tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58289301547632032662024-03-16T09:13:24.668+01:00Erikprogtricolorerikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.comBlogger649125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-63256376323176016312024-03-16T09:12:00.000+01:002024-03-16T09:12:29.172+01:00Hypnos, Bloodphemy & Deathmarch - Musicon The Hague, 15 March 2024<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRUHmM70dcY_ZfBkYIs-1lgtUDHMHACY2ZqjpVlut-MNTQj9Gqw-pjCnZafJkMH3DbllrmqJc0gzSl1FEMilC25VthltGn6iKNoKBD7fXn4CS-rofEYxsKpL0vsz-ldtGnb-9qiwGBMPFom5ufGr18INNVHvx9myl23YXiyJSwmYZiPsZ5rF2eMSUqgtK/s640/IMG_1031%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRUHmM70dcY_ZfBkYIs-1lgtUDHMHACY2ZqjpVlut-MNTQj9Gqw-pjCnZafJkMH3DbllrmqJc0gzSl1FEMilC25VthltGn6iKNoKBD7fXn4CS-rofEYxsKpL0vsz-ldtGnb-9qiwGBMPFom5ufGr18INNVHvx9myl23YXiyJSwmYZiPsZ5rF2eMSUqgtK/s320/IMG_1031%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Friday night and the question was: Is it a risk to go to another Death Metal night in a week that gave already so much with Persefone, Cynic, Almost Dead and Atheist? The answer: no risk go ahead and enjoy yourself with beers, friends and bands.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2UAQelROXktkGJ0upml2TlGbLYDKUJl8u8ViPx-z-Ex7OkOX68JA44AWbMpSqWUkvHdqNAAHHuRhHM0iLa7qEeQM7md1GwMXSyCxih3hN5DDRM0Cyz8KDB5iRatD_sIuImpvytosCdXuWTwcw-p1Yww-DoN6K3sngxuw3vn9Q1_buHhm2QsjlBOL6TmQ/s640/IMG_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2UAQelROXktkGJ0upml2TlGbLYDKUJl8u8ViPx-z-Ex7OkOX68JA44AWbMpSqWUkvHdqNAAHHuRhHM0iLa7qEeQM7md1GwMXSyCxih3hN5DDRM0Cyz8KDB5iRatD_sIuImpvytosCdXuWTwcw-p1Yww-DoN6K3sngxuw3vn9Q1_buHhm2QsjlBOL6TmQ/s320/IMG_1025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Deathmarch opened the evening. This band promised skull crushing, beer drinking, headbanging old school death metal. Well that is basically what we got even if they saved the beer drinking for after their set. Nice opener of the evening.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYFi5GJNgmWiGV489reqO7-lwhDAfBzf24wQS2RfLxVOvOhMjdDqwpcp_fS8Uz3He04pbp9sEE1is0EQOzv3qarZZWuj5TY85U2yGI95eKi8Uhr2gx0JruJuIKUg7RGYNuBq6Dta2J645Ftz062TQe8ZwYJ9bHv0_5UzZJlhPMHcE6gVY_d95g2U_E1eE/s640/IMG_1027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYFi5GJNgmWiGV489reqO7-lwhDAfBzf24wQS2RfLxVOvOhMjdDqwpcp_fS8Uz3He04pbp9sEE1is0EQOzv3qarZZWuj5TY85U2yGI95eKi8Uhr2gx0JruJuIKUg7RGYNuBq6Dta2J645Ftz062TQe8ZwYJ9bHv0_5UzZJlhPMHcE6gVY_d95g2U_E1eE/s320/IMG_1027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />When next band Bloodphemy went to the stage I recognized some faces. Luckily Patrick walked around who knows these things and yes the guitars were ex Neoceasar. Before Corona Neoceasar were the band I saw playing most live in one year and than they disappeared. I just read that Bloodphemy formed in 2000 already, left for over a decade and returned since 2015. Their set showed a tight and experienced band with for me the highlight in the guitar work soloing in duo or apart, but always adding spice and melody to the songs. A good band and bringing a T-shirt in the colours of The Hague and Brazil gave me a double reason to pick it up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu7LjCxWd4Z3I5Ooh5CqxftkkgWQ00Pu0zLpjog0pL3pN1Q-9sPig_hWTsytPyvfzNywVRobPuR7Wg1cAPHGqf3rOmB5uQVEUrC0C_ajdJGgxrKKvZWSBNjcqmH5pMKJ1FFiRfEB2OjlkhvsMz05dCYjdyOB89kxceTXCqcRMdljhsUAtzVAZCGQCN5JN/s640/IMG_1029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu7LjCxWd4Z3I5Ooh5CqxftkkgWQ00Pu0zLpjog0pL3pN1Q-9sPig_hWTsytPyvfzNywVRobPuR7Wg1cAPHGqf3rOmB5uQVEUrC0C_ajdJGgxrKKvZWSBNjcqmH5pMKJ1FFiRfEB2OjlkhvsMz05dCYjdyOB89kxceTXCqcRMdljhsUAtzVAZCGQCN5JN/s320/IMG_1029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Hypnos came all the way from Czechia. They also played Musicon six years ago and that was on a Sunday afternoon, when the clock was tight due to another evening program. I was the only one in tonight who was there as well as now, apart from people linked to Musicon or Neoceasar. At the time I bought the CD and T-shirt of the White Crow. So I knew I liked them and tonight would not be much different. Hypnos play Death Metal too, but in a fairly accessible form by the melodies added throughout. Today they shall pass by de Baroeg on their way to Belgium in order to say goodbye to Holland's most important venue (in their eyes and ears). A good band closing one fine evening of DM in Musicon. And yes The Hague Death Fest is coming 1 June and promises to be good with a great line-up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-61303557917908616612024-03-15T10:47:00.000+01:002024-03-15T10:47:12.868+01:00Cryptopsy, Atheist, Almost Dead & 72 Legions - Fluor Amersfoort, 14 March 2024<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuPyMQhdWbomvB3u_mgcwIP_zeqohFRXYxLGXKJcEXA02kgAku7byusx0b8a-PwrFfTWPzPA02M8dGYM3Eya7QLf0mTPUmUFhiKpEhRsZUCcALYbo4yLdepJ-azDiCl3affEG1DS6C9iIs-Mi7N3LBKI4EEIDoN5mxIxq4Za1c722If9YTBoey3m78sFZ/s640/IMG_1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuPyMQhdWbomvB3u_mgcwIP_zeqohFRXYxLGXKJcEXA02kgAku7byusx0b8a-PwrFfTWPzPA02M8dGYM3Eya7QLf0mTPUmUFhiKpEhRsZUCcALYbo4yLdepJ-azDiCl3affEG1DS6C9iIs-Mi7N3LBKI4EEIDoN5mxIxq4Za1c722If9YTBoey3m78sFZ/s320/IMG_1020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Unquestionable Blasphemy tour hit Amersfoort and I had to be there as one of the two headliners were Atheist. Why this need? here is the long explanation. This summer fifteen years ago doctors told me I probably only had months to live left. Between the first surgery and the second I had some weeks in which I tried to recover strenght and fitness (well I walked and jogged a lot no gym's for me). During those weeks I also had a sort of farewell tour of shows. I attended Atheist, MSG and Cynic. For the MSG show I made it to de Boerderij but a freakattack of pain on the stomach made me leave before they even started. So basically my farewell tour consisted of two shows Atheist in de Kade and Cynic in P60. I always wanted to see both bands again, but work made me miss a return a few years later. During the corona years several tours were announced and cancelled and even rumours of a joined Cynic/Atheist tour passed by. In the end it turned out that both bands toured seperately but would play The Netherlands the same week. Last Sunday I saw Cynic in Dynamo and Atheist played Fluor and shall play Dynamo tonight. So in order to revisit both bands and show an imaginary finger to all those doctors who were wrong and messed me up for life. That is only physically as mentally I only came out these dark days as a more cynical atheist.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhnEA3RyshyphenhyphenE5_BBvjv85MGEVpGEAX-E3rvOalErSSdmWOXMwG-BeGm-6Yl0jsV5-Y2hgJFvmQvlhkpReRvnlIJe74WE20x1l-NRL3owZjh6OGG0lcHFxU2LJLk5cAWzIM-ODKHYfWWNLZzhjjFXiDfqkZvGMk6jac1zC9D56vNMZ91o_2FLl6j5L2LbN/s640/IMG_1018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhnEA3RyshyphenhyphenE5_BBvjv85MGEVpGEAX-E3rvOalErSSdmWOXMwG-BeGm-6Yl0jsV5-Y2hgJFvmQvlhkpReRvnlIJe74WE20x1l-NRL3owZjh6OGG0lcHFxU2LJLk5cAWzIM-ODKHYfWWNLZzhjjFXiDfqkZvGMk6jac1zC9D56vNMZ91o_2FLl6j5L2LbN/s320/IMG_1018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />So Fluor it was, even if trains tried to stop me from going by cancelling direct connections. Upon arrival I immediately bumped into Jeffrey and we both shared how hard it was to find the entrance. The evening was not sold out (with not so far Dynamo on the Friday following) but maybe the city of Amersfoort was flooded with metalheads who could not find the entrance either. Unquestionable Blasphemy is an attractive name and the two headliners even sold combined T-shirts wit tour dates on the back. I stuck with the Unquestionable Presence Tee, had a beer and positioned well with Jeffrey to see what the evening would bring us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qVXR_lYQocytP-A88ufY0Rn7hgZAARbJ8idHP2rCw29OrHSFQkhg-k-vgBDjGT1CzeqMiZDkdXdpIeD5WQpHcZPbki2-u0_09Hb__JcjgzIJVRXRt4cKgEJSw_Vq6NynuqX-5qPKJtR7OGnynM9MsbMFF99vLvDMCCkDcdiNi7QqHWG2a_vxFjdobo30/s640/IMG_1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qVXR_lYQocytP-A88ufY0Rn7hgZAARbJ8idHP2rCw29OrHSFQkhg-k-vgBDjGT1CzeqMiZDkdXdpIeD5WQpHcZPbki2-u0_09Hb__JcjgzIJVRXRt4cKgEJSw_Vq6NynuqX-5qPKJtR7OGnynM9MsbMFF99vLvDMCCkDcdiNi7QqHWG2a_vxFjdobo30/s320/IMG_1011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />72 Legions opened the night. This melodic death metal band did fine and I thought it interesting that an unsigned band managed to get on board of this tour. Musically they were fine, with the only miss that the guitars were a bit low in the mix. This was a pity as their guitar work sounded most interesting. A good warm-up they were.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdyd4bmSSy1ZMMUYHBtySAinAOAyw5ewu1EJdbTTAGeIq1CUcZx_ComipGjtngrnWQZRHRC8Cp3bRQMYno680CbWcvLic98rMDJ6DrWD2uqOhfoSjJREeQZ5koO_NQ6r0657gKqFE9pfj6YRpu92sBj0tkaGYD6GvTW4SfcWGS-MuKX4mVN8mPiiOzy-m/s640/IMG_1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdyd4bmSSy1ZMMUYHBtySAinAOAyw5ewu1EJdbTTAGeIq1CUcZx_ComipGjtngrnWQZRHRC8Cp3bRQMYno680CbWcvLic98rMDJ6DrWD2uqOhfoSjJREeQZ5koO_NQ6r0657gKqFE9pfj6YRpu92sBj0tkaGYD6GvTW4SfcWGS-MuKX4mVN8mPiiOzy-m/s320/IMG_1016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Amersfoort, we're Almost Dead and so are you What a lovely sweet opening line and what a party would follow. These Americans gave us lots of groove and at one point their vocalist did sound like Phil Anselmo. This was one lively presentation and Almost Dead did impress. While musically they were tight, the vocalist stole the show with his jumping around, singing from the floor and in a song called Selfish Suicide fall of the stage and lay dead in the hall (Murder in the Front Row?). I highly enjoyed both the show and the music. When I passed their merch later on I found CD's had sold out. Well obviously I was not the only one being introduced to Almost Dead this tour and liking them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIw5WGR7T2E_ymZPWP7LcvRZE2_0gHRO2X7M7TJLeVFkZvZrVETW0hcD8nGT4g_Softe67whmjjgpqMDdZwbefHU4DNw1x2Uj4fWt1TzHAJFbj9L8zPbDeWlWcALDRb6dRiKWwAPPHteKDS-1H1NoYWy-VnCbBsXw3ftU86hLm610fcboWWqpWTvvpqXx/s640/IMG_1021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIw5WGR7T2E_ymZPWP7LcvRZE2_0gHRO2X7M7TJLeVFkZvZrVETW0hcD8nGT4g_Softe67whmjjgpqMDdZwbefHU4DNw1x2Uj4fWt1TzHAJFbj9L8zPbDeWlWcALDRb6dRiKWwAPPHteKDS-1H1NoYWy-VnCbBsXw3ftU86hLm610fcboWWqpWTvvpqXx/s320/IMG_1021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After a remarkable short break In The Flesh was played from tape a sign that Atheist were preparing themselves. And on they came (slay?) showing Kelly Schaeffer with a fairly young band. I do not mind much when older bands are no longer complete and younger band members pop up. Actually I believe that most of Atheist today was the band that gave us Till The Dirt last year and interesting return of Kelly Schaeffer on CD. Today it would be Atheist all the way and than only the early nineties so Jupiter was ignored. At least I think so as I must admit I recognize the songs, but can not immediately give title and album for each. The band was of the very high energy kind. Running around all the time with the bassist asking for circle pits throughout their set. Most important was that the playing was more than a bit impressive. Kelly Schaeffer did not like his microphone, but sounded fine to me and what a performer he is too. So adding the positive and the good we got a highlight of gig year 2024 this 14 March. Where Cynic earler this week underwhelmed us, Atheist definitely surpassed high expectations. There was no specific highlight in their set, but Water did please the Brazilian in me, with a samba that showed how Dutch can't samba. We can headbang though and with all generations present the younger ones did run in circles quite a lot. I already was an atheist, now only got more convinced. Maybe Fraudulent Cloth I missed now that the pope just showed again what a dick he is in recent times. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P6nxeZDzXHo2KreoabGG8DIn2UJ4MJA-fM8UDJYdDkTeXWa_wYDNONpIvLAKQdtnhTuWVgBWjDJPDVp6QZQa86kElj534jDSFMRRp2vKENxoQ0aYEECL7NCQfqt_kP_48j_Cge_40gYqvsQ1JdrBaTp5x-iGK8EhLKMtthhzp-11J-NH_jGWmprBjSzP/s640/IMG_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P6nxeZDzXHo2KreoabGG8DIn2UJ4MJA-fM8UDJYdDkTeXWa_wYDNONpIvLAKQdtnhTuWVgBWjDJPDVp6QZQa86kElj534jDSFMRRp2vKENxoQ0aYEECL7NCQfqt_kP_48j_Cge_40gYqvsQ1JdrBaTp5x-iGK8EhLKMtthhzp-11J-NH_jGWmprBjSzP/s320/IMG_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After an absolute high I always find it hard to enjoy a next band. Cryptopsy from Montreal Canada were an unknown to me. Further the train troubles in, made me want to play safe and catch the not last train home. Still from what I saw Cryptopsy were a brutal death machine. A vocalist who showed a range in his grunt and some nice guitar solos made this one solid OSDM band. Unfortunately I only attended the first 25 minutes or so, but would guess they closed the evening in style. So anyone in doubt still if going to Dynamo tonight makes sense do go as you won't regret it. Four bands bringing something for anyone mildly into any form of Death Metal. If you live near The Hague however, forget about Unquestionable Blasphemy and head for Musicon tonight for your dose of (Czech) Death Metal.</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-86781190126656689582024-03-11T11:49:00.007+01:002024-03-11T21:29:32.514+01:00Prognosis - Dynamo Eindehoven, 10 March 2024<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAosKijcbIXvzGh0m_zR7NUzO_BDVTDLyKMw0UynXyTI2ncfMsw2LvRipK2bkFbgSwO8Fec-v0ssbNJ1g8Wc79dmOxMp6FCkgtekH3gM_dgCf6ALNlL5zQO0KvNtiBaJTc25JinUnmcM5U77F5SbDbkuG3KVe5EqXtTiicJ6Rq7hIXoKWw1OX9YBWoM6x/s640/IMG_0992.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAosKijcbIXvzGh0m_zR7NUzO_BDVTDLyKMw0UynXyTI2ncfMsw2LvRipK2bkFbgSwO8Fec-v0ssbNJ1g8Wc79dmOxMp6FCkgtekH3gM_dgCf6ALNlL5zQO0KvNtiBaJTc25JinUnmcM5U77F5SbDbkuG3KVe5EqXtTiicJ6Rq7hIXoKWw1OX9YBWoM6x/s320/IMG_0992.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Prognosis was not a festival, but two tours clashing at Dynamo. So in advance I read many online comments on the short slots for the bands at a prog festival. I looked at it differently as I liked the idea of giving the first four bands (that I had not seen before) a 30 minute slot. Long enough for a good taster and short enough if not my thing. Probably on tour these bands also played around 30 minutes each. In the end only one band lost out by these crammed sets with me screaming for more. The two tours were headlined by Cynic and Persefone, both of which I would go and see individually as well. So down to Eindhoven it was. With no trains training to The Hague Central I was lucky that Ton felt like some Prognosis too and we drove up arriving just in time for the first band.<br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRs2dEBogb_ViAuzzq1vh6o6zPprXPgkzgfrzPRZXOOX7qTYcpODoucjf4a7D3JCHU7VA8hPwCJyqM4A5e5uDCbLPBU4H4PjgrYajgA1IrjwedLl-LBhyUNybjtZihb9r98-tLcmWzHaz3lWTZIIK796EzTecj45M2i8Wrg_Y2hdTm8oZ1ga6aUEKAuk-/s640/IMG_0982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRs2dEBogb_ViAuzzq1vh6o6zPprXPgkzgfrzPRZXOOX7qTYcpODoucjf4a7D3JCHU7VA8hPwCJyqM4A5e5uDCbLPBU4H4PjgrYajgA1IrjwedLl-LBhyUNybjtZihb9r98-tLcmWzHaz3lWTZIIK796EzTecj45M2i8Wrg_Y2hdTm8oZ1ga6aUEKAuk-/s320/IMG_0982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The opener of the day were Lampr3a from Spain. Complicated bandname suiting their complicated music. An intsrumental trio playing a sort of tech metal. What I liked was their domination of instruments and shreddiness. What I liked not so much were the tapes sometimes playing when all three band members were silent. Also a perfect example why the 30 minute slots were great, as this was interesting now. If headlining for 90 minutes keeping attention spanned will be a challenge to most I guess. Still a good opener.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCLIgx710AOlm9TcG7dGvcBB7YK__fLkwXi_WlzTHsvjgC6BMeb2AfVgblQm7OoiXV526PCL-JqDiHkpQ-YZu1p3N9G2-bynbec3RqVWUEeMbGcWuDF7ltWQjlTQms0M2nSC6j9uxHV2PRunQFhJRLVWfhBBqkmUS1lC7JGODtb4a4XyyflgENWOsvG59/s640/IMG_0983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCLIgx710AOlm9TcG7dGvcBB7YK__fLkwXi_WlzTHsvjgC6BMeb2AfVgblQm7OoiXV526PCL-JqDiHkpQ-YZu1p3N9G2-bynbec3RqVWUEeMbGcWuDF7ltWQjlTQms0M2nSC6j9uxHV2PRunQFhJRLVWfhBBqkmUS1lC7JGODtb4a4XyyflgENWOsvG59/s320/IMG_0983.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next on were Stellar Circuist from the USA. Outstanding most was the big(ish) vocalist who looked angry and shouted Open Up throughout the show to us. Later he took of his shirt (not very prog) and jumped into the audience to look angry at innocent bystanders. I could not really decide how much I liked this band. At times I really got drawn into their set to find later thoughts and attention drifting away. A decent set in the end, which did not make me run to their merch stand even if Ton said their last album is really good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZbDogFuUrkOjiHeQklKiceX8RU_UU165gaqN9RxBOvGevT2ghKr9VpWrSFhFcx_6WThIX4Vk8vBJP8MDlKefkvdlYx5Q7p60NBWAf78Wdvab2TssBSZD5fLlcjAKwt9af5SEnz6T7KOY_bXJk68nf-dk8IZOjGm3Fwkk5b2bl_IB7LG5QpboEKOZySNz/s640/IMG_0985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZbDogFuUrkOjiHeQklKiceX8RU_UU165gaqN9RxBOvGevT2ghKr9VpWrSFhFcx_6WThIX4Vk8vBJP8MDlKefkvdlYx5Q7p60NBWAf78Wdvab2TssBSZD5fLlcjAKwt9af5SEnz6T7KOY_bXJk68nf-dk8IZOjGm3Fwkk5b2bl_IB7LG5QpboEKOZySNz/s320/IMG_0985.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next on were Cryptosis from The Netherlands. They are opener on the Cynic/Obscura tour this month and I hope they win over some fans this trip. I saw them a few times when still called Distillator pre corona. After the name change they are supposed to add some prog to their thrash metal. Well no worries as they mainly thrashed on still. And actually doing so very well. I missed them live until yesterday as I was not around when they came close to home last year. Their set turned out to become the first true highlight of the day, Finally I picked up Bionic Swarm and hope for a return to Musicon with an international band one day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyJ67KCNgbNHfl3Qm-ddBps1Pra71TaCXZfxWGbz-bcB5ZqhkTeAj9gc4c-FZb2Q2vjEFrfdOLVcfpYR1XaU_giTkQ-QDwZEv6BI6y6w86VyByQKC0qwlDscRlAzZt_ztQY6gAO6lR0O17TWt744-_I8ijOcp2u4K3Vvv7gsV1hF_MkYY53yETFglEeAz/s640/IMG_0987.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyJ67KCNgbNHfl3Qm-ddBps1Pra71TaCXZfxWGbz-bcB5ZqhkTeAj9gc4c-FZb2Q2vjEFrfdOLVcfpYR1XaU_giTkQ-QDwZEv6BI6y6w86VyByQKC0qwlDscRlAzZt_ztQY6gAO6lR0O17TWt744-_I8ijOcp2u4K3Vvv7gsV1hF_MkYY53yETFglEeAz/s320/IMG_0987.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Hypno5e from France followed. I read some mixed reviews on past shows by them. Did not know one note by them, only the fact that they are described as cinematic. This was actually another positive surprise. Not to play daily at home maybe, but live I liked the synchronized slow banging of the audience over the postrockish sounds. I believe that with a screen and nice images they would justify the cinematic, but now just another fine band with beards (A beardless progband would be so refreshing after this day of facial hairfest again, but that is not to the point maybe).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEY9JqziOHeJwulDO-fsdyJn00Yq7dToK-jsniDYMXEFKs0LzrTMUyFfTszssuLlfDtwmhGFaesb353ciU3LTKJf0Q1D_uSf8x0A7zBMpL1O07ajNJE_jMMdEJD3_5jMSQHyReINGbgKOx4QiD9eQ0rgkOKrDHvInmc2JzrmVmu2-F9IYBnpX-99gGuOMt/s640/IMG_0988.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEY9JqziOHeJwulDO-fsdyJn00Yq7dToK-jsniDYMXEFKs0LzrTMUyFfTszssuLlfDtwmhGFaesb353ciU3LTKJf0Q1D_uSf8x0A7zBMpL1O07ajNJE_jMMdEJD3_5jMSQHyReINGbgKOx4QiD9eQ0rgkOKrDHvInmc2JzrmVmu2-F9IYBnpX-99gGuOMt/s320/IMG_0988.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next on the first headliner of the day with Persefone. This is an older favorite from the heavier end of progmetal. They once headlined Porgpower and last year gave Ne Obliviscaris a run for their money in Nobel. Expectations were high on my side and luckily they managed to surpass them. I must admit not playing lots of Persefoen at home, but live they always deliver. Biggest difference to old fans is that Marc left and Daniel became their new vocalist. Well he has a great grunt scream and clean range which works very fine with the clean vocals coming from behind the keyboards. Small side note on Daniel. He also sings in Eternal Storm who released possibly the extreme prog album of the year, but that CD is still somewhere en route from India to me. The big question in advance was of course if Persefone and Paul Masvidal would perform together the song they recorded for Aathma. This seemed obvious, but how often do bands let the opportunity pass by to have a guest vocalist when playing together at the same festival. Luckily both agreed on a great encore and the highlight of the day was Living Waves with the intro sung by Paul. He remained at the corner of the stage watching the band close the song with a smile on his face. Probably reminding him on Cynic's heavines some 30 years ago. With all the reduced time slots Persefone turned out the loser of the day getting only 40 minutes, while headlining their tour. For me the winners of the day and not to me alone from what I heard.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEzmVUMMQbNb7xT6W3EKw3X0v6xrr4Lg-WfFGQG5LS4EOnwAH9nwW3ns1fg_PI-MiOb5eePMyl75eQ8yC77d8NNYtFeUDK56TrQU_z18KCIOrUozxh-mxTZ9bPeK_e5cZKs4Y3viKOj67vzgiZCOjfA06o6KXonhxtjjcZJez0ug5pEL3BVdVJdqfKz7A/s640/IMG_0993.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEzmVUMMQbNb7xT6W3EKw3X0v6xrr4Lg-WfFGQG5LS4EOnwAH9nwW3ns1fg_PI-MiOb5eePMyl75eQ8yC77d8NNYtFeUDK56TrQU_z18KCIOrUozxh-mxTZ9bPeK_e5cZKs4Y3viKOj67vzgiZCOjfA06o6KXonhxtjjcZJez0ug5pEL3BVdVJdqfKz7A/s320/IMG_0993.