Chaos
Kicking off the night’s destruction was Siglos, the blackened industrial metal project led by former Ministry guitarist Sin Quirin. Blending eerie atmospheric synths, punishing guitar riffs, and ritualistic intensity, Siglos delivered a hypnotic and menacing performance that captivated the early crowd. Their sound, drenched in ominous melodies and pounding rhythms, created a dark and immersive atmosphere—an almost ceremonial initiation into the night’s unfolding brutality. As the first act to take the stage, they left a lasting impression, proving that even in an already stacked lineup, they had a unique presence that couldn’t be ignored.
Stormruler – Blackened Fury on Full Display
Following Siglos, Stormruler stormed the stage with their brand of melodic black metal steeped in fantasy and battle lore. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, the group unleashed an onslaught of icy tremolo-picked riffs, breakneck drumming, and atmospheric interludes that transported the audience into a realm of warfare and myth. Their relentless speed and immersive storytelling made for a gripping performance, showcasing why they’re a rising force in the extreme metal scene.
VLTIMAS – A Masterclass in Blackened Death Metal
Next, VLTIMAS took command, bringing their sinister and crushing blackened death metal to the forefront. Featuring legendary Morbid Angel frontman David Vincent, the band exuded seasoned dominance, delivering a masterclass in precision and brutality. Vincent’s guttural vocals cut through the thick atmosphere like a warlord leading his troops into battle, while the band’s complex and punishing riffs kept the crowd locked in a trance. As the final act before Septicflesh, VLTIMAS made it abundantly clear that this wasn’t just another night of metal—this was an unholy ritual of pure sonic devastation.
The DNA Lounge – A Fitting Cathedral for Metal
A venue as legendary as the acts it hosts, The DNA Lounge has long been a staple of San Francisco’s underground music scene. Tucked away in the city’s SOMA district, this iconic venue has been a home for alternative music since the ’80s, welcoming everything from industrial and goth nights to some of the heaviest metal tours in the world. Its intimate layout allows for an immersive experience, where the energy of the crowd surges right up to the stage, creating an undeniable connection between performers and fans.
For a band like Septicflesh, whose music thrives on atmosphere and intensity, The DNA Lounge proved to be the perfect setting. The venue’s dark, industrial aesthetic only amplified the ritualistic nature of their performance, while the acoustics ensured that every thunderous riff, cinematic orchestration, and guttural roar hit with full force. The club’s size fosters a raw, personal experience—there’s no disconnect, no barrier between artist and audience, just unfiltered energy flowing in both directions.
A Visceral Experience That Transcends Metal
By the time Septicflesh took the stage, the energy in the venue was feverish. From the first thunderous note, it was clear they were here to dominate. The stage lights bathed the performers in a haunting glow, adding to the ritualistic atmosphere as frontman Spiros Antoniou’s guttural growls commanded the crowd. The band’s technical precision was on full display—Christos Antoniou’s symphonic arrangements seamlessly intertwined with Dino “Pyschon” Prassas’ intricate guitar work, while drummer Kerim “Krimh” Lechner delivered a relentless barrage of blast beats and double-kick rhythms with machine-like accuracy. Each note and transition felt meticulously crafted, proving that Septicflesh’s ability to balance sheer brutality with orchestral grandeur is no accident—it’s a carefully honed craft.
Septicflesh’s performance of Portrait of a Headless Man was nothing short of mesmerizing. From the moment the first ominous notes filled the air, the audience was held captive, their eyes locked onto the stage as if entranced. The orchestral grandeur of the track, paired with the band’s crushing intensity, created an overwhelming sonic experience. The sheer weight of the music, combined with the commanding presence of the vocalist, left the crowd in a state of awe, drawn deeper into the dark, theatrical spectacle unfolding before them.
Then came Communion, a track that hit with an almost ritualistic brutality. The moment the first crushing riff tore through the venue, the audience was utterly enthralled, as if gripped by an ancient force. Every blast beat, every guttural growl, reverberated through the crowd like the chants of a dark ceremony. The pit surged with primal energy, bodies moving in chaotic unison, fully submitting to the unrelenting power of the music. It wasn’t just a song—it was an invocation, a rite of sonic destruction that left no one untouched.
If Communion was a violent purge, Anubis was its haunting counterpart, a moment of eerie unity amidst the chaos. As the song began, the vocalist extended his hand toward the audience, commanding them to chant the melody. One by one, voices rose until the entire venue became a single, ghostly choir. The melody echoed through the space like an ancient hymn, binding the crowd together in a way that felt almost sacred. In that moment, there were no spectators—only participants in something grand, something chillingly beautiful.
For those who grew up inspired by their relentless ambition to push the boundaries of what metal can be, seeing them live is more than just a concert—it’s a pilgrimage. Septicflesh has always dared to merge the grandeur of classical composition with the unrelenting ferocity of death metal, and witnessing that vision come to life on stage—especially in a venue as intimate and intense as The DNA Lounge—is something every metal fan should experience at least once.
Bands:
https://www.facebook.com/septicfleshband
https://www.facebook.com/VLTIMAS
https://www.facebook.com/StormrulerOFFICIAL
https://www.facebook.com/SiglosMusic
Venue:
https://www.facebook.com/dnalounge