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />With Obscura I have a difficult relation really. I have two or three of their albums and saw them live a few times before. First time was when they supported Atheist 15 years ago and they toured my favorite album Cosmogenesis. Later on I saw them headlining, but every time with supports that were just better on stage. Gorod, Spawn of Possession, Exivious, Beyound Creation, Revocation and Rivers of Niil all made it hard for them to convince after their slots. Last tour with Persefone and Disillusion in support would be the same story, but I was not there. To make matters worse for them Obsidious an Obscura offspin released one of the best progressive death metal albums of the last years. If than we add a by now full dynamo and the wish to rest before Cynic and small talk alike I never gave them a fair chance. Watching some three songs from the back was enough for me this time. And yes they can play very well, but I miss some soul in their live shows.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Mo7xPGAks2wdyGaOLRZsmTGRuluDwlCDsa2A1UOZ5bXtre7j6LyhBcwjYynp6HQ9pst4Ur3bNxsppTMA3bHep5EeudONvTSS1_1doIulm1cPzQDCO9EDKY2cHmay6-oHsT1WEVWTZmCmUVTd-Ror8z6D84wFtEFt6KlLwq0TCx94ihL44gVqDAN4pa-_/s640/IMG_0995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Mo7xPGAks2wdyGaOLRZsmTGRuluDwlCDsa2A1UOZ5bXtre7j6LyhBcwjYynp6HQ9pst4Ur3bNxsppTMA3bHep5EeudONvTSS1_1doIulm1cPzQDCO9EDKY2cHmay6-oHsT1WEVWTZmCmUVTd-Ror8z6D84wFtEFt6KlLwq0TCx94ihL44gVqDAN4pa-_/s320/IMG_0995.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The day would be closed by Cynic the main reason for us to drive down to Eindhoven. Unfortunately it turned out not to be the epic high I hoped for in adbvance. Some technical issues seemed to bother their delayed start. I read in advance that this tour the full Focus album would be played and that is a genre defining highlight justifying alone the (fair) ticketpirce of the day. Paul Masvidal is nowadays Cynic after the sad loss of both Seans in 2020. His new band showed they can play too, but somehow it did not flow. When the set started with Veil of Maya it sounded a bit messy at times. The Focus songs never really blasted out the boxes and when the fourth song was How Could I we realized we would not get a full Focus today. I just checked and the night before they played 14 songs in Germany including full Focus. I don'know what it was technical issues, a mild response from a confused audience or just a bad day, but given one hour and only playing 8 songs in some 45 minutes did leave many wondering if they really finished when it was over. So a confusing end to a nice day in Dynamo. Hopefully next year gives us a true festival again with two halls in use. It was nice seeing many music friends this day, where some surprised coming from Musicon and Little Devil, while the Progpower contingent was much smaller than what I expected in advance. In the end a good day even if Cynic got many cynical in the end, they did show some pure class when sound was fine at their last two songs Adam's Murmur and Evolutionary Sleeper.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-8991653080270052212024-02-21T11:15:00.003+01:002024-02-21T11:15:40.580+01:00Undercroft, Dekapited & Violentor Musicon The Hague, 20 February 2024<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrjuhMW8gGnFdNzn3fR09bscsQxlS5x1aekqjH1tZEJCb11XhTro8vq4iq_RgPIFhfY9K9k0EG-boHoo-Hyvq2-CsrZ2sp5R5bDh3TmbE-sCft3boqaeFFHClFTfHwX-D3A7_B8pEhy8Zgxzv5YulB8UfFuLS8XxR_1nQQqhzhH2LAYV13-7vgVaGs-f3/s640/IMG_0929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrjuhMW8gGnFdNzn3fR09bscsQxlS5x1aekqjH1tZEJCb11XhTro8vq4iq_RgPIFhfY9K9k0EG-boHoo-Hyvq2-CsrZ2sp5R5bDh3TmbE-sCft3boqaeFFHClFTfHwX-D3A7_B8pEhy8Zgxzv5YulB8UfFuLS8XxR_1nQQqhzhH2LAYV13-7vgVaGs-f3/s320/IMG_0929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />On a Tuesday winter evening Musicon decided to put Chile on my metal map. Well not completely as I do love the last two albums by Chilean progressive thrashers Demoniac. But seeing Chilean metal bands live was a blanco for me. I came close in 2013 when Progpower was organized in Santiago, but that festival pulled the plug while I was supposed to go there with hotel and flights all planned. So now Chile to me still means one week spend there around christmas 1998, Isabel Allende and our favorite wines from Casillero del Diablo. So welcoming some Chile tonight we first were warmed up by some Italians.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg7xFhgm_Iy4Kjr9hnw_srHfgTcBgzAsl4vKvTneqYuUzqr7yjJ8FaOJ7Splx9MCeqYE-u77rHB8FkzfABpIswy6Y6bbZ5FjyCTih5osmvrHlXshSKIl8KUMv-5473-uBJaQvLv4jYkwWt1pCVzxNUCG4Lm0JP_YoeKrN_OQoE8_NMepyJGlRJiVSrpCS/s640/IMG_0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg7xFhgm_Iy4Kjr9hnw_srHfgTcBgzAsl4vKvTneqYuUzqr7yjJ8FaOJ7Splx9MCeqYE-u77rHB8FkzfABpIswy6Y6bbZ5FjyCTih5osmvrHlXshSKIl8KUMv-5473-uBJaQvLv4jYkwWt1pCVzxNUCG4Lm0JP_YoeKrN_OQoE8_NMepyJGlRJiVSrpCS/s320/IMG_0924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Violentor play speed metal of the raw kind. First things that I noticed were the unfortunate sound at the start and the vocalist/ guitarist "Dog" whom I hosted some years ago when he toured with The Laws Kill Destroy. So initially all I heard was drums sounding like tin cans. Luckily this got sorted and throughout their set Violentor improved. Touring their last album Manifesto di Odio they thrashed us slowly warm. This heat also because turnout was surprisingly good on this Tuesday evening.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstluEd6AxhvQ5A_pHqcOfrfyxLg1ChX_YWDrrVjiTyujBRsEyfMv40cTxWcp12AFefpbSKtwua989_gJTE0IM2DoxTq5qihUINQGeykb6MHFd0QXxaCdf6ucyG00gaJpovFoDlbI7jpaTD43OvM9hEjSHzRRRfs4-9HDSaj2lddk9bNlhUr6lDuFSaXIX/s640/IMG_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstluEd6AxhvQ5A_pHqcOfrfyxLg1ChX_YWDrrVjiTyujBRsEyfMv40cTxWcp12AFefpbSKtwua989_gJTE0IM2DoxTq5qihUINQGeykb6MHFd0QXxaCdf6ucyG00gaJpovFoDlbI7jpaTD43OvM9hEjSHzRRRfs4-9HDSaj2lddk9bNlhUr6lDuFSaXIX/s320/IMG_0925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next band were Dekapited from Chile. They play thrash metal and do so very well. Their lyrics are in Spanish so I got one CD for Josie after the set. She is improving her Spanish after some patients complained her Spanish is not fluent (remember this is in The Hague, but after a Eritraean civil war being held here last weekend nothing surprises us). Now playing Destrucciön Trascendental I doubt she will love here new study material. But I am drifting away as I liked Dekapited's set a lot. Their songs were short and furious spiced up by guitar solos from CristÃan Contreras, which were as short and spicy (hallo Kirk Hammett and Kerry King). One great set they gave us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGO9B9-lhwySEAKP3c71U1Pve7vhKgPl2CaKYnUo5QxIP0lK78vshWj05BcN6FPURwICbpitvIeGT0Rg8CP89Vm4d9uCHwIr7DlVQumw3wJI_UUHX8OE5y8XSy_w3bLoNOKIBOOF1W-eVf04XxZ_GY46fKWmwAqK_RHK5sKezX_Qc5BUo8kdaT7HGOq5E/s640/IMG_0928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGO9B9-lhwySEAKP3c71U1Pve7vhKgPl2CaKYnUo5QxIP0lK78vshWj05BcN6FPURwICbpitvIeGT0Rg8CP89Vm4d9uCHwIr7DlVQumw3wJI_UUHX8OE5y8XSy_w3bLoNOKIBOOF1W-eVf04XxZ_GY46fKWmwAqK_RHK5sKezX_Qc5BUo8kdaT7HGOq5E/s320/IMG_0928.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Headliners of the evening were Undercroft. from Chile. This Death Metal outfit were formed in 1991 so they have some years under their metal belts. And yes you could hear that as we got one heavy machine bulldozering over us. Undercroft were a tight band, even when one guitarst left the hall for a while (changing strings?) noone got upset and all flowed heavily onwards. Their death metal knew enough variation to keep me interested throughout. At times technical and sometimes even a bit doomy. Again going in blanco it became clear why headliners were headliners. Undercroft tour their last album Battle of Demons and after some shows in Belgium they return to Heerhugowaard ad Arnhem coming weekend. I can only recommend to go there for one fine evening of metal. So another Tuesday night well spend in Musicon were all generations showed up this evening.</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-40534979224983546822024-02-15T14:56:00.005+01:002024-02-15T14:56:35.480+01:00Advocacy - Lucifer - Mega Colossus - Saxon<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfGlALPfLNJyorQ45UDq4hjwlnr5QjjkbRASnDD3axkF1XOz1ESxlErl8m9vUu8kHWI0lMIRGGBpThv83X6QvkR43V5gTF9U0wSUbLphbjUgKeSlhXVWpb7gR_25h5it7_HeeQzf64pKLXidetmULO2uNjmoG0n5aposm08NxtYpiVSbr4RqJ4bFrWyu0/s640/IMG_0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfGlALPfLNJyorQ45UDq4hjwlnr5QjjkbRASnDD3axkF1XOz1ESxlErl8m9vUu8kHWI0lMIRGGBpThv83X6QvkR43V5gTF9U0wSUbLphbjUgKeSlhXVWpb7gR_25h5it7_HeeQzf64pKLXidetmULO2uNjmoG0n5aposm08NxtYpiVSbr4RqJ4bFrWyu0/s320/IMG_0923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />While we are over six weeks into the new year, about time to share some CD tips. Is the prog leaving my system slowly in favour of heavy metal? Maybe, but the two albums I played most early 2024, are late arriving 2023 prog records by Moongarden and Pallas. But here's the first 2024 tips, with some nice albums in the pipeline still.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFVnmAYlhJoFKJQdhYiOSWFtaIJIfCUL7VKfpjeA4rglErEYvaslqeZBJjCIOOT9lYprgQAyL9JWMPqxrAba5isBteEC28wD3q3iTINNaBcoxpY0pfT1kBsABaBvEGv788_pHI1Jt6fHYRDnXElLPBJ9dOmTF11PvXVkuyPQbrUxd8wYvMX4eKhM19qL6/s1024/Advocacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFVnmAYlhJoFKJQdhYiOSWFtaIJIfCUL7VKfpjeA4rglErEYvaslqeZBJjCIOOT9lYprgQAyL9JWMPqxrAba5isBteEC28wD3q3iTINNaBcoxpY0pfT1kBsABaBvEGv788_pHI1Jt6fHYRDnXElLPBJ9dOmTF11PvXVkuyPQbrUxd8wYvMX4eKhM19qL6/w200-h200/Advocacy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Advocacy - The Path of Decoherence</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This one I checked out after a review by Matt and I did understand what he was so positive about (Aardschok not so much). These Danes play progmetal and more towards the modern complex kind than the style that was popular some 30 years ago. I believe that all reviews I read state that the band's bio references Threshold, Dream Theater and Haken do not immediately come to mind. I at times thought of Native Construct as in the band is not very easy on the ears at first listen, but rewards you after some proper effort. What I like most is the notches of tech metal throughout the album. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3dylDh6NxYnjj3eEUtMiPhb1E1YFjQVbXGnMMPVA4OoRW4K09ZpRsCIpljK_F7_dL2lqVJbBUuijv23YegihLnB7tnbO8FnGVgUxUa-wzzLf49nHnSrJqHJQaPk5v2s7QTFBDPSyRkjNxi0ahjmnj9f-LFMxP0-SAaOiFF2N4jwKuPDHNFLFh4XC4MYd/s700/luciferv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3dylDh6NxYnjj3eEUtMiPhb1E1YFjQVbXGnMMPVA4OoRW4K09ZpRsCIpljK_F7_dL2lqVJbBUuijv23YegihLnB7tnbO8FnGVgUxUa-wzzLf49nHnSrJqHJQaPk5v2s7QTFBDPSyRkjNxi0ahjmnj9f-LFMxP0-SAaOiFF2N4jwKuPDHNFLFh4XC4MYd/w200-h200/luciferv.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Lucifer - V</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This one I picked up after seeing them on tour with Angel Witch. Beforehand I had listened to some clips of this album and maybe they are not for every moment I do like this V a lot. Occult retro rock with a female vocalist, which is nice for a change in my female-voices-under-represented collection. The songs are all pretty great, but At The Mortuary is the catchiest earwurm. No critics than? yes the booklet. Who thought that reading golden lyrics on a black background was a good plan? Even during the day a light is needed, pity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy-u-ZNDnRP5QIEJY-UVOKCh6t6xtthyphenhyphenBQHkQG9t0K_sR7IaQO7Xlmivjmz95LppcCAcJgkQqpO1Ten9QKYmThl_uKijFBsTehD8sd3WYog0Hqfsof12lLR5xB4KK1SKMUXXngKOWkjq-wOlvnDY2BKpx6mfi2ZZs25Qf8zCvri0nyyADeQGbG7bZQglr/s340/Mega-Colossus-Showdown-CD-140242-1-1702892532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="340" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy-u-ZNDnRP5QIEJY-UVOKCh6t6xtthyphenhyphenBQHkQG9t0K_sR7IaQO7Xlmivjmz95LppcCAcJgkQqpO1Ten9QKYmThl_uKijFBsTehD8sd3WYog0Hqfsof12lLR5xB4KK1SKMUXXngKOWkjq-wOlvnDY2BKpx6mfi2ZZs25Qf8zCvri0nyyADeQGbG7bZQglr/w200-h200/Mega-Colossus-Showdown-CD-140242-1-1702892532.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Mega Colossus - Showdown</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This US Heavy Metal outfit exist since 2005 and released with Showdown their fourth full lenght. I missed them so far, which is a pity after hearing this album. Their double guitars make this sound at times like Thin Lizzy on speed. I love this album from start to finish and the (only) 38 minutes fly by with six songs. The opening track Fortune & Glory is a candidate for thr heavy metal anthem of the year with it's glorious break just after five minute. Mega Colossus come to Europe this summer. Well to Germany where they play H.O.A. and another festival the weekend thereafter. I sounded possibilities for having them playing nearby inbetween both festivals, but dates already have been booked. Keeping an eye on the metal agenda and maybe a Germany trip late July makes sense.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhMyuxNQptmP3WOgO9mztgLUJFdi0rvQuiu56mSiR2CnI6MmXPj27H9O-mceaWlUIm4pcBfhzknTd0EsStLkZEjs4jtOab_O_43U8cPwCkFifUrj3htgdVW2GqO1fKUyZquAQMv1LeHcF-thUw0DSkjKRdESjKQfs_3F3gt2CyMURg5K0B1kKkv0-yXJK/s1080/Saxon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhMyuxNQptmP3WOgO9mztgLUJFdi0rvQuiu56mSiR2CnI6MmXPj27H9O-mceaWlUIm4pcBfhzknTd0EsStLkZEjs4jtOab_O_43U8cPwCkFifUrj3htgdVW2GqO1fKUyZquAQMv1LeHcF-thUw0DSkjKRdESjKQfs_3F3gt2CyMURg5K0B1kKkv0-yXJK/w200-h200/Saxon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Saxon - Hell, Fire and Damnation</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The title and cover of the new Saxon do promise metal. Well in reality Saxon are not going to surprise anyone since in 79 when the dam began to burst. They were among my first heavy metal idols, being a notch heavier than the Whitesnake, UFO, MSG and the likes I loved before. 45 years later Saxon still release strong albums. I don't own many of them, but since Thunderbolt and a few strong live shows before that I buy them upon release again, just for supporting your old heroes'sake (well not the cover albums Inspirations). Saxon have been added to the bill of Dynamo Metal Fest this august. I shall wait for day division and the line-up of Complexity before deciding where to go. If Flotsam, Forbidden and Nestor play the same day DMF shall win.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-70406766800425511872024-02-11T10:55:00.001+01:002024-02-11T10:55:36.253+01:00In the Grip of Winter Fest - Baroeg Rotterdam, 10 February 2024<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWr9RIj0gGRD0jaWsX4XpzeavDrXIZYsdAQD4IIx9Nt-il9FxLVjy1795DNp0uNRawBBh6eY18nUfywX_nkgGThKFJN1qT59IzUQrIjE2AT3EUdRnn8yIzOCs02m5pwV7Na1d5EUR13xf3U4_-U3-W5oVQFFluuoLDa7cA0hKUhcwA9DdIJwt3OfhTBUS/s640/IMG_0907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWr9RIj0gGRD0jaWsX4XpzeavDrXIZYsdAQD4IIx9Nt-il9FxLVjy1795DNp0uNRawBBh6eY18nUfywX_nkgGThKFJN1qT59IzUQrIjE2AT3EUdRnn8yIzOCs02m5pwV7Na1d5EUR13xf3U4_-U3-W5oVQFFluuoLDa7cA0hKUhcwA9DdIJwt3OfhTBUS/s320/IMG_0907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Saturday 10 February and trains heading south from The Hague are filled with weirdly dressed carnaval go-ers. Those who prefer their Lucifer over the nonsense speaking pope and his child abusing friends got out at Rotterdam Lombardijen, All fancy dressed in jeans and black Baroeg was the place to be for those liking their metal in several forms of extreme. Marko and I were among them with taste in music and a long day in hot Baroeg lay ahead of us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS3zaRbXr2hjkcD2Bzshe_VoIxdlJVahlgZygaOkaaZ3nuWMK8FTzd6CT9kUzFzy8qn1sPGjF22GbZ4YmPP81HYz3Dgx2FWWoQiT5U3zKs8Tr_b9MY6q10KxT17hRzJc92FjUOaFuLyT30uK_LlD-mIpaO_nWIT3z8XLGCBUtJDpc5SupolJlseAJF2MF/s640/IMG_0906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS3zaRbXr2hjkcD2Bzshe_VoIxdlJVahlgZygaOkaaZ3nuWMK8FTzd6CT9kUzFzy8qn1sPGjF22GbZ4YmPP81HYz3Dgx2FWWoQiT5U3zKs8Tr_b9MY6q10KxT17hRzJc92FjUOaFuLyT30uK_LlD-mIpaO_nWIT3z8XLGCBUtJDpc5SupolJlseAJF2MF/s320/IMG_0906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Upon arrival the first band Carnal Desecration were already halfway their set. That sounded surprisingly good and this Belgian Death Metal outfit won over all those who were in on time. Definitely a band that is welcome to return and closing with their self titled song put an end to a very good start of the day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD28KFKiVvZfr9U4CEQQO9v3Zjq9rQkcmdPVgh6OMySzLmkgPcChlUMGkYjjNTL8g5V4sDvUeYjhPuRPVIxfLAtkB6_i-pLo3TSE22tT39ndD6yab1U9BKTVtBJc6OGwbHUKsLeEpM-8nQ8xHw_FOO5mjmb7UikoIc9iSTi1l0jF7UgZHEZuAV1CuzNfzR/s640/IMG_0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD28KFKiVvZfr9U4CEQQO9v3Zjq9rQkcmdPVgh6OMySzLmkgPcChlUMGkYjjNTL8g5V4sDvUeYjhPuRPVIxfLAtkB6_i-pLo3TSE22tT39ndD6yab1U9BKTVtBJc6OGwbHUKsLeEpM-8nQ8xHw_FOO5mjmb7UikoIc9iSTi1l0jF7UgZHEZuAV1CuzNfzR/s320/IMG_0908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next on were Nattas and this was the band that mainly drew me to Baroeg today. Given the name and insider fame of some bandmembers I thought them surprisingly low on the bill. This until I found out that they played a second festival in Arnhem the very same evening. Maybe because of that they did not have any merch on sale. Pity as this show defintely would convince me to get some music. Most famous probably is Mike Wead on guitars as he plays with King Diamond and Mercyful Fate too. He alone brought this band to a higher level, but the rest were surely no slouches either. The festivalinfo said Black / Thrash from Stockholm but I heard mainly very good thrash metal, with possibly some black in the lyrics. The set flew by and I realized that probably the best band of the day played early. Tonight (11/02) they play Ragnarok in Bree, so those willing to escape the pope's party should go there really.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64E1O_EvJ2g4O0kE_OCnT7UCu9YpPnAV-bEnBcw0ykqZ2h3YxOjCv8ksm-S8Hh3afOtfQVqs6pdJO-7m69i3fssMFAoRlERHmKMSD6qEyq-nmvfjnEovEhoTgY5WFAsWM2p1TGvZQbcvfc22FbC3V4fDdIN5LqSP9EqJ2YU04CJ3x3VVD2qJ1azKbI2eq/s640/IMG_0910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64E1O_EvJ2g4O0kE_OCnT7UCu9YpPnAV-bEnBcw0ykqZ2h3YxOjCv8ksm-S8Hh3afOtfQVqs6pdJO-7m69i3fssMFAoRlERHmKMSD6qEyq-nmvfjnEovEhoTgY5WFAsWM2p1TGvZQbcvfc22FbC3V4fDdIN5LqSP9EqJ2YU04CJ3x3VVD2qJ1azKbI2eq/s320/IMG_0910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I always suffer at festivals to enjoy bands after a high. So Gutwrench had some problems in drawing me into their set of Death Metal. All sounded good and they played tight, but I missed the sensation I just witnessed with Nattas. So halfway the set we decided to go out and grab something to eat. This to find a snackbar in distress as more people had this same plan.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_B-N6sAEDS1q8fPDOOeDNo63rPiwnnM-v194VHauXgu6q9MR0YjffskG7nCeo-tJvoMvvshx3X6oytj8vA6DndeAFlhaw5keUqmAZSj9U-y7wxV3ByvJq2mJPzDneEFoIrKwAcTse4KFQiH77SZybpv3v-8UMbUc3DHHf09IPycNldxenb4D54AzTi2b/s640/IMG_0912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_B-N6sAEDS1q8fPDOOeDNo63rPiwnnM-v194VHauXgu6q9MR0YjffskG7nCeo-tJvoMvvshx3X6oytj8vA6DndeAFlhaw5keUqmAZSj9U-y7wxV3ByvJq2mJPzDneEFoIrKwAcTse4KFQiH77SZybpv3v-8UMbUc3DHHf09IPycNldxenb4D54AzTi2b/s320/IMG_0912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />When we returned into Baroeg it turned out that it meanwhile was packed and thus pretty hot. Next band were Dutch Black Metallers Infinity. Previous time I saw them I picked up their album Hybris, so I must have liked their show. Initially I was not all that convinced today as the first songs sounded a bit similar to me, but somewhere halfway their set they won me over again. Their bulldozering blasting and riffing makes you nod your head automatically. Finally it remains impressive how someone is able to drum like a beast and sing at the same time, even if you could hardly see him behind the smokescreen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnESmL-RS-eWrNcwwJ4oPOFdDpC9fbV0LB-a0SYfG8If0Jb59Mi-UZ0-8sOZzbLGAoqgflLz7t1SQ2HvdKjB17XFe_3fhYQNMvw17oyI9L7r_QmiPR-zdnomKDpXXddsaI4P8bhJUVOQO6S3uccM55Tdws9gh5TtahKrNpXcWEUaulH6ZYcO0hTxmA7zt/s640/IMG_0913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnESmL-RS-eWrNcwwJ4oPOFdDpC9fbV0LB-a0SYfG8If0Jb59Mi-UZ0-8sOZzbLGAoqgflLz7t1SQ2HvdKjB17XFe_3fhYQNMvw17oyI9L7r_QmiPR-zdnomKDpXXddsaI4P8bhJUVOQO6S3uccM55Tdws9gh5TtahKrNpXcWEUaulH6ZYcO0hTxmA7zt/s320/IMG_0913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Bodyfarm came on next and they are among Dutch Death Metal elite. Well that did not disappoint as the few times I saw them before made me realize Bodyfarm does not do disappointing shows. The very strong double guitars give their death metal some heavy metal feel to me. This show was one long glorious ride through their catalogue. I believe this was the first time I saw them after their sad loss and they remained equally strong. Bodyfarm are ready for international glory as in The Netherlands they already showed all how good they can be.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-jjv3lF068HQTIre13xnJBIKrfaoxKXxg-ayIDpDAB6E81UI1ustpiirNt0BYQd0F409YZDU4A6egGNOmfhHlMRuEqbQtIx84Tn4Y0so0jwWpOFv43WtN2B2tmM2tbYyQm4emDz3ENnZKb-e3FOZ2XQsVEKv5a4-ulP780Fzy7BtNLBbWlA2aoDPhv2Y/s640/IMG_0915%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-jjv3lF068HQTIre13xnJBIKrfaoxKXxg-ayIDpDAB6E81UI1ustpiirNt0BYQd0F409YZDU4A6egGNOmfhHlMRuEqbQtIx84Tn4Y0so0jwWpOFv43WtN2B2tmM2tbYyQm4emDz3ENnZKb-e3FOZ2XQsVEKv5a4-ulP780Fzy7BtNLBbWlA2aoDPhv2Y/s320/IMG_0915%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Than it was up to Belgian Black Metal cultists Ancient Rites to close the evening. Meanwhile the greasy food, combined with the heat made me feel not all that top fit any longer and their music did not help a lot either. This was not for me and maybe timing was wrong. Anyway Marko and I decided to catch an earlier train home and leave the Grip of Winter. Thanks to organizers for a diverse day of extreme metal and than I realized was this my last show in old Baroeg? I have no planned shows in the coming months yet, so who knows. If so Bodyfarm were a proper closing band of Baroeg, the only venue I know selling awesome shoes.</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-26175550240324655742024-02-07T11:04:00.000+01:002024-02-07T11:04:10.283+01:00Lucifer, Angel Witch & The Night Eternal - De Helling Utrecht, 6 February 2024<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzteJQFljD2ZzcrUoqGHaamMMAtfTgsaHRXoFTbuSR-gA51ZQPvcRzbkVWe-fW886a_PD5tNP1JWz-OMhXjMsr1zsenX4Ippa_rWviz9Q4Zx9XZ8U3ZOI0VFU5dsaU1rAvZJGIn-Wlcq4tXOQP4PKj_X0OUbc40uaMwMO6Cwyi1FjBDK0uxqQ0rNWNI47/s640/IMG_0898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzteJQFljD2ZzcrUoqGHaamMMAtfTgsaHRXoFTbuSR-gA51ZQPvcRzbkVWe-fW886a_PD5tNP1JWz-OMhXjMsr1zsenX4Ippa_rWviz9Q4Zx9XZ8U3ZOI0VFU5dsaU1rAvZJGIn-Wlcq4tXOQP4PKj_X0OUbc40uaMwMO6Cwyi1FjBDK0uxqQ0rNWNI47/s320/IMG_0898.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Satanic Panic tour hit The Netherlands in Utrecht. An interesting package, where my generation were drawn by Angel Witch and younger fans came also to support Lucifer. For me a first in de Helling, which is conveniently located 100 meters from a train station. Turned out to be a nice venue, with a beer prices having nothng to do with underground metal from the early eighties.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL3dU7SQfmcbmziSoeImKsjFu7p9lo6OBXNwo4HH0wEC1u6574LGU8Q0oiTAwSBGvM34CXbn4P7vzG7ZTUOX_wpc83ZKfWG9Ta1udp0aeonDLln2MdpQvq3oRfSl_C1Y_zcOsTw2RLGxRNsw6MSbz8N4QqtXUaruKglD6tkXQ5DT0b-aRA8Ar7r_SOb20/s640/IMG_0895%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL3dU7SQfmcbmziSoeImKsjFu7p9lo6OBXNwo4HH0wEC1u6574LGU8Q0oiTAwSBGvM34CXbn4P7vzG7ZTUOX_wpc83ZKfWG9Ta1udp0aeonDLln2MdpQvq3oRfSl_C1Y_zcOsTw2RLGxRNsw6MSbz8N4QqtXUaruKglD6tkXQ5DT0b-aRA8Ar7r_SOb20/s320/IMG_0895%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Openers of the evening were The Night Eternal, a heavy metal band from Essen Germany, who were new to me. Their Heavy Metal did fit the two headlining bands, but for me the vocals were not all to loud in the mix. They stated their first ever show was in Little Devil. Further they dedicated a song halfway to Ozzy in Prince of Darkness. Must have been the lyrics, as the music was not very Sabbath or Ozzy alike, meaning too fast for those. Overall The Night Eternal did what they were supposed to do, warm us up well for the headliners to come. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUX7pXGebTkOT41d8igh13uZX4d2D8iJYDjOypR1JvPcDbTjKxYoAa_OQPrhOxiJjTE9_WHi8b97sbx35hC3ME_oKmUemd-tj3H8p26LEAFBGl6uAqqWoNjI9DjlRIKxp_mByY6SDLGQ5AP8DD4NbVqEbsyo0rnnvl0eHvXCLFh9jyCTFxdDs2cgOTXjOE/s640/IMG_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUX7pXGebTkOT41d8igh13uZX4d2D8iJYDjOypR1JvPcDbTjKxYoAa_OQPrhOxiJjTE9_WHi8b97sbx35hC3ME_oKmUemd-tj3H8p26LEAFBGl6uAqqWoNjI9DjlRIKxp_mByY6SDLGQ5AP8DD4NbVqEbsyo0rnnvl0eHvXCLFh9jyCTFxdDs2cgOTXjOE/s320/IMG_0897.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />First headliners, by surprise of the older fans in, were Angel Witch. Now Angel Witch do have some classics under their belt. Their self titled debut album from 1980 is one of the best NWOBHM albums ever. According to Martin Popoff who wrote several books on NWOBHM they were better than any other debuting band including Maiden. That is debatable and a matter of taste, but sets the bar high. Further for me NWOBHM does hold three classic songs that should raise horns and atmospheres at any party. Angel Witch the song is one of them (the other two being Heavy Metal Maniac and Am I Evil?). So to celebrate this classic album Angel Witch opened with a new song. Death From Andromeda of their latest 2019 album Angel of Light. I believe all fans agree that was their very best since the debut. Few more songs of that album were in the set, plus Dead Sea Scrolls. The rest was of course the bulk of their debut album and singles of the time. Initially the sound was a bit unclear and the voice of Kevin Heybourne needed warming up. This would improve fast and already during Atantis we were taken back gloriously to 1980. The set was good, but the peak came at the end. Intsrumental Dr. Phibes continued into Angel of Death. Hereafter the double Baphomet/ Angel Witch knocked everybody out. What a blasting end it was even if zero surprise. Kevin Heybourne might be the only original band member, but I loved seeing them live again. I also would like to see Kevin Riddles'Baphomet one day (band of original bassist) as I missed them last year in Little Devil and they have the great voice of Tony Coldham. While writing this my voce fully recovered, but damn was it fine shouting the epical lyric You're an Angel Witch, You're an Angel Witch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzUJS1kFwdldK6RPADMlh0tq368vCT9t6shOpC7NpYWP6FYea_1grJc3gFmJq9XeRHecukH0SVl-exC88G4n1VVdoEh53g1u7gaU9vyzxh-L4eIliYFqBmlRj4b1VLda1z0CEYyI7M3fjJfT_QmyKBpWKPD7VoqzeVHW9VLcHyVm-ztxTMQ0a3ByTBStC/s640/IMG_0900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzUJS1kFwdldK6RPADMlh0tq368vCT9t6shOpC7NpYWP6FYea_1grJc3gFmJq9XeRHecukH0SVl-exC88G4n1VVdoEh53g1u7gaU9vyzxh-L4eIliYFqBmlRj4b1VLda1z0CEYyI7M3fjJfT_QmyKBpWKPD7VoqzeVHW9VLcHyVm-ztxTMQ0a3ByTBStC/s320/IMG_0900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />So after the break Lucifer would close the evening. Now I don't know too much from the band apart from the fact their albums are titled Roman numbers and they are from Germany/UK/Sweden or so. I heard some songs in the past and checked some clips before last night which sounded OK, When they hit the stage and started playing they turned out to be a bit lighter than the previous two bands. Still I did like their retro rock. I even recognized some songs and At the Mortuary is one catchy earwurm. So to my surprise I did get drawn into their show and they also saved the best for last, but I did not get the title of the closing song. I did not understand why their CD was some 5-6 Euros more expansive than online, but wil get V and play this when the timing is right. So they closed a fine evening, a bit earlier than expected. Where I thought both bands to play some 75-80 minutes according to schedule, they did play both for 65 minutes, which gave me an earlier train home, but let me not get into delaying trains now, as the evening was so nice. You're an Angel Witch, You're an Angel Witch.</div><p><br /></p>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-80527645705044675962024-01-27T09:31:00.001+01:002024-01-27T09:31:14.062+01:00Onheil, Tsatthoggua, Hellevaerder & Alkhemia - Musicon The Hague, 26 January 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEwtVAd6j6YGwQ5RFO8qNJX4QnIvhgIAaAms9SxecIHBqcZ7ncvl2AGLoUfSqqWLpElwPAnaULY1FcBaY2AEm9e1gpJI58EnokBqz8fV1sNercI8kFuj-O6H6OUaFQ4-7bLqC9Abip-Xpailj6so79rpWeK4RAd5WihXU6f1Rpxrqv8bQ7bDUz3IPlsBU/s640/IMG_0881%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEwtVAd6j6YGwQ5RFO8qNJX4QnIvhgIAaAms9SxecIHBqcZ7ncvl2AGLoUfSqqWLpElwPAnaULY1FcBaY2AEm9e1gpJI58EnokBqz8fV1sNercI8kFuj-O6H6OUaFQ4-7bLqC9Abip-Xpailj6so79rpWeK4RAd5WihXU6f1Rpxrqv8bQ7bDUz3IPlsBU/s320/IMG_0881%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />White Room's Loud & Heavy presents an evening of black metal in various forms and formats. Upon arrival with Marko I noticed many familiar faces and what's better even more unfamiliar faces. Musicon was packed, which was a nice surprise to start with. Also all generations were well represented, so there is a future for underground metal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3GjuyUpovsdPRMrRhZg7G7nETRUlnCCVff-SMUQzGm2lBMMUSSYaJJr0Pa16WdvpdiMfP6c-Oi2f-hDO-HtErZqGIpMchfob85lj4o1feyfxDHrdThtU5ZYiamnTUNoP4k_H5-2lDHQxCPVztFtkCJkPefNV5XLqk45f6qnOuxTxbI3bZAHk119Kp2kk/s640/IMG_0876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3GjuyUpovsdPRMrRhZg7G7nETRUlnCCVff-SMUQzGm2lBMMUSSYaJJr0Pa16WdvpdiMfP6c-Oi2f-hDO-HtErZqGIpMchfob85lj4o1feyfxDHrdThtU5ZYiamnTUNoP4k_H5-2lDHQxCPVztFtkCJkPefNV5XLqk45f6qnOuxTxbI3bZAHk119Kp2kk/s320/IMG_0876.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Early opening band were Alkhemia from France. Their walk-on towards the stage behind a fired torch almost burned down the new lights of Musicon, but after some ceremonial lightning of candles they kicked of. Turned out that Alkhemia play the bulldozering atmospheric kind of Black Metal. Presentation of their vocalist was such thet you were drawn into their set. He also took long hair to a whole different level, almost stepping on it and getting stuck on his nice mic standard. Good opener they were and the mood was set.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirubqFPJMI5JBAJ00nr2iL_Z-EDIwkI5pB1Ib1lSOttO6NrGHNwD6WD8-5N3hgMQmw0ZAABG2GI51ZCVvGa8CI6t0Kb0tgeUJfm3kmvgQT7GVfrotpIsoedahOPvv0E28q9xLEiLbd0nzNL-TdlzjzWRLELmBfMFbwOz2UQa_TN9EFR_nP4L9H2D00JtCT/s640/IMG_0877%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirubqFPJMI5JBAJ00nr2iL_Z-EDIwkI5pB1Ib1lSOttO6NrGHNwD6WD8-5N3hgMQmw0ZAABG2GI51ZCVvGa8CI6t0Kb0tgeUJfm3kmvgQT7GVfrotpIsoedahOPvv0E28q9xLEiLbd0nzNL-TdlzjzWRLELmBfMFbwOz2UQa_TN9EFR_nP4L9H2D00JtCT/s320/IMG_0877%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next on were Dutch outfit Hellevaerder who soundchecked in casual friday outfit, but returned in black monk's robes (yes) with a female vocalist all dressed in white. Their songs are sung in Dutch, but I could not hear that and in good black metal fashion they did not say a word inbetween songs. It took until the last song, before they changed the pace a bit and for me overall it lacked some variation. They got good reaction from the crowd, but for me showing why I am not all that rooted in black metal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62dEfxaDgzT0IOIAQ6RKAgq3YufUOv4urbJXFgnOsqzr8lzzS35xHGGhj-hL6jcTqd3GPnJNCd-ywK2BWpH95SDGpFvhyphenhyphenzee7gW1RaC17Y-oD_w_fK-PFm-oYKtApjKn9SsAFXszMmhDftyyediA6dbIWysVRC1FKL9fv-p_RQy7T6oJzPYxtvZq8hIwW/s640/IMG_0878%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62dEfxaDgzT0IOIAQ6RKAgq3YufUOv4urbJXFgnOsqzr8lzzS35xHGGhj-hL6jcTqd3GPnJNCd-ywK2BWpH95SDGpFvhyphenhyphenzee7gW1RaC17Y-oD_w_fK-PFm-oYKtApjKn9SsAFXszMmhDftyyediA6dbIWysVRC1FKL9fv-p_RQy7T6oJzPYxtvZq8hIwW/s320/IMG_0878%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />In extreme metal often logos are hard to read, but Tsatthoggua found a name that even in normal letters is hard to read let alone remember. Germans they are who love their SM. Apparently they had some cult albums in the nineties, but I never heard of them before. With a second album called trans cunt whip you get the gest. Not necessarily shocking everyone in with their leather and spiked masks, but unlikely to make it on prime tv either. Their music was high energy with some thrashy and punky bits in their black metal. Not for playing at home to me, on stage at least different.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJv6LVBoF7tDd9n6-LEMRAV4Xwr0EP5Fpc8K8aVLoxA9nBnal6XVlZCtuoIAdnBmDrD4JQo7KNkPzpR8B6-KGYw2YO_XjdlRe4ik3CQwntzpAsqhyjTy7upnivCUWRCzhV5NYYu-jGBF2gKqxoTHkTQzVH5i40n-b8_H0npxPL8iBISnwkWrCA5yA7cnk/s640/IMG_0880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJv6LVBoF7tDd9n6-LEMRAV4Xwr0EP5Fpc8K8aVLoxA9nBnal6XVlZCtuoIAdnBmDrD4JQo7KNkPzpR8B6-KGYw2YO_XjdlRe4ik3CQwntzpAsqhyjTy7upnivCUWRCzhV5NYYu-jGBF2gKqxoTHkTQzVH5i40n-b8_H0npxPL8iBISnwkWrCA5yA7cnk/s320/IMG_0880.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Interesting how on an evening where you don't know any band in advance it takes only one song to understand why the headliner are headliners. To me Onheil brought the music to a different level this evening. I thought they would play blackened death metal, but heard more a sort of blackened NWOBHM. Three guitars to bring the riffs, lots of melodies and two vocalists sharing duties. This was catchy, gripping and headbanging stuff I did not hear earlier this evening. Solid presentation and definitely a band to go see again. Even after curfew they did get an encore and stated see you next year. So we count on that. Thanks to Ralf, White Room Reviews and Musicon staff for a nice evening in a filled venue. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-5612620176182868272024-01-21T12:39:00.000+01:002024-01-21T12:39:26.053+01:00Sneeuwpop - Hofpark Wateringen, 20 January 2024<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9PZ7tfYDMKEy4s0Tfs92E1J51lw6-MhBwFv-Z-3iDzhHwTF5EtLWRM5gyuBB_XPucS9uMMJzPQqve5otXbcd3LRvJrBVV0HgOVBQjsfFwuWZIFYF5dQ1UA6xIQcqe0FuaZXoNOB220ZsLkZPqO65tS1YanTy8vxZz9kyVpuKcEmg8j0UKv3YnUzgn6V4/s640/IMG_0870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9PZ7tfYDMKEy4s0Tfs92E1J51lw6-MhBwFv-Z-3iDzhHwTF5EtLWRM5gyuBB_XPucS9uMMJzPQqve5otXbcd3LRvJrBVV0HgOVBQjsfFwuWZIFYF5dQ1UA6xIQcqe0FuaZXoNOB220ZsLkZPqO65tS1YanTy8vxZz9kyVpuKcEmg8j0UKv3YnUzgn6V4/s320/IMG_0870.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />20 January meant the proper opening of Open Air Festival season as always in Wateringen. No matter the bragging of Paaspop being festival season opener, the Westland and The Hague(and Vlaardingen hallo Zoe and Rene) region know better. Sneeuwpop almost had real snow this year, but missing out by some two days only. Still it was refreshing enough. Programming on this day is always local bands including a metal band from the area (thanks Merel). Last year I ended up with a new Year's drink of sorts with a large group. This year upon arrival I found none of them. I arrived when Where Siberia Ended started their set. Guitar rock with some Pearl Jam they said. I thought the volume very low and the music rather average. It was cold and I was looking for friends, so maybe distracted a bit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNexMcGkdRkDpis-rkHCb-PAgKLaF6T6gFslk-AQDU7azj-sgyvEgtxakd3Oh7uxiaQr2dVMidhBz2-J8tMyqBlWhb-oArECtWPyEzJr-E9_ptUE5ZGnG8VGU0ZrJI2y-XuYibw1zle4Yd4ebhnmeIoeVGJDs2WYbpVGgsTF8RuBsEgf1hvJTHA9NHfUwX/s640/IMG_0871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNexMcGkdRkDpis-rkHCb-PAgKLaF6T6gFslk-AQDU7azj-sgyvEgtxakd3Oh7uxiaQr2dVMidhBz2-J8tMyqBlWhb-oArECtWPyEzJr-E9_ptUE5ZGnG8VGU0ZrJI2y-XuYibw1zle4Yd4ebhnmeIoeVGJDs2WYbpVGgsTF8RuBsEgf1hvJTHA9NHfUwX/s320/IMG_0871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next band were Mancuerda a Death Metal outfit from The Hague. Those who frequent metal evenings in Musicon shall know them by seeing them play some times before and by them walking around during other band evenings. Their Death Metal is of the slow and dooomy kind and to me it is so refreshing to have a heavy break during a general rock festival. As this band were a local band first friends I would bump into were those who tend to spend Friday nights in Musicon as well. Death Metal is never for everyone at a festival like this, but I believe they went down pretty Ok and the small girl with the sign Hup Mancuerda did her part. Not sure if their introduction to the song Necrophile Passion is woke enough for 2024.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So after the metal I found that many of last year who are my former football team of 35 years ago meanwhile had shown up too. So I forgot about the music and we stayed till the end when a Celebr80s band gave us everything from Van Halen till the horror of the Weather Girls to close the day. Sneeuwpop is to me more about catching up and share some beers, than the music. Mancuerda were good and the rest I hardly heard. Still the fact that we stayed some six hours out in the cold without complaints said enough really. Next year January we shall again join the opening of Open Air festival season in Wateringen.</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-87804839766373338672023-12-18T17:09:00.002+01:002023-12-18T17:09:26.903+01:00CD's: My Top 23 of 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ukc6cdKo7Ls_M71mgwJhIUAJgEfw0VZ5QApLDS6YAsq6puhI3Vhw95obffRzMwRQM9qUxl7hfHOAwC7yvsNq9b-VHRWf9y1dy18mHMuzL71i74Pc3QjFyH-40Orq9OpWZCko5wpo1roR_8fhN-fGnyNQoYOiUtuPI73fMvsaWusuM2dyHEqbIvhRIVVX/s640/IMG_0800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ukc6cdKo7Ls_M71mgwJhIUAJgEfw0VZ5QApLDS6YAsq6puhI3Vhw95obffRzMwRQM9qUxl7hfHOAwC7yvsNq9b-VHRWf9y1dy18mHMuzL71i74Pc3QjFyH-40Orq9OpWZCko5wpo1roR_8fhN-fGnyNQoYOiUtuPI73fMvsaWusuM2dyHEqbIvhRIVVX/s320/IMG_0800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2023 turned out to be a good year for new music. When going through my favoirtes I noticed that this is mainly because of the large amount of new discoveries for me. On big band releases maybe not that strong, but overall a fine year for music. It was hard to reduce to 23 and herewith some that on any other day might have made the cut. On the extreme metal department, some need a mood to fit for me. If so they are great (DHG, Till the Dirt and Bell Witch) Other favorite bands released a decent album, but maybe not as good as I hoped for (Scar Symmetry, Haken and Demoniac). Progrock had major albums missed or too late (Galahad, Pallas, Moongarden) Tritop came close and the best progrock discovery were EBB, but that was a 22 release. Rob Lamothe's Cross Country Drivver is too calm overal, while industrial going George Lynch was interesting but...Thrash metal is missing too even though Aftermath came close. Sadus I missed so far and Metallica I was not bothered. Cynic was a refocus, so not counting and than there were 23. Since I still don't do Spotify or the likes I do miss albums that for sure would be appreciated, but you can't buy them all. Final observation: I do seem to like wind instruments after all in my metal, given some high scorers. So let the countdown begin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>23. Martin Miller - Maze of my Mind</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A very proggy cover, but lots of classic rock in here too. A tip by Matt made me check out mr Miller and what a good album this is. Five long songs build upon his great guitar. His voice turned out surprisingly well too. Came to The Netherlands twice this year, in order to play rock covers. Pity with such a strong own album</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>22 . Jag Panzer - The Hallowed</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Saw them twice this year. One old skool set and one set build around this album which I bought on the day. This is just solid US Metal as I love to hear it for 40 years now. Hope a next album does not take six years again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>21. Damnation Plan - The New Horizon</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A very nice progmetal discovery from Finland. Album number three in ten years, but new to me. If this would have lasted more that the 33 minutes we get now, even chances for a higher place.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>20. Electric Mob - 2 Make U Cry & Dance</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Somehow I was not expecting this from Brazil, where Power Metal and underground extreme metal rule. Sleazy hardrock with very strong vocals. This band grooves and makes me laugh & dance no matter the title. If I need uplifting music, thsi is a good place to go.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>19. Apotheus - Ergo Atlas</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not all that long with me yet, but too good to skip. Portugal's hope for Progmetal Days. A very nice surprise with great performances and songs. Also album number three here, but for me a new band. PPE anyone?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>18. Wayfarer - American Gothic</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Similar to Apotheus very short with me, but I hear the class again. Black Metal blended with Spaghetti Westerns and what an original outcome that gives.Not all that often you meet bands who create their own style. Wayfarer are one of them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>17. Redemption - I Am the Storm</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Redemption fight a bit against their own bar set crazy high during their frst albums. Further for me Ray Alder beats Tom Englund on the vocal front. Still this remains a Redempton album so nowhere near bad. Just the impact they had until some ten years ago, diminished over time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>16. Ashen Horde - Antimony</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The extreme metal surprise of the year. Starting as a one man project ten years ago, now with album four a full band and new to me. A concept album on the unsolved murder of Charles Bravo 150 years ago. Black/Death/Prog/Doom it is all there. This is a very intense album, so not for playing on the background. I loved it when digging in and got the shorts along wth the CD.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>15. Trespass - Wolf at the Door</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every year at least one band should wave the flag for NWOBHM. This year it is up to my friends of Trespass to do so. I love this album which gets you nostalgic by the melodic NWOBHM style, while sounding up to date for 2023. Nice to feel the music that helped me loving metal ever since.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>14. Insomnium - Anno 1696</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Insomnium gives us art in many forms. Their last albums come with books. Last time pictures now some nice drawings and a short story which helps understanding the concept album. Later in the year the bonus EP Songs of the Dusk was released independent as well. If I would have been around for their show, probably a top ten place. Melodic Death Metal at it's best.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>13. The Enigma Division - The Enigma Division</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first huge positive surprise of the year. They stuck at number 13 of bad luck, since I never saw a CD being released. As a result I played it much less. Still I broke my rule and bought it digital at Bandcamp. Curious to see where they go from here as this is one hell of a debut album by these Irish progmetallers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>12. Ice Age - Waves of Loss and Power</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Comeback surprise of the year: Ice Age. After going on ice for 22 years, they came back with this CD. With songs Perpetual Child Part II and To Say Goodbye Part IV and V strongly linking to their own past. Still love these bastard sons of Styx and Dream Theater. We need more surprises like these.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>11 Ray Alder - II</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ray Alder remains my favorite vocalist. Yet you can't release favorites every year. I thought A-Z and Figure of Speechless last year a notch stronger on the songs. Still one of the albums I went back to most as this is just very good for my mood.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>10. Angel - Once Upon a Time</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">After decades of absence Angel were back with a European show in Liee and a new album in 2019. This opened their appetite as this is one long CD a few years later already. It took some effort to get the CD, but was it worth the wait. Some said too long, for me a return to form with opener The Torch among their classic hits. Last year my favorite show of the year, this year a very solid new album, love these rockers in white.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>9. Finality - Technocracy</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I heard the two songs released before this debut I felt we had a potential album of the year. And yes it is very good indeed. It would be higher on my list if the ten songs would add more variation between them and if I would have seen Finality live on stage.Still anyone into techmetal with thrash leanings should check this out now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>8. Hellripper - Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Probably the band that created most waves at underground live festivals this year. What a joy to see this band killing it on stage. I did correct big part of missing them so far and believe this is their best sounding album. Blackened Speedmetal that can go epic as the title track of over 7 minutes proves. One band to enjoy for the next decades.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>7. Sorcerer - Reign of the Reaper</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Those who like their doom metal to sound Scandinavian or like eighties Black Sabbath will know Sorcerer<b>. </b>They have been setting the benchmark in the genre for me and this album is not different. Royal Epic Doom said their T-shirt and that is what you get.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>6. 66 Crusher - Limbo</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Album number four by these progressive thrashing Norwegians. Well I hear more progmetal than thrash, but why did I miss them so far? Excellent album with seven great songs over 51 minutes. They posted their spotify numbers and many people don't seem to know them. Correct that and bring them to Baarlo. Brilliant stuff this.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5. Fifth Angel - When Angels Kill</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The best US Metal always came out of Seattle. So does Fifth Angel and this long (69 minutes) album impresses yet again. No need to worry about a new vocalist as he nails it. The fact that we now have two Flotsam members in the band might explain the strong sound. <b> </b>They cancelled 2023 European visists, so hoping for 2024 now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. The Anchoret - It All Began With Loneliness</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another new progmetal surprise from Canada Written by bassist Eduard Levitsky I did know vocalist Sylvain Auclair (Heaven's Cry) and keyboardist Andy Tillison (The Tangent) much better. What a beautiful album this turned out to be and how come I do not oppose the inclusion of alto saxophone, flute an dclarinet here? Because the songs are awesome that's why. A must hear album and debut of the year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3. Uriah Heep - Chaos & Colour</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">With so many new discoveries in my list it is good that Heep are still standing proudly amongst them all. How is it possible that over 50 (!) years in their career they keep on releasing albums as strong as this one? Fast rockers, epic and proggy sounds, Heep organs and a ballad. It is all there on the album I kept on playing from January till December. Next year back on stage here please.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. Crown Lands - Fearles</b>s</div><div style="text-align: left;">So this is only a duo? and I missed their 2020 self titled debut album. Well Fearless put them on the map for me and how. So they sound like seventies Rush? yes they do and I love it. Opener Starlifter : Fearless Pt. II sounds like one of those album lasting songs by Rush of the seventies. The rest of the album is also filled with highlights and I keep on wondering how do they do that with two people only? Must see them one day live as that must be impressive, even if probably pretty static. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Lunar - The Illusionist</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">With so many new discoveries and great albums it is strange that picking my album of the year was not that hard. Ever since hearing first songs of this album I was hooked. Lunar play progmetal, but there is so much more from prog rock to tech metal and even some grunts throughout the album. Like The Anchoret the adding of Saxophone, flute and clarinet surprisingly only add to the fun. With Juggling Chainsaws they also wrote a candidate for best song of the year. Spotify numbers published show again a terrible under the radar flying worldwide. This is classy stuff from start to finish. Coincdentally yesterday Esther and Michel messaged me that they were playing and highly enjoying The Illusionist after receiving same finally. More people should hear this as I guess many will be impressed and instant fan like me.</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-53678656012267550402023-12-17T12:57:00.001+01:002023-12-17T12:57:48.453+01:00Moongarden - Pallas - Rages of Sin<div style="text-align: left;">I am almost done ranking my favorite 2023 albums. These three won't make the cut, because I so far only have them on computer and physical copies still on their way. Too little time to get a history with them, these albums desserve your immediate attention as they sound pretty damn fine after very little time spent with them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXrgekihjdsraJacDT5PKTkGB59AZA6Nxn6NrEkZlZ-jugDXTNDcQLxFXnD-4go6wvJAifAgKt4ygzHmITwzFMqdXnwpzZC4SQDrTNBr15P-HVASUpPOA-hBI8QC-SYMH6FPzSdWsZMoFdwHq9lwfYmPnRQ3OIUB0N3zb3bggUKKtf43pBs9KXMD_cPu-/s700/Moongarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXrgekihjdsraJacDT5PKTkGB59AZA6Nxn6NrEkZlZ-jugDXTNDcQLxFXnD-4go6wvJAifAgKt4ygzHmITwzFMqdXnwpzZC4SQDrTNBr15P-HVASUpPOA-hBI8QC-SYMH6FPzSdWsZMoFdwHq9lwfYmPnRQ3OIUB0N3zb3bggUKKtf43pBs9KXMD_cPu-/w200-h200/Moongarden.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Moongarden - Christmas Night 2066</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite Italians are back with a concept album. Christmas night means I probably will pick it up around all christmasses from now on. Moongarden play prog rock, with beautiful keys and guitar solos that sing around. This is one fine album and the bonus disk brings covers with a highlight in Hairless Heart (Genesis/Lamb) Waiting for the CD booklet and a return to de Boerderij.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKYmgm0aZ5Nd4mBlYoKgWIQkjtTTCJCTlS6R3sXUwDXTF4uypHW0a9CbGN63Xrimrhc2dQt2wRA02o5M3UOaHA6xdNEwO5RTvHpGYtzebZ4UPx3KaTmIP31bcM9ajw8A5jVaOftqLH_n2fipqzfTzzU5QEsaFYOCaLldFpHH7Bc68KRRu_0eMN6x1mo2p/s700/Pallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKYmgm0aZ5Nd4mBlYoKgWIQkjtTTCJCTlS6R3sXUwDXTF4uypHW0a9CbGN63Xrimrhc2dQt2wRA02o5M3UOaHA6xdNEwO5RTvHpGYtzebZ4UPx3KaTmIP31bcM9ajw8A5jVaOftqLH_n2fipqzfTzzU5QEsaFYOCaLldFpHH7Bc68KRRu_0eMN6x1mo2p/w200-h200/Pallas.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Pallas - The Messenger</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">No I did not see that coming. A new Pallas album after nine years with the return of Alan Reed on vocals. I saw Alan Reed solo at The Peel in Kingston shortly after his split from Pallas and he was not amused to put it mildly. Now the Messenger brings us six (long) songs and one spin made me curious. The nice cover also raises hopes for the looks of the booklet I ordered. Maybe they should hook up with Moongarden for a Boerderij show. A ranking of their discography is in the plans for 2024.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYlUoMq_wqyppGM7Gsn-jMm-zAI4W5nMS9lMBInhyphenhypheniJQ_XHbodNlwZpAFF0pwcXsoNjmO3Rya4qYrA27fV6752nfbpLvRiYlww6GrCVanbOYzt6SIcKSLSIPK2iUiOxxG1v5sWCet9-TsIECBJ0jTnPjdPJ41JdQTO6jAzdlixsThvprXs2pdJ1SP3ZCm/s633/Rages-of-Sin-Saligia-2-1-cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="633" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYlUoMq_wqyppGM7Gsn-jMm-zAI4W5nMS9lMBInhyphenhypheniJQ_XHbodNlwZpAFF0pwcXsoNjmO3Rya4qYrA27fV6752nfbpLvRiYlww6GrCVanbOYzt6SIcKSLSIPK2iUiOxxG1v5sWCet9-TsIECBJ0jTnPjdPJ41JdQTO6jAzdlixsThvprXs2pdJ1SP3ZCm/w200-h192/Rages-of-Sin-Saligia-2-1-cover.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />Rages of Sin - Saligia 2.1</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This album shall be released coming Friday 22/12. To celebrate a gig has been organized with The Hague's best OSDM band (Melting Eyes) and thrash metal band (Defazer). Rages of Sin are a bit unboxable. Definitely some tech death in the mix, but they like to go all over the place at times. Their last excelllent album (Divergence) got lost in Covid gig less years a bit, but this is another monster. From what I heard so far a true high in extreme metal again. So Friday Fluminense might be playing the Worldcup finals when gig year 23 is closed in style in Popradar (free entrance even, so not showing up is just plain stupid on all fronts). I think I have to follow my rule of thumb: music beats football. In this case as Libertadores did cost me Extol and Worldcup does not really matter anyway, plus boycot Fifa selling out to Saudi. </div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-81956631903662780642023-12-16T18:04:00.002+01:002023-12-16T18:04:44.020+01:00Live concerts: My top 23 of 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXNdoO-mCZhhD8ECEgCYgoprVSZpKJ3VWxO6aq9L93Ax9rf0cfsevEDlV4KPU-7QY3AzfpcHnubltd-euqKbtiw82FNOkI2BDWnCEaBWUu0myzsiK8Q8-PC4c2QdoOC-hQYF2dE9v9RjjydF1KD9_OuOzqFGn1wKY3Iq9ZJNfO9GqkyuobufMtd-jgH0D/s640/IMG_0262%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXNdoO-mCZhhD8ECEgCYgoprVSZpKJ3VWxO6aq9L93Ax9rf0cfsevEDlV4KPU-7QY3AzfpcHnubltd-euqKbtiw82FNOkI2BDWnCEaBWUu0myzsiK8Q8-PC4c2QdoOC-hQYF2dE9v9RjjydF1KD9_OuOzqFGn1wKY3Iq9ZJNfO9GqkyuobufMtd-jgH0D/s320/IMG_0262%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Nothng beats live music and 2023 gave us plenty to enjoy. Now that I stopped travelling back and fourth to PortugalI I also missed less gigs throughout the year. Still going to Brazil in November meant missing Insomnium, In Mourning, Ard, Baphomet, Agent Steel, After All to name just a few candidates for my end of year list. My concert year 2022 is not completely done yet, as Friday 22 the best in metal of The Hague plays Radarcafe with Rages of Sin / Defazer and Melting Eyes. Still going back through the year I saw many highlights really. My favorite 23 shows counting down to the best of the year are as follows:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">23. Tribulation - Patronaat Haarlem 25/2</div><div style="text-align: left;">Complexity surprised positively. On forehand not lots to love, in reality a great day in Haarlem again. Crown Compass opened in style and Tribulation closed my festival. Strange enough most of the audience did not seem to know them and I was catching my train home. Still what I saw was great again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">22. Crown Compass - Werfpop Leiden 8/7</div><div style="text-align: left;">So I saw them at Complexity, but I knew their songs better in July. A burning sun, made this the hottest show of the year. The only great metal band playing the free summer festivals around The Hague this year (Sneeuwpop had Melting Eyes, but that was in January the coldest show of the year)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">21. Vandenberg - Boerderij Zoetermeer 25/8</div><div style="text-align: left;">A comeback with a better vocalist made this a nice trip back to te eighties, even if many songs were of their last two recent albums. Next year Paard, hope Adje switches Different Worlds for a fast rocker.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">20. Raven/Vicious Rumors - Musicon The Hague 1/5</div><div style="text-align: left;">Both bands been touring around a lot the last years. Together they made up for one fine evening in Musicon yet again. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">19. O.R,k, - Boerderij Zoetermeer 6/5</div><div style="text-align: left;">I missed them half at Prognosis, but the same tour ended in de Boerderij. One of the best progrock bands around at the moment and live enough of a bite to make Hans also really enjoy them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">18. Space Vacation - Little Devil Tilburg 22/7</div><div style="text-align: left;">Never heard of them before, but the event text got us interested. Great Heavy Metal set they gave us and a big surprise they were. Warming up by Hidden Intent and Thorium was not bad either.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">17. Katatonia - Baroeg Open Air Rotterdam 9/9</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even with two powercuts trying to kill their set, this was a highly enjoyable show by these masters of moody metal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">16. Jag Panzer - Baroeg Rotterdam - 22/1</div><div style="text-align: left;">A day of eighties Heavy Metal opened by Martyr and Killer was finished off by Jag Panzer. I saw them twice this year, but here the setlist was more a best of old, which I loved.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">15. Mick Pointer Band - Boerderij Zoetermeer 11/3</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not a huge fan of coverbands, but here Mick Pointer plays the Marillion album he did play on. Script live in full, with the Market Square Heroes EP and thus Grendel as well. Top band, so what an evening. This was the last time they promised and that might just be enough indeed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">14. Voivod - Effenaar Eindhoven 16/4</div><div style="text-align: left;">Day two of Prognosis for me had a clear winner with Voivod. A career spanning setlist in a hall that was getting empty over time as Voivod is not for all at a prog festival. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">13. Persefone - Nobel Leiden 20/5</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ne Obliviscaris were headliners of this day, but Persefone picked the price for best act. Without realizing they had a substitute vocalist I found the voice great this evening. Now he is fulltime with the band and in March with Cynic in Effenaar a show not to miss.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">12. Exciter - Musicon The Hague 23/5</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even better than the year before Exciter rocked Musicon in great style. What a beast Dan Beehler is taking care of drums and vocals.Due to my confusion I missed half of Blood Star their set. Luckily hosting them spontaneously made up for that, what a sympathetic band they are.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">11.Wilderun - L.A.V. Lisboa 15/2</div><div style="text-align: left;">I did see them play a longer set at Progpower, but this was the first time live for me and due to the heavy package a heavier short set. One fine evening in Lisbon, which was also due to Kataklysm and Soilwork. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">10. White Spirit - GARF Liege 1/10</div><div style="text-align: left;">White Spirit making their return to the stage after 40 years and I was there. Great set focussed on the new album. They are now asking which songs of their debut should be toured next year. That is a classic, so full album please. Best festival band T-shirt in years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">9. Threshold - Boerderij Zoetermeer 21/4</div><div style="text-align: left;">To me Glynn Morgan seems to be more at ease all the time. While Ton and I commented how good it all sounded I later read people being pissed of by poor sound on the right end of the hall. Weird as Boerderij is not for wild audiences, but good sound they always offer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">8. Ross the Boss - Baroeg Rotterdam 9 May</div><div style="text-align: left;">When Manowar brings along a risk of endless speeches and lots of newer songs, Ross the Boss gives us the good old classics. One evening of fine old Manowar, with Marc Lopes taking care of the difficult vocal duties in style. Love old Manowar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Darkwater - Sjiwa Baarlo 8/10</div><div style="text-align: left;">On forehand I did not expect Darkwater to become the best band of ProgPowere 2023. Yet they were as a perfect sound, great songs, good performers and live played keyboards (not a given nowadays at prog festivals) made this a highly enjoyable show.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Hellripper - Roosendaal Open Air 2/9</div><div style="text-align: left;">First this festival was one of the great discoveries of the year. Nice small sized, well organized and fair food and drink prices. Musical style extreme metal mostly and Hellripper were for me the highlight of the day. Saw them five weeks before and this is an up and coming band for the decades to come. Blackened speedmetal which is a party live.Next January opening for Abbath, might have to go there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Sorcerer - Ragnarok Bree 25/3</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mario co-organizes several shows in Bree nowadays. Ragnarok is a nice place, but a pretty long drive. If the best doom metal band of the moment comes over though Hans and I felt like a roadtrip. Such a strong band also proven by their new album. Top class performance which should please anyone with a mild interest in Heavy Metal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Obsidious - Effenaar Eindhoven 15 April</div><div style="text-align: left;">Obsidious released a crazy good debut album. Still Prognosis found it smart to let them open their festival. As a result noone could top them the whole weekend, even if Disillusion and Voivod came close. Top class techdeath was brought live in such good form. Hope they start touring more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Flotsam and Jetsam - Musicon The Hague 2 October</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't care if they tour every year, you can't get enough Flotz till Death. Eric A.K. seems to be getting better by voice all the time and the band is so tight. This was their first show after a year and it all sounded perfect to me. One of the best live bands around nowadays.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Legs Diamond - GARF Liege 1/10</div><div style="text-align: left;">This show was one lesson in Classic Rock. What a band they are live on stage and what a great trip through their discography we got. This band never was big in Europe and seeing them for the first time made me ask WHY??? This show deserved a greater crowd shouting along with Woman, but still what a highlight in the year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Riot City - Junkyard Dortmund </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last year I had all organized for Riot City in Antwerp and than Covid got the better of me. This year there was no holding me back from driving over to Dortmind for these masters of Speed Metal. Ton loved the idea too and what a day we got. Junkyard a venue to definitely return to, with the Biergarten and foodtruck outside. Hellripper opened and Jag Panzer closed this fine package, but Riot City was so good. All the high screams you can ask for over a solid base of speedmetal. Killer set, performance and atmosphere. Only question remaining is how come they never played The Netherlands? For all speedmetal lovers and Heavy Metal fans fond of high screams throughout their metal. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfDwzmu8hv2ep-QP3OLvukScPE_kAQjzoSxau9V0e1N2yBVuD3OEnzi_QltKUQcLKU-LmvK2f5WUkFYysnCMwyepw37Oy0gLwdM6w14zQGqwmm6ZD5ZXrbTTjlxtWVS5nGR6J9X12CfFIaAGZ_tsCY3SVIoKztyYph4XLEgKhvXOH2xGeTPi6E5v5XNBO/s640/IMG_0253%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfDwzmu8hv2ep-QP3OLvukScPE_kAQjzoSxau9V0e1N2yBVuD3OEnzi_QltKUQcLKU-LmvK2f5WUkFYysnCMwyepw37Oy0gLwdM6w14zQGqwmm6ZD5ZXrbTTjlxtWVS5nGR6J9X12CfFIaAGZ_tsCY3SVIoKztyYph4XLEgKhvXOH2xGeTPi6E5v5XNBO/s320/IMG_0253%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-55954065362843404292023-12-12T16:29:00.002+01:002023-12-12T16:29:57.021+01:00Apotheus - Sorcerer - Wayfarer<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwYYDPZ1nCcM-DUkB72klkjPFNakj8UiAm78StNxssJ5g_gb3rlQ1gsrEiPQQp5tUlKSalRwskEib6NOWtrWfOwevrtcYrLzQqfm7dRMczvLoJMgkJ8RndHyvoqUtWxSoIxVB_FDyUXEeWrgOlCgMNB-eFgHWCaCKN_Qfa1cbJCaeqrVjmoCvqMJbTTuB/s640/IMG_0791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwYYDPZ1nCcM-DUkB72klkjPFNakj8UiAm78StNxssJ5g_gb3rlQ1gsrEiPQQp5tUlKSalRwskEib6NOWtrWfOwevrtcYrLzQqfm7dRMczvLoJMgkJ8RndHyvoqUtWxSoIxVB_FDyUXEeWrgOlCgMNB-eFgHWCaCKN_Qfa1cbJCaeqrVjmoCvqMJbTTuB/s320/IMG_0791.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Being out most of November I am rather late with some words on the below three albums. Since all of them run the risk of making it into my top 23 of 2023 I had to write some words and recommned these though.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgDZoveWCzwOFjMdF9dldRjL8_hymz91un8XjVLrA_UXD0KWafxVonkluDtRhiwrT7i46gAkPGA1hRTIhjjY8Pi95Zx9lqrguHmNGROAr0f5gM-EINxbcNGjTgsbk1A56_M-UM2lDckD17wZmsRBWpHS2g7IXS-OQO5FcIURTmmc16ANXQo1JgzRMXgLV/s350/11-ergo_atlas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgDZoveWCzwOFjMdF9dldRjL8_hymz91un8XjVLrA_UXD0KWafxVonkluDtRhiwrT7i46gAkPGA1hRTIhjjY8Pi95Zx9lqrguHmNGROAr0f5gM-EINxbcNGjTgsbk1A56_M-UM2lDckD17wZmsRBWpHS2g7IXS-OQO5FcIURTmmc16ANXQo1JgzRMXgLV/w200-h200/11-ergo_atlas.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Apotheus - Ergo Atlas</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Portugal is a blind spot in the history overview of ProgPower Europe. In the past I recommended Hourswill several times, but they might be too Heavy Metal along their prog. Now we have Apotheus and I will be very surprised if these four northern Portuguese lads won't be playing Baarlo any year soon. Why? first because when istening to this album I am at times reminded of PPE houseband Wolverine. We get mainly calm and atmospheric songs, with an occassional outburts. Further the songs are all well composed and the overall storyline of the album runs smooth. This is just very enjoyable progmetal of the lighter kind. Also Kingcrow at times comes to mind. Does the fact that the drummer is a friend of a Portuguese friend of Josie has any influence on me liking this band? No as I am not bribeable, this is just a good album by a band that soon plays Sjiwa.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjhu74XLXHCYCB4OTd_tmsuB2SUIzS80y8a6LE-hIPzUaHXO4hW6AfxgsNXb3dqzXbEbKn0Fxkf15h2POXZQzPNvskIH2qw2v6jwrpaqgiYQeacH-G7Xvg5BmszizlXxxFa8AHy-9-EqeSnvs_qKTPpnj5fJBhbGZzJucE20cH2fRt2nwZaL2GzcEYD3V/s700/Sorcerer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjhu74XLXHCYCB4OTd_tmsuB2SUIzS80y8a6LE-hIPzUaHXO4hW6AfxgsNXb3dqzXbEbKn0Fxkf15h2POXZQzPNvskIH2qw2v6jwrpaqgiYQeacH-G7Xvg5BmszizlXxxFa8AHy-9-EqeSnvs_qKTPpnj5fJBhbGZzJucE20cH2fRt2nwZaL2GzcEYD3V/w200-h200/Sorcerer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Sorcerer - Reign of the Reaper</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyone who is into good old Heavy Metal of the doomy kind will know Sorcerer by now. Starting with demo's in 89 and 92, they made their first real impact in 2015 with the album In the Shadow of the Inverted Cross. This is album number 4 and again they play the champions league of Epic Heavy Metal of the doomy kind. If you like Candlemass, Abstrakt Algebra or Krux, you will love this. If you are into eighties Black Sabbath and Rainbow (both covered on the bonus disc) you will also like them a lot. It is not for nothing that Hans and I earlier this year made a roadtrip to Bree (Belgium) to see this band. On Reign of the Reaper they do it again. Releasing a classic Heavy Metal albums full of variation, top class vocals and great guitars. Heavy Metal as it was played during our early days. Must buy in my ears.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66KcX3pXsjE7Xu8yEkRBO5v_40PtzTy4zlhkc2y-Bd6z18kcHkQ5u6xcTBAX2lKPHE72J55-ZDxU9MYJNDelOEYZRcESUcvX4dHmDNaDjmAFwhprCqjD3ZezkcGkdLhfv_ECnskfBcFElKq1-m-Y_ZywTFvtlZkUkORWPMsvbjG2pR-N9fB_BXNsUXqf3/s700/wayfarer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66KcX3pXsjE7Xu8yEkRBO5v_40PtzTy4zlhkc2y-Bd6z18kcHkQ5u6xcTBAX2lKPHE72J55-ZDxU9MYJNDelOEYZRcESUcvX4dHmDNaDjmAFwhprCqjD3ZezkcGkdLhfv_ECnskfBcFElKq1-m-Y_ZywTFvtlZkUkORWPMsvbjG2pR-N9fB_BXNsUXqf3/w200-h200/wayfarer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Wayfarer - American Gothic</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">In 2020 Wayfarer blew me away with their Spaghetti Western Black Metal on A Romance with Violence. On American Gothic they seem to have further perfected their style and release a highly original album telling a part of America's history. I am not the biggest expert in Black Metal, but as soon as it blends into an original sound I am all on board (DHG are another good example this year) The lyric sheet in the form of an old Western Newspaper already brings you into the mood and the steel guitar brings the great movies of the sixties and seventies to mind. On this album the songs range from pretty heavy Black Metal until calmer pieces with clean vocals only. Next year they come supporting Enslaved and I hope to be there (even if that week holds fierce competition by Cynic and Atheist tours). The most Gothic you get on the bonus track Night Shift, which is a cover of a Siouxie and the Banshees song. Try this out.</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-44504008673108786582023-11-06T12:56:00.000+01:002023-11-06T12:56:05.694+01:00Danava & Wedge - Little Devil Tilburg, 5 November 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU1AKytANiCXLbNNMNpnOAb3TY92gDh6655ooM3kq0fEuv4tLm_Z1hMvr6JFrQ3fH92KYbUVr28yCmmPi52CdrKIbiHrQBDFx3XJtBzi2uSGZA6fsJlko0jk0Ef2WozxgSu6B8Hk1vcsQMPdwBOHfAYeNoPrnAxrlBPHnwJzIXojfp6avB_KT8Aml9Xxz/s640/IMG_0557%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU1AKytANiCXLbNNMNpnOAb3TY92gDh6655ooM3kq0fEuv4tLm_Z1hMvr6JFrQ3fH92KYbUVr28yCmmPi52CdrKIbiHrQBDFx3XJtBzi2uSGZA6fsJlko0jk0Ef2WozxgSu6B8Hk1vcsQMPdwBOHfAYeNoPrnAxrlBPHnwJzIXojfp6avB_KT8Aml9Xxz/s320/IMG_0557%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Sometimes plans are bigger on paper than in reality. So we thought about the double in Tilburg. Afternoon Little Devil for Danava and Wedge. Than after a quick bite in the evening 013 for The Winery Dogs and Dave Cureton. Turns out that when leaving Little Devil we did not feel all that much like going to a large venue for a much slicker affair. We is Hans and I as Rene from the start said he woull join the afternoon only. It turned out that the double was not for us. If we would have been in Eindhoven for Elegy or Baroeg for Ducth Doom Days the second show would feel much more a logical continuation. Still the afternoon was good and Little Devil is always nice.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLchmwHPeMK_1SC0Hb2rjmlxExZMxlJUixJVfuy3lmFrDryLSY5w0nMZz-SQ_nbqevIjuIGbb2CxyZg-CGRkpKkfuTTdiWle0pPVcGnaj5wqnhlTeOWs3hgLpJbKGBvdmp287xkXgDT_u4ALAlSYIMaHcaIivqxToESe9pu-dS1662KrZqFMXnxnfBQpq/s640/IMG_0555%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLchmwHPeMK_1SC0Hb2rjmlxExZMxlJUixJVfuy3lmFrDryLSY5w0nMZz-SQ_nbqevIjuIGbb2CxyZg-CGRkpKkfuTTdiWle0pPVcGnaj5wqnhlTeOWs3hgLpJbKGBvdmp287xkXgDT_u4ALAlSYIMaHcaIivqxToESe9pu-dS1662KrZqFMXnxnfBQpq/s320/IMG_0555%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The afternoon was opened by Wedge from Berlin. I knew nothing of this band and they sounded rock and roll and stoner at the same time. This trio managed to surpise all three of us positively. The pace was kept at the right speed and the bassist swapping to organ made it sound seventies enough. Their hour flew by and this kind of music always works well in live setting. Most interesting stage appearance was the bassist with no face, only hair. Good band, good start, so why not get another beer?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiR8Nx_B-Be26tl5PGp9P2anX9nGsmjgQc8ZOIcMnjoDLK7RnuTfp7uwQHicqhr_Nox-sdHGldMQxsqF8qcKeLJ-szoCDsBdCHWPXNqkOfs95Ke4gC5bYJKrpZb_Kj8bcU1mWXsreAv0rYGH_osvFP2dG7mUjRp1wyemjmK9BYn3pbIR_3yS9dfCSfOj0/s640/IMG_0559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiR8Nx_B-Be26tl5PGp9P2anX9nGsmjgQc8ZOIcMnjoDLK7RnuTfp7uwQHicqhr_Nox-sdHGldMQxsqF8qcKeLJ-szoCDsBdCHWPXNqkOfs95Ke4gC5bYJKrpZb_Kj8bcU1mWXsreAv0rYGH_osvFP2dG7mUjRp1wyemjmK9BYn3pbIR_3yS9dfCSfOj0/s320/IMG_0559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Headlining the afternoon were Danava from the USA. They exist 20 years this year, but their looks and music brought us back 40 years in time. Nice old skool heavy metal they played. They came by five, as they brought a vocalist along who did not sing on their 2023 album Nothing but Nothing. BTW don't you hate it nowadays when bands bring Vinyl and no CD's? So no shopping for me as their Tees were too smal as well. Still their show was great, even if there was a certain Spinal Tap element to it all. Especially when they left and came back for an encore, without much reaction. The inbetween song banters were hard to understand due to speed and accent of talking. I did understand that guitarist Gregory Meleney is the band leader, but wondered why he sung many parts, while their new vocalist to me has a better voice. Anyway this was a nice trip back in time and a good messy underground afternoon. For us the reason to let it follow by a nice Indonesan meal and no Winery Dogs. Still a good day was had and home at a more decent time, than in the middle of the night as National Rail always tries to hinder your gig-life.</div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-19411710257695911102023-10-09T16:55:00.000+02:002023-10-09T16:55:49.165+02:00ProgPower Europe - Sjiwa Baarlo, 6-8 October 2023 <div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_lyl_kX0SR8itmdHlg2P5Od0bWWogIJdw5miXf8iB-JKoTktr9w2v_ryrvNo88PrAcpKmAWTzdcaQDHAxUyN7zZqW3JF-wzzcUMYELhyTAcEmi9E5sX-HjBjMTXQf8W1oJkpKGZ4QKD1CS5x7RR1RvGlMfVxRCzsDjKo2-kum9hekED1CKzzw4pkFFvi/s640/IMG_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_lyl_kX0SR8itmdHlg2P5Od0bWWogIJdw5miXf8iB-JKoTktr9w2v_ryrvNo88PrAcpKmAWTzdcaQDHAxUyN7zZqW3JF-wzzcUMYELhyTAcEmi9E5sX-HjBjMTXQf8W1oJkpKGZ4QKD1CS5x7RR1RvGlMfVxRCzsDjKo2-kum9hekED1CKzzw4pkFFvi/s320/IMG_0459.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Progpower for us always starts at
campsite De Berckt on Friday afternoon. This year the Pre-party had with Novena
a very promising name. Unfortunately only a trio and playing an acoustic set.
So I did not go out of my way to find a sleeping spot for the Thursday and
attend. Arriving slowly, bockbier and preparing your trailers for the weekend. Us
this year meant 13.5 as Ton made his PPE debut only joining the Saturday (we
all know what that means for 2024) and Peter sadly had to cancel after a fall
and two broken ribs this very week. Due to several reasons (work, holidays or
not impressed by the line-up) we missed four more faces, but Peter and Marga
brought with Amii and Sven plus Leah the next generation next to Gwenda who did join already
some 17 years ago for the first time bringing Peter making a debut. So the mood
was set and good, but how about the program? Well this year PPE was different
as they did not book any headliners of fame. Before people read this negative, some
explanations. This year no bands of the Progmetal Champions League were booked.
This only in name and fame. For me that did not matter much, as often I love
the bands playing around the dinner break the most. OK when some of my favorite
bands headline like Fates Warning, Psychotic Waltz, Redemption, Threshold or
Shadow Gallery I am very very pleased. Still sometimes you have bands who made their
name in Progmetal (no need to list names here), but lost me along the way and I
might well prefer a more unknown band making their debut in style. Another
positive point was that this year no band was booked, which made me raise an
eyebrow in advance for being far too soft for the festival. Still I did not
know many bands in advance so surprises both positive and negative could
happen.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS5KpGBvbG4i9V46g8_wL33DajqXKyklGQ2r7nPbLpiMiuLwg9URP9tX6toSTTNwkKyOa-p0bWo7IMbIokTIfudifMH1ddpK_CsHW7xpANi3wKUN8_18NrZH85KxPDLXHotd2BIL7HqDOJO66-g_QYGTO2_rptp0O1-GT-brrJJHVvd2CIkUleNP_CiEK/s640/IMG_0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS5KpGBvbG4i9V46g8_wL33DajqXKyklGQ2r7nPbLpiMiuLwg9URP9tX6toSTTNwkKyOa-p0bWo7IMbIokTIfudifMH1ddpK_CsHW7xpANi3wKUN8_18NrZH85KxPDLXHotd2BIL7HqDOJO66-g_QYGTO2_rptp0O1-GT-brrJJHVvd2CIkUleNP_CiEK/s320/IMG_0433.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Finally there is the competition
in gig land. Not only in general metal shows, but even in progmetal itself
there are other alternatives. Some bands who first broke through on PPE, played
last year during the same weekend two shows in Holland and are now filed under
Traitors of their original fans. Yes, shame on you Vola and Soen. Than de
Boerderij seems to be turning it into a sport to book prog (metalish) bands
during PPE weekend. This year Arena and the Aristocrats played on Friday and
Sunday. Both also having one other Dutch show over the weekend. The
Manofmuchmetal (missed for a chat) put me on the trail of Martin Miller earlier this year. He
played Tilburg this weekend, but luckily a covers only set, so no big loss. My
home venue Musicon in The Hague would normally see me both on Saturday and
Sunday this year. Saturday Loud & Heavy Fest with Neverus and Martyr (with
PPE veteran Vinnie on bass). On Sunday they had Brazilian Semblant with Romanian
White Walls (ex PPE) as one of the supports. Still all without a chance, but
one festival over the same weekend did hurt me (and some others) more than a
bit. If in 1990 anyone would have told me that a festival within driving
distance would take place with from my record collection Flotsam and Jetsam,
Q5, Metal Church, Brian Downey, Dirkschneider and young strong metal bands like
Ambush, Phantom Spell, Tailgunner, Evil Invaders., I would definitely be there.
To make matters really hurt they even had Watchtower on the bill, a band I have
been asking for on the PPE feedback form since 2000. In the end ProgPower stands above
all others for the whole experience. Further those who are not just looking for
the big names (and aren’t we all?) would agree that 2023 on forehand offered a
very diverse and strong line-up with something for almost anyone.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Anyway, back in Baarlo is a shere joy and
after a fine meal prepared by Mary (thanks) it was off to Sjiwa, where I would
bump into countless more Progpower friends. Unfortunately not all could make it
this year and some were dearly missed. Biggest loss might have been Pois Chic.
On their farewell tour of foodtrucks, Baarlo did not fit in the schedule during
last weeks. So no very tasty food from Andy and Debbie and even worse, no
always pleasant catching up with both. So after parking our bicycles at the new
designated spot in front of Centraal the festival could start. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzvHpPg-ScEbh0onqfaFa_AfHqeUMZxOiVjsqB-RIxH07Sut16kLXrlncgh38qGOPZ6XgoZwVlfEurbpQIHqKDiEyTiSFmcMCxaCjJoy-OAsttOzgLMR6ohvdNaUeogbFTFsDXKbD6n_-XGG_jhHtG1wfsUvtf1t5z-6t0ZlbJLPHeTMz9J1F7jObw0nq/s640/IMG_0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzvHpPg-ScEbh0onqfaFa_AfHqeUMZxOiVjsqB-RIxH07Sut16kLXrlncgh38qGOPZ6XgoZwVlfEurbpQIHqKDiEyTiSFmcMCxaCjJoy-OAsttOzgLMR6ohvdNaUeogbFTFsDXKbD6n_-XGG_jhHtG1wfsUvtf1t5z-6t0ZlbJLPHeTMz9J1F7jObw0nq/s320/IMG_0435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Earthside</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Before commenting anything on
opening band Earthside let me first get the pink elephant out of the room. Lead
vocals coming from a box are one of the eight deadly sins. I read about this
sin in a deadly oneliner review of their show last week at Euroblast, so I was
more than a bit sceptical in advance. When the band started playing it turned
out that the music was really good. It always is strange to hear a voice while
not seeing same. Still I pretty much liked the music. I also rememered that I
saw them before some years ago in Duijcker. What I realized during the show was
that maybe they are better on CD than live without the vocal confusion. My
final verdict was positive though, but one person needs to be named still. The
keyboard keytar player was running around wildly most of the time. When he
announced that his dad was in the hall who was 66, he made it sound if that age
is really ancient and life is nearly over. Well we have two 60+ granddads in our group
too and several people including me pushing 60, so an unnecessary insult during an OK show.
At the same time they made a national Dutch newspaper with their family trip together
to Baarlo.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfLxvRo0FqM1WKxDsUknn6LToi0no-YCLkqYku8rqolzav9lFFh_FZSlCPbkFXDkE1zxl_tSjqRdyGD116Qx3iNmP-WY41i2UOxufILBH-9vWSHifhZcqmTnwoRBOpHn7VRvPiDNptfVjUgIyZh8qMdU0BCtgEr73kbpl3_wIePlZFHDZBdS_PBrUjm_Q/s640/IMG_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfLxvRo0FqM1WKxDsUknn6LToi0no-YCLkqYku8rqolzav9lFFh_FZSlCPbkFXDkE1zxl_tSjqRdyGD116Qx3iNmP-WY41i2UOxufILBH-9vWSHifhZcqmTnwoRBOpHn7VRvPiDNptfVjUgIyZh8qMdU0BCtgEr73kbpl3_wIePlZFHDZBdS_PBrUjm_Q/s320/IMG_0437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Wheel</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Headliner on the Friday were Wheel
from Finland. Their pink elephant is called Tool, but I do like the debut CD I have
by them. Live it turned out to be another nice band who I appreciate, but did
not shock my world. After a while not knowing all, the songs started to sounded
a bit samy to me. But the performance was good and the audience seemed to like
them. People knowing their full discography told me that towards the end the best and old came as the songs got heavier. A nice first evening closed by a quick stop in the basement and at the
campsite another tradition Knackies with a final beer.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ3EAqeazECqfL3LLpcEV9Br0mBUy5k5nZ4-BuoIfSjtUNK3UYZaJXnYlbRGHBFJm_eQh-MVgBmpaowvrhX9jYlPuVN4ZLzSe7PW98JjqfdDBBUHFQ0UOibHBKvhvgnVQTR1g68ySlMDONA2uGlyKQB2MT15QG60Z17CxuFrPnOyvIdLnCmG9vMEo-12T/s640/IMG_0438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ3EAqeazECqfL3LLpcEV9Br0mBUy5k5nZ4-BuoIfSjtUNK3UYZaJXnYlbRGHBFJm_eQh-MVgBmpaowvrhX9jYlPuVN4ZLzSe7PW98JjqfdDBBUHFQ0UOibHBKvhvgnVQTR1g68ySlMDONA2uGlyKQB2MT15QG60Z17CxuFrPnOyvIdLnCmG9vMEo-12T/s320/IMG_0438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Hackberry</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Saturday always has the problem of
the too fast and to much drinking on opening Friday. So arriving semi hung over
to find a band playing instrumentals only. Than they are Dutch as well, so I
might see them again anytime soon. What I did see sounded pretty nice actually,
but sitting in the basement was a nice alternative kicking of slowly and regaining powers.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG-RKJMzs8aBvi331Eb7rS1P0eTJ9f0AVBi59rgajaOqoLy7RnmZxcS09S1vicU5kxN1NBuzwig2XVGGtpxwrg2V-PsdbPZQNye-g9lAf8scUXAG2FEGu2OOSZnUffJibMQn-y19-ovdSA9u8hqMnvWvLr1hx84iuSq9tETNsxbEsDwV4t_xZtELAHS9m/s640/IMG_0441%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG-RKJMzs8aBvi331Eb7rS1P0eTJ9f0AVBi59rgajaOqoLy7RnmZxcS09S1vicU5kxN1NBuzwig2XVGGtpxwrg2V-PsdbPZQNye-g9lAf8scUXAG2FEGu2OOSZnUffJibMQn-y19-ovdSA9u8hqMnvWvLr1hx84iuSq9tETNsxbEsDwV4t_xZtELAHS9m/s320/IMG_0441%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Chaosbay</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Next band were Chaosbay from
Berlin. I knew nothing about them and they showed what is so nice about this
festival, they surprised very positively. Their style is more of the djenty
metalcore with breaks in it, but lots of energy coming of the stage and back to
them again from a very appreciative audience. Chaosbay showed that every
line-up deserves one or two bands from this genre, just to entertain and
energize us all. At the same time Chaosbay are not the first German band whose
vocalist shows some Bono behaviour telling us how to make it a better world.
Preaching to the converted in Baarlo really where you can start a nice
conversation with basically anyone you meet. So as a rule of thumb. Mentioning your ideals once is appreciated and ok. Doing so three times in a row is not needed. Still teh most heard phrase over teh weekend hereafter "to my surprise I really liked this metalcore band".</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4u4orC946R_Tc3B5vEVnkxZjHgid33Fo0HgZXQ-z53yofMzusIfO8xzmGom57v1ouE1vxgJ0vs-QfkUAEHF1zLS7WwNPPq66RSiqMhp2-bh_ylV3-3rry_kXP7r9yfcXSHY5yOqFQeGUpLo88_L-jXWqP_IsZ9-XzfifVyOx5C6F97hKVA8D5vg8WJQFI/s640/IMG_0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4u4orC946R_Tc3B5vEVnkxZjHgid33Fo0HgZXQ-z53yofMzusIfO8xzmGom57v1ouE1vxgJ0vs-QfkUAEHF1zLS7WwNPPq66RSiqMhp2-bh_ylV3-3rry_kXP7r9yfcXSHY5yOqFQeGUpLo88_L-jXWqP_IsZ9-XzfifVyOx5C6F97hKVA8D5vg8WJQFI/s320/IMG_0442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Hei’An</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">A band with a complicated name,
coming from Slovenia. Another one I entered blank and I had problems
pinpointing them. The Caped and hooded Jon Oliva lookalike brought the heavy
voice inbetween his struggles with his outfit. The clean vocals came from the blue haired guitarist, who was not always hitting it rightl. Musically I was as
confused. Bits and pieces were really great and the blend of styles worked.
This to get me off track again soon, with some non-cohesive work. In the end
their set did not grab me and I went to eat something as the evening promised
to be the highlight of the weekend for me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNqsCHUKSKhbEmFc-2R_GCYnjnakAydRlVHWg-RGpnsM1Z440Yw-5yiNtcIDJTEvlM8_-0LU9CISOk9cC7wKF16repv9ocwbKmtzUmimfna4T3l6LnvizXpJXJLqJJ6IOfnYzuU9i0bPYz2uikQu4jm0DdjaKjo1wG6FIF3cgqd_4Ji4YZ0hXQgrfgLp/s640/IMG_0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNqsCHUKSKhbEmFc-2R_GCYnjnakAydRlVHWg-RGpnsM1Z440Yw-5yiNtcIDJTEvlM8_-0LU9CISOk9cC7wKF16repv9ocwbKmtzUmimfna4T3l6LnvizXpJXJLqJJ6IOfnYzuU9i0bPYz2uikQu4jm0DdjaKjo1wG6FIF3cgqd_4Ji4YZ0hXQgrfgLp/s320/IMG_0444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Dordeduh</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Dordeduh are from Roumania and I
knew I would like their set as I saw them before. I suppose not all of you
speak Roumanian, so some help first. Dordeduh means Through The Door, if you are from The Hague that is. Last time I saw them they were on tour by van. So
what? You might think, well what a lot as they brought all kinds of different
instruments at the time. I remember some huge horns, and a sort of guillotine
which they hammered on. So now several sounds came from tape. That did not
matter at all to me as this was one hell of a show. This band showed they have
lots of mileage on stage (ex Negura Bunget) and that came back in confident performance and
playing. To add tot he fun they also brough a painter, who live painted a
painting, shown on the big screen behind them. A first asolute high of the festival to me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzV8xGYv7zd3SX5yfkBtWFzqLRbAeOxrEMY_wDk37kVtJvsDjSBhpEeUmEAhoZJrtlp6P3vEFLwrIMwAzIAQGEDWpEog2xbWSUl6I8IrJnIq71winPV-BELUT9WzL3rMq_QVRrAzRx-XMOtV0Ww98PHA8VxczVe07EPCDMPdQnKraw_FbKo7hyzH5WQBs/s640/IMG_0446%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzV8xGYv7zd3SX5yfkBtWFzqLRbAeOxrEMY_wDk37kVtJvsDjSBhpEeUmEAhoZJrtlp6P3vEFLwrIMwAzIAQGEDWpEog2xbWSUl6I8IrJnIq71winPV-BELUT9WzL3rMq_QVRrAzRx-XMOtV0Ww98PHA8VxczVe07EPCDMPdQnKraw_FbKo7hyzH5WQBs/s320/IMG_0446%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />An Abstract Illusion</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Talking about highs, if I was
looking forward to one show this weekend it must have been An Abstract
Illusion. Anyone who loves their prog blended with extreme metal agrees that
last year’s Woe is a masterpiece. So the question was how much would they blow
me away. Well to start with, they started late. Sound issues and some confusion
on stage. When they did start the sound issues had not disappeared. Bass and
backing vocals very loud, while guitars and main vocals were low in the blend.
If you than add a zooming monitor at times, this became no feast tot eh ears.
So where I expected a guaranteed high, we did not get same, due to poor sound.
At times you could see and hear that the band should be able to bring us wonderfull
things on stage, but it was not what I hoped for and outside many lovers of the
band stood as disillusioned.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEBD4TYGZCoMKVp81eyMPHK-zReZwbpGDLrN4TB_-WaFURwEKn3gq83wKroxab6MCm6n6XRmGxkjCEgeP49UR0tDqBlqUnVzAIV2lsWrwNIBOLUl0CgTxGOrJHRuDhGJxpKCvBX_qNGEUzLHLF3z84jdNuAQ7d3Vb_xnmWhgqTf4yXZsMD4gciRRR0-AD/s640/IMG_0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEBD4TYGZCoMKVp81eyMPHK-zReZwbpGDLrN4TB_-WaFURwEKn3gq83wKroxab6MCm6n6XRmGxkjCEgeP49UR0tDqBlqUnVzAIV2lsWrwNIBOLUl0CgTxGOrJHRuDhGJxpKCvBX_qNGEUzLHLF3z84jdNuAQ7d3Vb_xnmWhgqTf4yXZsMD4gciRRR0-AD/s320/IMG_0450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Wilderun</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">So it was up to Wilderun to close the evening in style again. Earlier this year they toured with Soilwork and
Kataklysm and I saw them in Lisbon. For that tour they went to their heavier
material given the package they were touring with. Tonight they played a long
set and their full discography was visited. As I don’t own their first two
albums I did not know all. What I did hear was lots of calm and folky
intermezzos. Luckily the class of teh band shown through during the full set.
So I liked what I saw, but they kept their best for the last 40 minutes or so.
Also did the vocalist try to set a new record in number of times you can tune
your guitar. When they did finish around 23:30 I was somewhat disappointed they
did not play their best song Far From Where Dreams Unfurl. Luckily Wayne showed an arm and a leg as a sign they would return.The encore corrected that miss. In the end a great show by them again,
even if form my taste they could have gone for more of the heavier work over
folky bits.</div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDdowFoNO7MFdK6vAjJVLddRUqYsQ8KcKOK9LazUzpcPHRyvsmL5R3MsxPj-JQguJL9JydOtvjt_hvpC56md2e7DR5grgZwl-ou8P5s5qfkchJ7ZluHyd66NXEk39TjwZC0xeGc1fP846JPcQxKg9IQU1veB8UD3YoRGxEdoDt7psRSsQH6KcFH2L8mFm/s1600/a3933d29-adb0-4cc6-bccb-42e4904a5b57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDdowFoNO7MFdK6vAjJVLddRUqYsQ8KcKOK9LazUzpcPHRyvsmL5R3MsxPj-JQguJL9JydOtvjt_hvpC56md2e7DR5grgZwl-ou8P5s5qfkchJ7ZluHyd66NXEk39TjwZC0xeGc1fP846JPcQxKg9IQU1veB8UD3YoRGxEdoDt7psRSsQH6KcFH2L8mFm/s320/a3933d29-adb0-4cc6-bccb-42e4904a5b57.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And then it was down to the
basement for the afterparty. On Saturday this means karaoke. This year I
thought about giving the younger part of the audience a history lesson by
singing Holocaust’s classic song Heavy Metal Mania for which I don't need to read along with the lyrics.. Unfortunately not in the database of the system, so a fast improvisation needed for a new song. I do think I nailed it again. I believe
it always good fun to see people sing, but was under the impression that not
everyone is as enthusiastic as the first year anymore. So maybe next year, we should have the return of the Classic
Heavy Metal disco. No matter what the program, at least one afterparty makes part of the
weekend experience.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExsFSi3RD-2YiigLE8TpEPmnh5ynjmzol6ckr0PJZTuEeJdE4zK41mLj2kPX2b-4Q8wbZySiQyhFdS2gyMUb2Jrw0gDOa0lM7tA86lMOiLr39o6IO0oME7Mtq8dMZ7YaxNVVqQWAPmIjpDmmWBAiXP8L4rBU1IrCzsGXBX8Gu04FpK3gY3-avKieCcekn/s640/IMG_0460%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExsFSi3RD-2YiigLE8TpEPmnh5ynjmzol6ckr0PJZTuEeJdE4zK41mLj2kPX2b-4Q8wbZySiQyhFdS2gyMUb2Jrw0gDOa0lM7tA86lMOiLr39o6IO0oME7Mtq8dMZ7YaxNVVqQWAPmIjpDmmWBAiXP8L4rBU1IrCzsGXBX8Gu04FpK3gY3-avKieCcekn/s320/IMG_0460%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Omnerod</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">The bands on Sunday always face
the disadvantage of fatigue starting to appear. So I was very pleased to see
that Omnerod came up, introduced their set shortly and fired away. A great mix,
where death metal was mixed with more atmospheric prog. It was the first band,
where after the show I headed for the merch stand and get their CD. This as I
want to know how they sound on CD. Live the hour flew by for me and I loved their
show. Of course the one thing that was hard to understand was the social
distancing on stage as if Covid was still very much reality in Baarlo. Why was the grunting guitarist hidden so far to the back? Invisible
by a mix of darkness and smoke. Maybe stagefright? But that was Legs Diamond
last weekend. A very fine start of the day for me they were.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NoM37_M5Ir4DonHd7YTRthbBDGZJsbaZ2wce0Yk_-aOBYokVtige5zSBrGeXw_fjOkQ6lafAvtZADLnPj0rM1fSPHTXjO6gjMRzdaG91HD2ipyurDslQ432VPBEkiz_X5T6Z-r9yjjRnHDubsIMy2vFs4cUIwVzdrSHjQJsqNMoGh8gINOAZo9RdTrFB/s640/IMG_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NoM37_M5Ir4DonHd7YTRthbBDGZJsbaZ2wce0Yk_-aOBYokVtige5zSBrGeXw_fjOkQ6lafAvtZADLnPj0rM1fSPHTXjO6gjMRzdaG91HD2ipyurDslQ432VPBEkiz_X5T6Z-r9yjjRnHDubsIMy2vFs4cUIwVzdrSHjQJsqNMoGh8gINOAZo9RdTrFB/s320/IMG_0461.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Obsidian Tide</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Obsidian Tide are from Israel, so
I think that in advance everyone wondered what was going on in their heads given
the situation at home. They did give us after some technical issues a fine set where
the clean vocals could use some more power for me. So while I pretty much liked
their music, I did not stay the full hour. This was also a band where maybe
getting to know their music a bit in advance would have helped.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7Z3xJLgCo-CclWlSvYhKkP4_f5ee_WZo_hBj1uLadg3LRo84zN3rVLE6o5kFwphSzucNOjZAFZ_yyYaW6TJgt4jwHUeAk0cQ8hu10-SflqmwiZ4DufZsE2iTFa0XPTD8TLyFxAiVApUy16X0r0FggO9-Uzj7puyDSygZRJ22ul2zEeo80liwdBrjgHsv/s640/IMG_0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7Z3xJLgCo-CclWlSvYhKkP4_f5ee_WZo_hBj1uLadg3LRo84zN3rVLE6o5kFwphSzucNOjZAFZ_yyYaW6TJgt4jwHUeAk0cQ8hu10-SflqmwiZ4DufZsE2iTFa0XPTD8TLyFxAiVApUy16X0r0FggO9-Uzj7puyDSygZRJ22ul2zEeo80liwdBrjgHsv/s320/IMG_0462.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ihlo</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Ihlo were representing the UK on
stage this year. They are not listed at Metal Archives which means they play
either metalcore/djent or are considered a bit too light. Listening tot hem I
gues it was the second reason. Again I appreciated the band and their playing,
but some more power would help to make me run to the merch stand. They looked
lively and sympathetic enough on stage, where people from the UK have the
mother tongue advantage making their inbetween song banters more at ease. Again
a half show was good enough for me, but if playing in the area I would go see
them again.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOkvXqxSx2qshUKb2_QFesXgvvi9c04GwiI62oIAYCpi0e0337Q_cEa8qumkExkSkMrLTNExv2DWlSKl6FWoP2ULfNNkoNRP2Nb1GV3DsNKyzMrpoAfPfiQp56A__jUGGkmhhq9OoMhK6urtpEKZPG1MOSaEeJGtgipMRXIQdekuYjN6ArqpKdvM5Qn6n/s640/IMG_0464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOkvXqxSx2qshUKb2_QFesXgvvi9c04GwiI62oIAYCpi0e0337Q_cEa8qumkExkSkMrLTNExv2DWlSKl6FWoP2ULfNNkoNRP2Nb1GV3DsNKyzMrpoAfPfiQp56A__jUGGkmhhq9OoMhK6urtpEKZPG1MOSaEeJGtgipMRXIQdekuYjN6ArqpKdvM5Qn6n/s320/IMG_0464.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Maraton</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">After the diner break, where I did
not eat Maraton from Norway came up. By not checking them out in advance I did
not know we had such a light band on the program after all. Their music sounded
to me very eighties and Tears for Fears came to mind. It actually sounded
pretty fine, but we left for a small meal, as more traditional progmetal was on
the way. So not seeing enough to give a fair ordeal they were the light band on
the menu, but fairly popular even so I understood.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnFqBpNQrko6BKlosxQ4Q60hNq5WYpLQeER-fx5NN3Uuq63U8vVnEmpSY3da2F7AP2NUrbgM7QqA-Tjcpp61sUqJPZMjesPT3y8qsfsvbFNiRdsEIFq3JLAbDR5X5o2OeONS4UZXiqqKWeST0fJfBmryJQ9rA1Zol6Hu22siNF6XNeSmiEzSN565pRcze/s640/IMG_0467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnFqBpNQrko6BKlosxQ4Q60hNq5WYpLQeER-fx5NN3Uuq63U8vVnEmpSY3da2F7AP2NUrbgM7QqA-Tjcpp61sUqJPZMjesPT3y8qsfsvbFNiRdsEIFq3JLAbDR5X5o2OeONS4UZXiqqKWeST0fJfBmryJQ9rA1Zol6Hu22siNF6XNeSmiEzSN565pRcze/s320/IMG_0467.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Darkwater</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">Darkwater are no strangers to PPE
veterans as they also played the 2010 edition. That was on a day opened by
Haken and closed by Shadow Gallery, so one of the more legendary days in PPE
history. I saw them a few years back returning on stage at Brainstorm. At the time I bought their CD after the show and soon after they had started I
realized why. Darkwater was this weekend the band that would have best fitted
the first Progpower line-up in 1999. In those days no extreme /djent /prog or
postrock explorations. Just proper progmetal bands playing the style that made
the genre popular in the nineties. During their set I was reminded of Enchant
at times, or a band like Tiles. I loved every minute of their set and they
convinced again, even if not the most active live band in history. For me this
is the style that started it all. A great voice over a solid rhythm section
with good guitars and keyboards played on stage not from tape. Call me old
fashioned, but for me every Progpower needs bands like this. I saw they were pretty
popular among the crowd, where I also noted that most people I saw first in
Baarlo in 2000 stayed in the hall and loved the band. Is an age division happening in preferences? Probably the highlight of
the weekend for me and no need to discuss the progresiveness of bands like
this. Just great music.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHPJXzme_VnXptKIP4nKv8m8Mt9ed0mrfehidEhrEyfeX7_3Sl3kOrgWK6JQiKbAu0G1K-iben9sPAjZZ4AVIgP1OnPecAIv-O01ta0yRx25ZEgF87g7iqvKsqNcYMeVlRv5zqe2Wf-NG4mR2xi7XcqHsCNCFjVmgsX8Cb9H1qqGNCuA0lvHpL524wX8I/s640/IMG_0473%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHPJXzme_VnXptKIP4nKv8m8Mt9ed0mrfehidEhrEyfeX7_3Sl3kOrgWK6JQiKbAu0G1K-iben9sPAjZZ4AVIgP1OnPecAIv-O01ta0yRx25ZEgF87g7iqvKsqNcYMeVlRv5zqe2Wf-NG4mR2xi7XcqHsCNCFjVmgsX8Cb9H1qqGNCuA0lvHpL524wX8I/s320/IMG_0473%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Teramaze</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">And than it was up to Teramaze to
close the weekend. They were here before only four years ago, but released
since then 4 (four!) new full lenghts. I did remember that in 2019 I found them
OK, but not the high I hoped for looking at their style of progmetal. Basically
they play not all that different from Darkwater, may be a notch heavier at
times. Keyboards also from tape again, but this also as not all songs do have
them. Again I saw a division happening as during the set many people left the
building. This happens every Sunday night closing set, by te way. I did love
their set and was positively surprised. Maybe expectations were lower than in
2019 or they played better but for me it was a great closer of one fine festival
again.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wNnmZdV4pfg_WMDCKGTH97VSxnKf93s7_ob2ubmbi2Oxqm1kLBQLf-2aOB1rDG0K0ioj9OV7QcW3A8oO-s-h5x-Sm0-D4-dx2IglkQ_7_A_AdJtZkbk11Lm3sJ1fOV44hvsDpGrPoDbvInSP6GhBjgspIe38PA78OtuMQvgRVrxDiv0CBtZXoCMz0g6u/s2000/89e4e3b1-a48f-4fdf-890a-dac63fb496f2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wNnmZdV4pfg_WMDCKGTH97VSxnKf93s7_ob2ubmbi2Oxqm1kLBQLf-2aOB1rDG0K0ioj9OV7QcW3A8oO-s-h5x-Sm0-D4-dx2IglkQ_7_A_AdJtZkbk11Lm3sJ1fOV44hvsDpGrPoDbvInSP6GhBjgspIe38PA78OtuMQvgRVrxDiv0CBtZXoCMz0g6u/s320/89e4e3b1-a48f-4fdf-890a-dac63fb496f2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />So than we had coins left. So the basement was calling. Some nice final drinks until two barbie girls chased us
out. So I guess now it is time to say a huge thanks to organization and all volunteers. What a party did they put together for us again. Since we were with a
big group in changing line-ups ourselves I did not get to speak to as many
people as I would have liked, but I did meet some new people who next year
shall receive the friendly nod of the head or talk as well. So 2023 did not
bring the great names of the past maybe, for me the diversity in program made
it a good one again. So see you all next year in Baarlo.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEm1lAc-hfBi4_P7lmZ1a9nEd5URhwLoCO2jQjnfP3YKfg67gsQt3PQ2vp920Kzo52PcKe389SgRknCqn1Imh0xoQqwud4QVhyphenhyphenS4PRhVxl3q9f-t3FlJMPyzq-17h84mh9ZaLBKSPAPZ1hwHlbzt07JaQ1bZElHOqPqtPXsFwTHo2ylaIhe6kyONNuM79/s640/IMG_0465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEm1lAc-hfBi4_P7lmZ1a9nEd5URhwLoCO2jQjnfP3YKfg67gsQt3PQ2vp920Kzo52PcKe389SgRknCqn1Imh0xoQqwud4QVhyphenhyphenS4PRhVxl3q9f-t3FlJMPyzq-17h84mh9ZaLBKSPAPZ1hwHlbzt07JaQ1bZElHOqPqtPXsFwTHo2ylaIhe6kyONNuM79/s320/IMG_0465.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-13599035329579855762023-10-03T10:25:00.001+02:002023-10-03T10:30:21.010+02:00Flotsam and Jetsam & Hallowed Fire - Musicon The Hague, 2 October 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG5WPa3v-9pjwR9AcNXlyLJejCQ-YG3QA-36wj5Nhqmm_nwCIj5RSou8DLTsu67STgawERECSFj8IjclydD6TgESPZXA580O_3jENQrBih4duCY3DGzvuz4sI2fm_NO8Eg_VsXTi80gAjVpxBahqFan6KjjpH7I2D9OWq-YBO3eaMTgIm1ZHsRJnoREGy/s640/IMG_0429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG5WPa3v-9pjwR9AcNXlyLJejCQ-YG3QA-36wj5Nhqmm_nwCIj5RSou8DLTsu67STgawERECSFj8IjclydD6TgESPZXA580O_3jENQrBih4duCY3DGzvuz4sI2fm_NO8Eg_VsXTi80gAjVpxBahqFan6KjjpH7I2D9OWq-YBO3eaMTgIm1ZHsRJnoREGy/s320/IMG_0429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />SOLD OUT!! What a joy to see that announcement on a Monday evening. Comments have been made on the many bands of larger scale playing the Monday evening in Musicon. Tonight it was as far as I know the first sold out show, proving that metal bangs seven days a week indeed. This was great news for Musicon, but also very welcome for Flotsam and Jetsam. Recently they had to cancel a US tour, due to low ticket sales versus huge costs. This week before playing Keep it True Rising they put a small club tour together through The Netherlands and Belgium, with three out of four shows already sold out. Flotsam and Jetsam have been playing Europe a lot over the years and that gained them a stable fanbase. I also repeated with Alex, who goes by the name Thrasher so he should know, that Flotsam and Jetsam still release relevant albums. So you are not waiting for the old songs only. On forehand I had the intention to go slow on the beeers on this Monday night. Well, let's say the intention was there.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xdFJFZPHg6tKeY97OH9NdEjC2MRWh_Cjop23zt78DKWwSobWLE-zA9Cz4TIEPfOKZJ006C5_5i6GPOKMigCrvESC9ZYKHp4lYe6v-cpmbvz94CL3JC462joWlk1RmfPaVkfcUdeJFpBiO6qeHETpYFKNrJNyPMejRfTsuT3B2SyzBVdwuYmimFTCrUxm/s640/IMG_0424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xdFJFZPHg6tKeY97OH9NdEjC2MRWh_Cjop23zt78DKWwSobWLE-zA9Cz4TIEPfOKZJ006C5_5i6GPOKMigCrvESC9ZYKHp4lYe6v-cpmbvz94CL3JC462joWlk1RmfPaVkfcUdeJFpBiO6qeHETpYFKNrJNyPMejRfTsuT3B2SyzBVdwuYmimFTCrUxm/s320/IMG_0424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The evening was opened Dutch though by Hallowed Fire. They played Musicon before as many venues in the area. A fine young thrash metal band with a sympathetic expression on stage. Sold out or not it still took a few songs before the space in front of the stage was filled. I don't own their EP's, so can't quote many songtitles. What I heard and saw was good again and they managed to warm up most of us in proper thrashing style. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIfYzSAGQoli9g1kn-ZKIx1QzUJ7TtNOXiJtvJogpGGvu7Bd3IPzgYEzT-YwbE2It4vFQ877tweObA_K3_-AwUiH0talBjDiah4dE6bPDaydmZSJNqhh4PCNkEIO9s9CgBCyjn95nmUcqLC5oN255vKw2xX1bO-86iy5YQZq929Gl3vxeHzQejb2_7id4/s640/IMG_0427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIfYzSAGQoli9g1kn-ZKIx1QzUJ7TtNOXiJtvJogpGGvu7Bd3IPzgYEzT-YwbE2It4vFQ877tweObA_K3_-AwUiH0talBjDiah4dE6bPDaydmZSJNqhh4PCNkEIO9s9CgBCyjn95nmUcqLC5oN255vKw2xX1bO-86iy5YQZq929Gl3vxeHzQejb2_7id4/s320/IMG_0427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />During the break it was time to catch up with many and more. Rebuilding the stage went fast and than I had to pinch myself again if this really was Flotsam and Jetsam opening with Hammerhead on a Monday night in my home venue. Yes they were and in great form too. It was over a year since they played last and no rust appeared to my ears. Flotsam and Jetsam did what they do best they Flotzed us till death. A high energy set, where I did not take notes, so no clue what was all played until Doomsday closed the evening. Well I had some Dreams of Death later that night, so that's one.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Flotsam were in good shape so I would say go and see them if you can. With most shows already sold out a bit of a pointless advice, but today in Fluor there are still tickets left.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP2KHi0pgVPW5eKXqFabJKpET1qJVRSdMOY3RpBxcq2HsXMXI6de9_ZmGjr-bIMdMl5yod-YLsVJoHQ52vvcGD4Wiq5T99vhiSz6pKmhhACbWqU1SXKfpsyecWiOZVmet2aiVxrpEm1Xbenur7SC5E9cN8xmCtkMwbqXX5ckSFghIqzOA7S6QaoFhn8wT/s640/IMG_0430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP2KHi0pgVPW5eKXqFabJKpET1qJVRSdMOY3RpBxcq2HsXMXI6de9_ZmGjr-bIMdMl5yod-YLsVJoHQ52vvcGD4Wiq5T99vhiSz6pKmhhACbWqU1SXKfpsyecWiOZVmet2aiVxrpEm1Xbenur7SC5E9cN8xmCtkMwbqXX5ckSFghIqzOA7S6QaoFhn8wT/s320/IMG_0430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Both Flotsam and Jetsam and Hallowed Fire gave us a perfect Monday night out. Coming weekend Musicon has a nice package again, with Loud & Heavy festival on Saturday and Semblant plus White Walls on Sunday with more. Pity I need to be at Progpower, but let's hope many people will find their way back to Musicon supporting your local venue and scene. I came this night by bicycle which is nothing special. Last year I also went by bicycle, but then they played bloody Helmond their last non-festival show before this tour. So a good excuse to repeat the picture I took when upon arrival finding the band lunching in front of the hotel I stayed in that night. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9wQbcTuBdh92o4yZtjxYi7mbwpYWPo0tBllVWQupV1s3UCISfM30lImrxH2l3XEjITZ_5mqdF5H8QLwc2g1RFd615tDnCBmLTovg-xojLV2VThnrA-_OOa4eIkX3pZulERapah7GNB-sQQuaWXZ8y3QxCtrEmwDLfSraaUQwu4jctbtYJBOpICz6CaGZ/s2048/Flots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9wQbcTuBdh92o4yZtjxYi7mbwpYWPo0tBllVWQupV1s3UCISfM30lImrxH2l3XEjITZ_5mqdF5H8QLwc2g1RFd615tDnCBmLTovg-xojLV2VThnrA-_OOa4eIkX3pZulERapah7GNB-sQQuaWXZ8y3QxCtrEmwDLfSraaUQwu4jctbtYJBOpICz6CaGZ/s320/Flots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-13932813269965783742023-10-02T13:29:00.003+02:002023-10-02T14:38:19.679+02:00Golden Age Rock Festival - Centre Cultural de Chenee Liege, 1 October<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE4zl_OuXISccRqRyDZL354Vs_s5E6OzY3KmS__aKdL8FjGHDRfyee_h2OrPS4QG-IRMzCc156ISJfKz3HyxGR7koARFUAQ1Nzinlt98Us_J3qhZbN3mKQS0bZgsTHVMJfL4RSnFPjIJqXYrPgUQB3E1xI-wlUrykE6vf1blA_v9TCWu_kC9CaoeLEYy0/s640/IMG_0421%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE4zl_OuXISccRqRyDZL354Vs_s5E6OzY3KmS__aKdL8FjGHDRfyee_h2OrPS4QG-IRMzCc156ISJfKz3HyxGR7koARFUAQ1Nzinlt98Us_J3qhZbN3mKQS0bZgsTHVMJfL4RSnFPjIJqXYrPgUQB3E1xI-wlUrykE6vf1blA_v9TCWu_kC9CaoeLEYy0/s320/IMG_0421%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Golden Age Rock Festival had it's third edition. I can't call this a review of the festival as I only saw 4 of the 14 bands playing. I picked the Sunday because of two bands White Spirit and Legs Diamond. Two bands I loved over 40 years ago, but never saw playing live. With Progpower Weekend coming up, I decided to drive up and down on the day, which made it a hefty 550 km. Luckily enough both bands made it worth every kilometer.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2exrSxMIVKXsdVYyVuVkG857JNe3TAfJpaEkDaw_Lu82YnQTyhyphenhyphen6z22Rc7cBhl3Qg1kv99aRqlv55RNosXA0JglQa8W9jlICpiFclQ3zQb4IETT-fxVjvnzJiqMeA7X-QylDSJABPppQDkh0LGX85h91FC3wkW8ErPX2FFYH9D0x3xlTBCtWIIGehcnFS/s640/IMG_0410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2exrSxMIVKXsdVYyVuVkG857JNe3TAfJpaEkDaw_Lu82YnQTyhyphenhyphen6z22Rc7cBhl3Qg1kv99aRqlv55RNosXA0JglQa8W9jlICpiFclQ3zQb4IETT-fxVjvnzJiqMeA7X-QylDSJABPppQDkh0LGX85h91FC3wkW8ErPX2FFYH9D0x3xlTBCtWIIGehcnFS/s320/IMG_0410.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I attended the first edition of GARF as well. Than also one day only, but with a stay in Liege overnight. The first edition had three days and I attended the Sunday to see Angel, Heavy Pettin', Dee Snider, 220 Volt and a local drummer who played with the Scorpions early seventies , so we got some Scorpions as well. Last year the lineup was good again, but Dynamo had a great Saturday program as well and on Sunday I attended the best band of the festival Angel in Baroeg. Also Alcatrazz and Girlschool would play Musicon a week later. So the set-up of the festival is bands from roughly 1968-1985 that rarely play Europe. Since attendance is relatively small, there must e some heavy sponsoring going on. Maybe as a result the guy introducing bands takes his time to tell a story on each band. He does so in French, so half the audience coming from Germany, Holland, England or further away had to pick their schoolboy French to get the point. This year the event moved to the cultural centre, which was nice and small to fit the crowd perfectly. You could sit at the back, which came in handy if a certain band was not of your interest. Local brewery BestiAle had three beers on tap, and as I was my own designated driver I only tried the blond and the IPA in the afternoon, both approved. I drove alone, but knew I would bump into some people here. So basically time flew by in sunny Liege.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJa-qEz1lnbWoDWrejOjMDfSuZvvuo-_gxOy9Fw83klF1J3iTNmrXmFdClN0qYl9PSLjsTjYMap13l6IgBd-q2hxEhBoAe0assmRoXQomXH5f8I-r3LqkuNncYl3uqbenhCSf0wc3JpEPLPefUS_f5IvXb-82fhskSm6If3p6b6Hr3nFbpjniYmk_jYdw5/s640/IMG_0406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJa-qEz1lnbWoDWrejOjMDfSuZvvuo-_gxOy9Fw83klF1J3iTNmrXmFdClN0qYl9PSLjsTjYMap13l6IgBd-q2hxEhBoAe0assmRoXQomXH5f8I-r3LqkuNncYl3uqbenhCSf0wc3JpEPLPefUS_f5IvXb-82fhskSm6If3p6b6Hr3nFbpjniYmk_jYdw5/s320/IMG_0406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Since Liege is further away than hoped, Dutch highways only allow you driving 100 km/hour and I had a snack stop at a gasstation I missed the tribute to local guitarist Miche LeClercq. Ron told me that this sounded fine. My opening band were Highway Chile/Helloise. So I probably drove some 2 a 3 hours behind them on similar roads to Liege. I saw them in the eighties both Highway Chile and Helloise, so I knew most songs. Well they played two new songs noone knew obviously. I have a slight favor towards the Highway Chile songs and Jesse James plus Carol hit home. Actually For a Moment and Gates of Heaven sounded fine too. The bands looks solid and if you want to relive the eighties in Dutch hardrock they are the go-to band. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MjGrQVOR8M8M9c6E3SOSnKo5Wbxw_CodCE7t9qBh0x0WPzcfj-uHxw8TQrwasubvh9ZwDGEWdWq6Pf-rsGDSEN4HmJxJA25mavIL8pEc78t5NgFIut95gPHhzDCDom4j1pPWcxvMKTxsGVoaxDMpC30w9UlE_oYAingKFDSPXyXNyc2ydlsMYGuED31W/s640/IMG_0408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MjGrQVOR8M8M9c6E3SOSnKo5Wbxw_CodCE7t9qBh0x0WPzcfj-uHxw8TQrwasubvh9ZwDGEWdWq6Pf-rsGDSEN4HmJxJA25mavIL8pEc78t5NgFIut95gPHhzDCDom4j1pPWcxvMKTxsGVoaxDMpC30w9UlE_oYAingKFDSPXyXNyc2ydlsMYGuED31W/s320/IMG_0408.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Satan Jokers from France came on next. The only thing I knew about this band is the article in De Nieuwe Aardschok 5 (?) on French Metal. Satan Jokers actually played hardrock with a strong guitarist. The bottleneck for me came with the language. I did not know any of the songs, but the mix with French lyrics did no wonders. A bigger problem was the vocalists feeling the need to keep bantering on in French inbetween songs. It took the speed out of their set and was pointless for those not mastering French. When they played covers it became clear that English was no option either. Highway Star and Whole Lotta Love arenot the most original covers. When the last turns into some hoelattaheloe it becomes almost funny, which can never be the point. So I left before they finished finding an empty food stand to experiment one of the burgers on offer. Well Roosendaal Open Air did set the standard very high, but this one was pretty OK too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiQ5PLbmu1COj3_ufVIZpx1oyV0_CBbIi_utJrOLRJWpzFGsANaI86e4bbtgOY-EufeegfZy-MIYeq4eEZLxn6sy3h0gT7SX43QRp2ypmS4l0z1fwsaHCWAIL_mgpzU9_xF2tiEUyHLG-xbxMOG6hTIA-G1O62YnGGW_B_fCmAp73fllTPe2whC2fe0Mi/s640/IMG_0413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiQ5PLbmu1COj3_ufVIZpx1oyV0_CBbIi_utJrOLRJWpzFGsANaI86e4bbtgOY-EufeegfZy-MIYeq4eEZLxn6sy3h0gT7SX43QRp2ypmS4l0z1fwsaHCWAIL_mgpzU9_xF2tiEUyHLG-xbxMOG6hTIA-G1O62YnGGW_B_fCmAp73fllTPe2whC2fe0Mi/s320/IMG_0413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next band were White Spirit from England, which turned out to be partially France and Germany today. In 1980 they released their self titled debut album, which Gerrie and I agreed is an absolute Classic from the NWOBHM era. Their second album was released last year, only 42 years later. Right or Wrong was dedicated to Brian Howe who passed away in 2020. He sung on the songs of this album, but when the tapes were found a re-recording was needed. This year a new version was released and the band already announced they were going to play that album during this day. For those not knowing this in advance their T-shirt told the story. Rarely do you see a band who prints T-shirts for one show and does such a great job. The back had the festival and band logo, date and album to be played. So I secured my XXL version fast before they sold out. The gig itself than? Well for a band who had not played for 4 (four!) decades I thought they sounded pretty tight. From the debut album line-up only Keyboardist Malcolm Pearson is still present. Further guitarist Mick Turner was in the band in 1981 already. On drums they had Russell from Uriah Heep, on Bass someone from Nottingham whose name I forgot sorry (was it Wayne?) and on vocals Alexx Stahl from Germany. As from Right or Wrong this band sounded fine and maybe nervous at the start they sounded better by each song. Was it during Don't Say No, that the keyboard/guitar double solo was a highlight? Better Watch Out also live sounded like their tribute to Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow. For those who waited for songs from the debut , the new version of Right or Wrong holds a re-recorded version of Midnight Chaser. I believe that the audience reaction went even a notch up after this one. Than Rock and Roll (Is Good For You) closed the set. Only to find out they had time for one more song, but not rehearsed any So we got Midnight Chaser again to loud approval of the fans. They promised to tour more from now on, so the obvious request is adding some more from the debut album, or Cheetah from compilations. If they come in the area I shall be back. A great melodic hard rock set they gave us. I might have been considering inviting them to play Musicon one day, but as I host bands in such a cse and they brought a whole army I guess that will be hard. Glad they are back 42 years later though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhyphenhyphenNZedtE22w5inyeHtVa_tjTNTf0zU8lvXZpGSlOJTCupjjf7sJ2sYjaZLGpZEcBMw_d_yCvZqDg98DBUXoIoUwaIADGoJTBwkqVV47_1N08At8vAlOW4ekIsJ1bGM5XQgL3KVFfELCLjpCGhudxmdV1az6Y0Uu9m76ndcftolgJQ-nzVsD0_XswP5O9/s640/IMG_0419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhyphenhyphenNZedtE22w5inyeHtVa_tjTNTf0zU8lvXZpGSlOJTCupjjf7sJ2sYjaZLGpZEcBMw_d_yCvZqDg98DBUXoIoUwaIADGoJTBwkqVV47_1N08At8vAlOW4ekIsJ1bGM5XQgL3KVFfELCLjpCGhudxmdV1az6Y0Uu9m76ndcftolgJQ-nzVsD0_XswP5O9/s320/IMG_0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As if one first time live in a lifetime was not enough, Legs Diamond would be on next. Last week I played all their albums and ranked same. Thsi was good as I now recognized all teh songs a bit faster. Legs Diamond come with three original members who were in the band since their debut album. Roger Romeo on guitars, Michael Prince on keyboards and guitar and Jeff Poole on drums. The latter having amounts of long hair at his age, that are an insult/slap in the face to all bolding men in the audience. Bassist Adam Kury (since 1992) and I guess this was Keith England on vocals completed the band. If we take the sound issues and techical problems aside Legs Diamond gave us a Masterclass in Classic Hard Rock. While watching the more I saw the more I wondered why they arenot a huge band headlining rock and general festivals worldwide. It can't be the songs, nor the playing as both are top notch. The setlist was a real trip through their discography 1976-1990. I loved every minute of their set, even if the balance between guitars and rest of the band was at times a bit too heavy on the guitar end. I almost started to think they would ignore their sophomore album A Diamond is a Hard Rock. Well they not when at the end of the show I Think I Got It came to us. And of course they could not skip Woman. Their ballad of the Uber category (think Y&T I Believe in You) If we thought ending on this high Rat Race from the debut was still to come. A missing microphone on stage, a broken drumset, bass issues and loud guitars could not stop this from being the second memorable show of the evening for me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then it was time to drive home. I probably would appreciate seeing Arthur Browne once, but the drive was long and today I have to be fit for Flotsam and Jetsam in Musicon. Also experience tells me, attending an unknown festival show after two absolute highs does not work for me. So a big thanks goes out to organizers. What a great festival they have put together and I guess this venue stays now. Not sure if I can put is some requests for next year. On the melodic NWOBHM corner I can always see a Stampede show again, or get Shiva together again. From the USA Lillian Axe are always welcome and a band like Drive She Said might be suiting just fine as well. Who knows what GARF will bring, but if timing suits I shall be back, even if it is for 4 out of 14 bands again.</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-11853497497915973322023-09-20T17:16:00.001+02:002023-09-20T17:16:36.739+02:00Damnation Plan - Demoniac - Tritop<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZHBdCnZmMyTuquE84DfRFmE24RBrp0hCr9OYbu3l65Txi9iJQn5z8Y19TvXUDsP69RjrEoUDrMT55icmwD02t4mfQn1c2Qheq8jEo7W30gdWk-Slwts3qUzO_9MBuQ8MLGgZfenfY87FgiTTAlYBtkRwQze_ZaeUzw1L2apxbgWZ2NA6ZunrfMcZiS37/s640/IMG_0389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZHBdCnZmMyTuquE84DfRFmE24RBrp0hCr9OYbu3l65Txi9iJQn5z8Y19TvXUDsP69RjrEoUDrMT55icmwD02t4mfQn1c2Qheq8jEo7W30gdWk-Slwts3qUzO_9MBuQ8MLGgZfenfY87FgiTTAlYBtkRwQze_ZaeUzw1L2apxbgWZ2NA6ZunrfMcZiS37/s320/IMG_0389.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This time three pretty different albums, all worthwhile of your time though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA3X0_4OEnQVv2T0v_wUVqDyf5FtAFruKIv0axHhR1UR5ATpvxk5hCMqr-XxBQqn_qM4kwiImFAA9Fzl-LmVj96fsjmsdF58oWktGV0tCS_mFl4FMzXdEAr8mCiGeXQXRgzYFUZabpHa16Jfv_nMv0B8vKvuggBPjOzMrlCwb3kpKW3BzYnJshPZdymeY/s225/Damn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA3X0_4OEnQVv2T0v_wUVqDyf5FtAFruKIv0axHhR1UR5ATpvxk5hCMqr-XxBQqn_qM4kwiImFAA9Fzl-LmVj96fsjmsdF58oWktGV0tCS_mFl4FMzXdEAr8mCiGeXQXRgzYFUZabpHa16Jfv_nMv0B8vKvuggBPjOzMrlCwb3kpKW3BzYnJshPZdymeY/w200-h200/Damn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Damnation Plan - The New Horizon</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Questions: is this a full album or an EP? Same goes for the musical style. Metal Archives calls them Melodic Death Metal. I saw reviews talking about Progmetal, while I would say that people who like doomy Swedish Heavy Metal like Sorcerer should check these Fins out as well. I believe this band found me through adverts on Facebook. Interesting as 99% of the adverts having nothing to do with me or my interest. But The New Horizon than? well it gives us five songs totalling almost 33 minutes. Long epic songs, with dark and moody atmospheres are presented. If you add good vocals and strong songwriting this is yet another band I discovered this year, while their first album is from ten years ago. I can imagine that in the great flood of releases this one goes missing, but basically anyone liking any of the three styles mentioned above should check them out. If like me you like all three styles, you will love this album.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynlPUyadv5goljeAV5EWaGD1HE_xtRyFd6UHx_2qVK3jyOl5Yrvl4jUs-JBEMf_awOgLl9lh0JcRHFINAV5YYupWIXsoelfMkZt7CSppe5VM2LppzbhjsCuUabRb9XwRsDMKI97Ov_6_PexWI0Wg65mnyy_PnOD_naRU3dqxRpf6E-ZhAdrlHMyk58mdU/s700/demoniac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynlPUyadv5goljeAV5EWaGD1HE_xtRyFd6UHx_2qVK3jyOl5Yrvl4jUs-JBEMf_awOgLl9lh0JcRHFINAV5YYupWIXsoelfMkZt7CSppe5VM2LppzbhjsCuUabRb9XwRsDMKI97Ov_6_PexWI0Wg65mnyy_PnOD_naRU3dqxRpf6E-ZhAdrlHMyk58mdU/w200-h200/demoniac.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Demoniac - Nube Negra </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite Chileans are back. In 2020 they gave us So It Goes. That was an album in both English and Spanish and had a title track of almost 20 minutes covering one side. A bit of a Blackened Thrash Rush therefore. This time English has left the album, leaving us only with Spanish lyrics and two instrumentals. No epic either, but still lots of variation as clarinet and accordeon are still present. No worries though as these won't disturb the overall heaviness of this album. I believe that over the last three years Demoniac got a notch heavier in general. I still need a few more spins before catching all that is presented to us. But I like what I hear so far and for me Spanish lyrics are a bonus and a refreshing crash course. So they did it again, but how long is it flying from Valparaiso to Europe?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4X_B_UIN7-KlpBhiJaBKp92QNxbqR7bycKBayMN03euBfTIePysjXdO1Vaxi_GCQ7DaKUfqaaTbyuEQ9A6DGTaMEu0BX37XaHIf7ZhMQ4M2Dp0EECOX-Kjr-A7tep2vCivjWiCUwtbZoTDWYimh5URPD_PUyQbiNWqcM7_Ad2O-OFUUDc2HZJGU83tLp/s300/Tritop-Rise-Of-Kassandra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4X_B_UIN7-KlpBhiJaBKp92QNxbqR7bycKBayMN03euBfTIePysjXdO1Vaxi_GCQ7DaKUfqaaTbyuEQ9A6DGTaMEu0BX37XaHIf7ZhMQ4M2Dp0EECOX-Kjr-A7tep2vCivjWiCUwtbZoTDWYimh5URPD_PUyQbiNWqcM7_Ad2O-OFUUDc2HZJGU83tLp/w200-h200/Tritop-Rise-Of-Kassandra.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Tritop - Rise of Kassandra</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now for somethig completely calmer. Italian progressive rock presented by Tritop. The album is already half a year old, but I found Tritop by a DPRP review, who are always late with their reviews. Tritop are Italian, but there is definitely also something American in their prog rock. As this is their debut holding four songs with an opener of 13:00 and a closer of 23:46 you might think of Spock's Beard and their debut. Musically they are also not miles apart. Prog rock with enough heavy bits and pieces, to potentially win over the progmetal fan as well. Italy was known for their prog rock in the seventies. I do like this century as well, with bands like Moongarden, O.R.k. and now Tritop. Recommended even if slightly late.</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-24373933883783382642023-09-19T11:20:00.000+02:002023-09-19T11:20:06.728+02:00Night Demon & Speed Queen - Musicon The Hague, 18 September 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK3EaH70ns1ZoSlKKbeYj5ezrtPKXybeJ8bQENKYc52Aa4XyC41xJexi2VN5jFpyLLVSoYW_16Rk_LeJ56oYK8rbJW7BfGf9Fz0lzq8qZ3E7b-4lwnckF6T3pB_IiR8HaCTFWDXihfNzqDxJfDABgZTcNSGnihazKMwuMSa2T-IDE-ABfIBoqaXWDOo5H/s640/IMG_0382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK3EaH70ns1ZoSlKKbeYj5ezrtPKXybeJ8bQENKYc52Aa4XyC41xJexi2VN5jFpyLLVSoYW_16Rk_LeJ56oYK8rbJW7BfGf9Fz0lzq8qZ3E7b-4lwnckF6T3pB_IiR8HaCTFWDXihfNzqDxJfDABgZTcNSGnihazKMwuMSa2T-IDE-ABfIBoqaXWDOo5H/s320/IMG_0382.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Monday night often means Musicon Metal night nowadays. Tonight we would go back in time with two bands playing heavy metal as if we were in the eighties again.. Or as Marko called it halfway the Speed Queen set, refreshing after the many death and extreme shows we get served lately. And so it was.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vA_1jsW5iayXyYNxd_l-G0QW6FV4Zs4yRCymj6W9tBkvyrIfT-c_WMdESENgkRPTaT4zGvLCOcQZrAyxDtR-fd_McaBtbcaLuufh2NDLSr9WQODZC6KVOdibNOypdEz4UvNgCYcUMpgI7VjzIHl_KMYGLkEN7y7ZRxu8i7zMF69r8iKDp-FFvWTDze7N/s640/IMG_0379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vA_1jsW5iayXyYNxd_l-G0QW6FV4Zs4yRCymj6W9tBkvyrIfT-c_WMdESENgkRPTaT4zGvLCOcQZrAyxDtR-fd_McaBtbcaLuufh2NDLSr9WQODZC6KVOdibNOypdEz4UvNgCYcUMpgI7VjzIHl_KMYGLkEN7y7ZRxu8i7zMF69r8iKDp-FFvWTDze7N/s320/IMG_0379.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Speed Queen from Hamont Belgium would open the evening. With a name like that they play Heavy Metal with Speed tendencies. Not full speed all the time and when they went slow with a song for the ladies I believe they had some Krokus in them. As it was Monday and some people arriving still during their set, Musicon warmed slowly to their set and those who were of a certain age did like a trip back in time. While the band was good one special mention can go out to Andreas, as his solos were very tasty and fast at times. I believe tonight was the first times I saw two drumsets on the not so huge Musicon stage so the same was slightly extended to give Thomas some space to move around as well. Finally Zeeman shorts rule!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw73ToJZxq9FmTa3vh2zNSLGeTSKLiOBr1IjmaKBgDxqvhT3AETs-Zb3SVqvqKiDT0LS3vFFocGRutwEroL_NP29DbFq3i-D97CCkyvfkWtkiqqeLTCcevaa6i_6SZ6CZkbrdjBPVhm5IBcrZMXoK7CaDPIH1c_OhKtirrAtAkrRa0EHMN3hHrZ-KLMAk/s640/IMG_0385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw73ToJZxq9FmTa3vh2zNSLGeTSKLiOBr1IjmaKBgDxqvhT3AETs-Zb3SVqvqKiDT0LS3vFFocGRutwEroL_NP29DbFq3i-D97CCkyvfkWtkiqqeLTCcevaa6i_6SZ6CZkbrdjBPVhm5IBcrZMXoK7CaDPIH1c_OhKtirrAtAkrRa0EHMN3hHrZ-KLMAk/s320/IMG_0385.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Night Demon touring their latest album The Outsider and I believe they opened their set with the full album. Now I don't own that album on CD yet and it was sold out I believe. This meant that I and many others were watching a show by Night Demon with unknown songs to start and more mellow pieces than we remember from the past. Luckily they played a long set and when halfway they went for their first albums speed and atmosphere went up. The first time I saw Night Demon was some 9 years ago in de Vinger. At the time I asked them why they did not play Radar Love in the hometown of Golden Earring. Since then I never saw them live without Radar Love in the set. That still works as it remains a great song also in the riff chorus metallized version of Night Demon. So after a calm opening they did win over the audience again in the end and while the Demon song Night of the Demon opened their show, it was Night Demon to close the same. Another great evening in Musicon was had, with for me a bonus as I hosted Speed Queen. Very nice guys telling me about their trips, lack of sleep and legendary R-Mine festival in their hometown.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRezUpPoHZWEzwyDtvQJ2aZL9P2ln25RWfzEvGfND6O39X8ok8i7HJekSlVBtd381VjA3Ctd_mpfF6ETXQwQwpWLlJAhfSR5HMsOdVkxq2lrgz1gpTKvt7ECpmQnggrlY_aK3Ze6paAjSG69jKYXFaJ0ziskS04xi69qfy_fQoCV4rd3UZSAFzIyioMC3M/s595/01%20Speed%20Queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="446" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRezUpPoHZWEzwyDtvQJ2aZL9P2ln25RWfzEvGfND6O39X8ok8i7HJekSlVBtd381VjA3Ctd_mpfF6ETXQwQwpWLlJAhfSR5HMsOdVkxq2lrgz1gpTKvt7ECpmQnggrlY_aK3Ze6paAjSG69jKYXFaJ0ziskS04xi69qfy_fQoCV4rd3UZSAFzIyioMC3M/s320/01%20Speed%20Queen.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p> </p>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-60583395505163781842023-09-12T16:00:00.000+02:002023-09-12T16:00:46.927+02:00Gluttony, Drap & Melting Eyes - Musicon The Hague, 11 September 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ4j0WDTH6uetePNbwtuIsc6ks1vKkgFL7LPX7Fzbqm9jtAxNueQWcHi3QYbDEfQjwtQ5EqQQvOMj945g-k-krkEYuLE0b9Yx3bzBqbx3-vmj6d4uMQwLD64a3Oc1wuOjT4F0lB8gVoA7FWx_-CdME_IIG3T_Zg3dmIlJv-qTHWJr-VzRoNDYtjRySmha/s640/IMG_0371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ4j0WDTH6uetePNbwtuIsc6ks1vKkgFL7LPX7Fzbqm9jtAxNueQWcHi3QYbDEfQjwtQ5EqQQvOMj945g-k-krkEYuLE0b9Yx3bzBqbx3-vmj6d4uMQwLD64a3Oc1wuOjT4F0lB8gVoA7FWx_-CdME_IIG3T_Zg3dmIlJv-qTHWJr-VzRoNDYtjRySmha/s320/IMG_0371.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />White Room Reviews Loud & Heavy presents; Normally that is reason enough for Marko and I to attend and tonight was not different. This time it was Death Metal that was presented two times Swedish and a local opener. Monday night and no huge names make it an even riskier affair, but luckily Melting Eyes did bring a fair number of friends and fans, so we were not having an evening of empty spaces.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpo2E9N3vcJQ_59rhtqvoOlBr7Fwm3W85vXxODTRNX8hkJrn8GZjH9aB_d32_cGYMi98Hxl7VNdypvLf88VGF8BtdwmCGsqDHL5QCh1xJYKvdOjkgh_fw4FMEyYCo9QiMxX8gHCVsXsuG5UVMnyrGENlrJtW_lPPaNNz2e0nBwdnV2l6Bm8Msoz3_WK8M/s640/IMG_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpo2E9N3vcJQ_59rhtqvoOlBr7Fwm3W85vXxODTRNX8hkJrn8GZjH9aB_d32_cGYMi98Hxl7VNdypvLf88VGF8BtdwmCGsqDHL5QCh1xJYKvdOjkgh_fw4FMEyYCo9QiMxX8gHCVsXsuG5UVMnyrGENlrJtW_lPPaNNz2e0nBwdnV2l6Bm8Msoz3_WK8M/s320/IMG_0366.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />At 20:00 Melting Eyes kicked off the evening. Well if the soundman would not do a disappearing act at that very moment that is. But 20:02 they kicked off and showed once again that if you want to have an OSDM party in The Hague you better invite Melting Eyes as well. They had 30 minutes and gave us songs from their EP My Final Resting Place plus some new songs. The question asked most later during the evening was how about a new album? Well it's underway and all in due time. For now their blend of Death Metal with at times doomy openings and a very comfortable low grunt made the evening kick off well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUojaYnllKmXCceToPdfRQhPIn9IDg_mQ_A-H7wOQvrQs-YOSCwoX37vvpt_3_WPD0f3mT3SujRlXxmjptZvvfRXS6Pzq7_gGd7LgCbEKV-rSVqJhOhCoBSdQBKW8ydGBPv7mm9LbLusL_qcBI-yeCIjq_f_zY1bBylrq4KL-7s6fPHteuC0xGRdNEai7B/s640/IMG_0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUojaYnllKmXCceToPdfRQhPIn9IDg_mQ_A-H7wOQvrQs-YOSCwoX37vvpt_3_WPD0f3mT3SujRlXxmjptZvvfRXS6Pzq7_gGd7LgCbEKV-rSVqJhOhCoBSdQBKW8ydGBPv7mm9LbLusL_qcBI-yeCIjq_f_zY1bBylrq4KL-7s6fPHteuC0xGRdNEai7B/s320/IMG_0369.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next band on were Drap from Sweden. Actually the a deserves a tiny o on top, but I simplify here. This also to match the music of Drap. Not that it was simple all the way, but for my taste it lacked some variation. The first song with a wait-and-see attitude of the audience made the screaming vocalist go wild off the stage. He promised than to get back on stage if the crowd would move forward a bit. Nicely found and followed up. Hereafter the main word describing the show was Energy. Easy to move along live, but for me not the style I play at home all that fast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJFRmfgIbUWSBm5cMN7_-yidtSm8mMfJvgdX0VxfdBU15Gq3BTHJu_CUGZK0aK1Jr5Sbg8g00YjO90ia0QeEBO0JZUUcHpdJh-htHFWSeca7i_FeyK1QjfW1CJ93wCqbPfsM0tvfrfqZv5Un8V4yR9uqoRfR8ZnL10eIIw7Lge7FCjpZGkIUjhxNvLQOB/s640/IMG_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJFRmfgIbUWSBm5cMN7_-yidtSm8mMfJvgdX0VxfdBU15Gq3BTHJu_CUGZK0aK1Jr5Sbg8g00YjO90ia0QeEBO0JZUUcHpdJh-htHFWSeca7i_FeyK1QjfW1CJ93wCqbPfsM0tvfrfqZv5Un8V4yR9uqoRfR8ZnL10eIIw7Lge7FCjpZGkIUjhxNvLQOB/s320/IMG_0372.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Gluttony were the band to close the evening with some Swedish Death Metal. Straight from the start I could feel how their metal was easier on my ears than what drap just presented. Mainly fulll speed ahead, with good and clear balance between the nstruments made the songs enjoyable at first hearing. This first also as I did not know the band in advance. Now some 18 hours later I know them pretty well as I had the pleasure of hosting them with the right on some late night beers and a breakfast learning more about Gluttony on the road. Impressive how their painted brutal image on stage transformed in very relaxed and laid-back talks at home. So thanks go out to the bands, Ralf, Loud & Heavy, Musicon and Kompaan beer. Next Loud & Heavy party is 7 October with some interesting names, but I have Progpower obligations that weekend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-SXsf1lyIUNoUrjg1ubs311f__emkKrynl81b0XDP6uVSnchMMMrsxDDR6S5aMiWe4cpQNkmYieh3gdCYPG_9FPJ05rJSuoCbXbQj0LNb3smdnKJejdhVQ8z1cc2prV6ZoEhvITh17QLLlQfcBclqXdiNafUEhpJeyQcF_N4bf3mpJjQ3vTmuZdm0b54/s640/IMG_0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-SXsf1lyIUNoUrjg1ubs311f__emkKrynl81b0XDP6uVSnchMMMrsxDDR6S5aMiWe4cpQNkmYieh3gdCYPG_9FPJ05rJSuoCbXbQj0LNb3smdnKJejdhVQ8z1cc2prV6ZoEhvITh17QLLlQfcBclqXdiNafUEhpJeyQcF_N4bf3mpJjQ3vTmuZdm0b54/s320/IMG_0376.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-35354518946540513792023-09-10T10:20:00.001+02:002023-09-10T10:20:38.323+02:00Baroeg Open Air - Zuiderpark Rotterdam, 9 September 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTIGrDAeZOPj3ZcI6ApGvBJX00ifVTS4Bg0WaQ8j1SZ9Avac2q4z_4dKgwsnmZoyM55BZF-QqZKYB_LuuyIyFLhFxTZc1d_Pobb8CdXhVRrqTL9ByjQSc2kr9KH4uxtOkMI9gX45VrLHE2aGSCyhYKNP3XKyTdkGk7T9fPnohy1UHtJVzPDvM8mFBKsK8/s640/IMG_0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTIGrDAeZOPj3ZcI6ApGvBJX00ifVTS4Bg0WaQ8j1SZ9Avac2q4z_4dKgwsnmZoyM55BZF-QqZKYB_LuuyIyFLhFxTZc1d_Pobb8CdXhVRrqTL9ByjQSc2kr9KH4uxtOkMI9gX45VrLHE2aGSCyhYKNP3XKyTdkGk7T9fPnohy1UHtJVzPDvM8mFBKsK8/s320/IMG_0356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Baroeg Open Air did not have the strongest line-up ever for me, so originally I was in doubt. After the great Roosendaal Open Air experience last week I decided to go anyway, also as our semi-permanent visitor Lida felt like seeing Katatonia. Easy to arrive by Metro we did not leave very early. Pity as one of the bands I would like to see were Bark opening the main stage. Arriving around 16:30 we could see the festival was busy this year. Best weather possible made everyone thirsty so queueing became part of the day: entering, getting coins and getting drinks. The setup had the two circus tents as main stages. One for music and one for computers. Next to that small stages gave space to smaller bands. The area is big enough to miss people you saw posting pictures as proof of their presence. Still bumping into many people along the day in the sun, made this a great BOA.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA-eYEoU98giqsM6IPPn7PUh2SMtI3EmVPP7GjdDRRdFerkPbaAChMuFd1p60SWs-r85RhlK3P3rIoDr2PEyV7H7bS_gDrIxm_Pd9CthIEnVqIbACc6ptga-oxSa6vRqQa12F4uNHmQXilKLycNu9qLkP2yqXsfwG2VoxuPqNiXEZgtPYHvUj2oruZm0a/s640/IMG_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA-eYEoU98giqsM6IPPn7PUh2SMtI3EmVPP7GjdDRRdFerkPbaAChMuFd1p60SWs-r85RhlK3P3rIoDr2PEyV7H7bS_gDrIxm_Pd9CthIEnVqIbACc6ptga-oxSa6vRqQa12F4uNHmQXilKLycNu9qLkP2yqXsfwG2VoxuPqNiXEZgtPYHvUj2oruZm0a/s320/IMG_0361.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />On the music front we entered shortly before Nanowar of Steeel would start. I was curious if this parody metal as they call it would be any success. Well for me not all that much. One George Mchael song metaled up is OK, but if the next one sounds like Ricky Martin my attention drifts away and I prefer meeting people. During the day Buried at the Plee Stage was to my liking. I did not know the old band they were, but Rene got an additional place in the sun as one song got dedictaed to him promoting the band in the nineties. Headliners Katatonia gave a great set of melancholic metal, which was twice too much for the local power station. Brutus did not win me over and Demented Are Go at least gave a show to watch. So in the end I got what I expected a nice day out in the sun, with at times music I liked. Back next year, hoping for the inclusion of an old-skool metal band in the line-up (Riot City deserve a good festival in The Netherlands).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufRflezz8su03cLeQtvQGa1Vlta3Eb_oD0jsZO7OriqelBcctwe1s9kQG8dNRBJOHhM1UWrktN8DoTzA7IrxKREfbyLQwyoJ7rlSEPLJpeMTekM07W29tyY9V_JG2kpeIyJtMOsiCXVz70b_5-Js7lQsgPTqjl852O9WPApw1YYfdCeHvc-1ZUhH2269A/s640/IMG_0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufRflezz8su03cLeQtvQGa1Vlta3Eb_oD0jsZO7OriqelBcctwe1s9kQG8dNRBJOHhM1UWrktN8DoTzA7IrxKREfbyLQwyoJ7rlSEPLJpeMTekM07W29tyY9V_JG2kpeIyJtMOsiCXVz70b_5-Js7lQsgPTqjl852O9WPApw1YYfdCeHvc-1ZUhH2269A/s320/IMG_0362.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-73055953133565529722023-09-06T14:42:00.000+02:002023-09-06T14:42:16.768+02:00Angel - Scar Symmetry - Tailgunner - Till the Dirt<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOK0IoxTfTbkEViytPwSBB7OkkenMtzQ0MOa991g5nRyI56A3DjgYWhbN38dW3XX6ks9yQ4jEeRnCA0p99F6dUpR9Vod0KGE_-rvk15j0TU951pjmvImJyfTfEjIkqcrNlexc9VRfwOGTxElDxFsonk4lkGXuiWhvbyPLc6MEC9UBjqGPdjyfO-VxL9cw/s640/IMG_0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOK0IoxTfTbkEViytPwSBB7OkkenMtzQ0MOa991g5nRyI56A3DjgYWhbN38dW3XX6ks9yQ4jEeRnCA0p99F6dUpR9Vod0KGE_-rvk15j0TU951pjmvImJyfTfEjIkqcrNlexc9VRfwOGTxElDxFsonk4lkGXuiWhvbyPLc6MEC9UBjqGPdjyfO-VxL9cw/s320/IMG_0354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here's some CD's you might want to check out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VSTUwxoqyz5VmmlGp_NZdQxavbtZmHbSAoQxcxBSYV-nw3r339JlPMZODyQOK-RKxAmbG1my36znNi-YUD9eCPuE9Xl9qk_yEM609oLN_XMJ9vQLvhRaejbES23SAY4Fenn_9F0D9ULA-86OkVdJrECv78cfpe3mdpq9GiEPxipPOOqvBf8y3VmpbESZ/s1200/angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VSTUwxoqyz5VmmlGp_NZdQxavbtZmHbSAoQxcxBSYV-nw3r339JlPMZODyQOK-RKxAmbG1my36znNi-YUD9eCPuE9Xl9qk_yEM609oLN_XMJ9vQLvhRaejbES23SAY4Fenn_9F0D9ULA-86OkVdJrECv78cfpe3mdpq9GiEPxipPOOqvBf8y3VmpbESZ/w200-h200/angel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Angel - Once Upon a Time</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Angel releasing a new CD, means to fanboy me a buy in the blind. That was not all that easy as European distribution turned out poor and postage costs went through the roof. So when I finally got my physical copy I had read several reviews already. Not all positive all along, but I can't care. Is the album too long? maybe, but noone forces me to play it in one go. Does the semi title track Once Upon a Time An Angel and a Devil Fell In Love ( And It Did Not End Well) include cheesy lyrics and lovemaking noises for more cheeae? Again maybe, but I would love to shout along Yeah Yeah Yeah with teh chorus. Does Angel have anything to add to their previous works? Definitely as opener The Torch is among their best songs and I hear variation and lots to like throughout the album. Last year Angel treated me on my favorite gig of the year in a very loud Baroeg. Now they are booked for a cruise in Sweden in March (icebreaking probably) so I do hope a return to The Netherlands around that date is in the plans.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMLhtCUEoumHwvEOYnShPTR_PjK6CAIM7UkfGz4h3aI2BfpBkHwu0dOqy7RUdJIgOCNarO5sY27IsCWSfcXt_bEorGTI8FmaDJfYObPlyxcvw1SBg-5Zw5BhuvRgy-qTvZ27Ll03erbMP35Doo_qCQyhFklps_pfjWUuhHsF9PWiU91wYIpGsmU_6w6-Z/s700/scarsymmetryphase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMLhtCUEoumHwvEOYnShPTR_PjK6CAIM7UkfGz4h3aI2BfpBkHwu0dOqy7RUdJIgOCNarO5sY27IsCWSfcXt_bEorGTI8FmaDJfYObPlyxcvw1SBg-5Zw5BhuvRgy-qTvZ27Ll03erbMP35Doo_qCQyhFklps_pfjWUuhHsF9PWiU91wYIpGsmU_6w6-Z/w200-h200/scarsymmetryphase2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Scar Symmetry - The Singularity Phase II: Xenotaph</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Relasing a trilogy and than leave nine years between Phase I and Phase II. Not all bands can get away with it, but I think Scar Symmetry can. Simply because this is yet another great one by these Swedes. For those not knowing them it is the band with two vocalists, two guitarists one drummer and no bassist. With Per Nilsson they also have one of those guitar heroes without much recognition in the band. An absolute master, which I could see live last year at Brainstorm too. These Melodic Death Metalling Swedes give us ten songs around 5 minutes, but save the best for last. Almost eight minute lasting Xenotaph makes you want to repeat the album. Several playing turns do help you appreciating the album more as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Cmv-IbpsXFrZhmoluNgUpNviF33aHLdkYhnQO-j0u5MCBA7kkDsGrWNFG4A8OX38jrUeLr8Tyn9XjK5AhbqT6kH5OfGPzQs09d9KjWkhG1aQgdnSSo-5vajZmlKjRiHFnuJVc9YpDWMhCBVyuD6U9JvPWa-S0tUq6v7LOqG71iyfdCt_pbMOnj6dQuT0/s400/Tailgunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Cmv-IbpsXFrZhmoluNgUpNviF33aHLdkYhnQO-j0u5MCBA7kkDsGrWNFG4A8OX38jrUeLr8Tyn9XjK5AhbqT6kH5OfGPzQs09d9KjWkhG1aQgdnSSo-5vajZmlKjRiHFnuJVc9YpDWMhCBVyuD6U9JvPWa-S0tUq6v7LOqG71iyfdCt_pbMOnj6dQuT0/w200-h200/Tailgunner.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Tailgunner - Guns For Hire</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tailgunner? was that not the opening track on Maiden's No Prayer For The Dying. Yes it was and it gives you straight away a good reference. Tailgunner obviously like their Maiden too, but than the fast and furious kind. OK the album closes with a nine minute epic. The rest of the songs are fast and around the 4 to 5 minute range. Tailgunner are among those British bands (Kaine, Toledo Steel, Monument) who prove that good old Heavy Metal is still in fashion with some. No need to reinvent the wheel, just give us music that should go down a storm live on stage. A nice eighties cover to match the music as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPBT2olYu7M5p478DrFRoquYPcl4O4yhsHMvx7j17TwcWe2N1QOqty2AFE1ePzxXwOqV969yFctfKFlXEOmzY293q02z9jWq0h7cvK_QEdud-IVlMNfUply172yS2wPd5LHy4C04W1Vg3wRHtSp5O8XW9vIvilmieCP43KUER14kSyjZ0kszEwB0Z9K1-/s1200/till-the-dirt-outside-spiral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPBT2olYu7M5p478DrFRoquYPcl4O4yhsHMvx7j17TwcWe2N1QOqty2AFE1ePzxXwOqV969yFctfKFlXEOmzY293q02z9jWq0h7cvK_QEdud-IVlMNfUply172yS2wPd5LHy4C04W1Vg3wRHtSp5O8XW9vIvilmieCP43KUER14kSyjZ0kszEwB0Z9K1-/w200-h200/till-the-dirt-outside-spiral.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Till the Dirt - Outside the Spiral</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">When this band was announced through a videoclip of their first song I got excited already. A new band build around Kelly Schaefer of Atheist fame. When the bass and drum also have a role in Atheist there are some references here for sure to be found in the music as well. Still there is more as at times Kelly goes clean and reminds me of two genres I don't like all that much grunge and Nu-Metal. Here it works and it adds for variation throughout the album. In general the album is fast though and Death Metal of the Progressive kind describes the band fine. Again that is like Atheist, but I can imagine that people who like the heavier end of Nevermore will also find much to their liking here. With American bands cancelling tours still being in fashion I don't expect them passing Europe soon, but who knows a summer festival brings them over next year.</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-66709863475101364832023-09-03T13:44:00.005+02:002023-09-03T13:44:48.410+02:00Roosendaal Open Air - The Loods H.O.F. Roosendaal, 2 September 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr_2DatA-aiSaX2PK5hWAez2Oc6dWdrzI_yH_pWsO4thJRFrRrPG-4XT-szrxFNwnIydtEqj4zMMDAMhdCTw5KRD-9sF4vgLSxAngoSHDC509oPjMzlCpwZ_DBA5xErO0Eg0mpFFn2m7_nqJfDYvzlXDZUWQK2wITJ5I2i6hFa5x7x1u61ssQZTCs-QZS/s640/IMG_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr_2DatA-aiSaX2PK5hWAez2Oc6dWdrzI_yH_pWsO4thJRFrRrPG-4XT-szrxFNwnIydtEqj4zMMDAMhdCTw5KRD-9sF4vgLSxAngoSHDC509oPjMzlCpwZ_DBA5xErO0Eg0mpFFn2m7_nqJfDYvzlXDZUWQK2wITJ5I2i6hFa5x7x1u61ssQZTCs-QZS/s320/IMG_0344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Roosendaal Open Air I heard of it before, but never managed to attend same. No idea why, but Roosendaal in my head is further away than it actually turned out to be. A direct train brought us in one hour to Roosendaal Centraal. With the Loods being located next to the football stadium behind the station, arriving there was very easy. This year the moment Hellripper was added to the line-up I put a big mark at 2 September in my imaginary agenda. The line-up was mainly on the heavier end of metal, but I saw four bands before and liked all of them. Marko encountered a good timing at home to join me, so we took a train togeter both debuting at Roosendaal Open Air.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASsyIJw9wLNxWUS-z2ZjYhrXC6-iePjUegE4Gy6ykmC04YPFi4HAgnoBHlVfcyOhQ_7s5BxvRN0BgSPFSuQaMbVO8skwxjXDVBRb5E8nJ2Hi3T2BRzNddb7LHjf43WK3KNjdMv-UfjRW6McO3k4ET8X8RVG3BtCc17o9Fc3qEL7CuEE4PRRSVHhtLbQlY/s640/IMG_0323%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASsyIJw9wLNxWUS-z2ZjYhrXC6-iePjUegE4Gy6ykmC04YPFi4HAgnoBHlVfcyOhQ_7s5BxvRN0BgSPFSuQaMbVO8skwxjXDVBRb5E8nJ2Hi3T2BRzNddb7LHjf43WK3KNjdMv-UfjRW6McO3k4ET8X8RVG3BtCc17o9Fc3qEL7CuEE4PRRSVHhtLbQlY/s320/IMG_0323%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Upon arrival we immediatly loved the set-up. A small festival, with an indoor alternative for when the weather stinks. Entrance for 21 Euro only already starts fine for 8 bands. Food and drinks also normally priced plus lots of benches to sit on. Special beer lovers also had a corner, with several beers going up to 9/10% alcohol. With the sun out most of the day I knew that entering those would come at a cost (if not fast at least the next morning). Another good point was the split in the audience. All decades were represented in good numbers, from teenagers to old, bold and grey jurassic bangers like us. Actually after some ten minutes in Marko already stated that this is one to return to every year. I tend to agree. Finally one running gag through the day turned out to be the airfilled items flying around. It started with a beachball and unicorn. When the unicorn died a crocodile appeared, a safety belt, more balls and an airmatrass. All going around in good fun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LbCvoUp-r_ig5iMiebgwFEMLMahemP0SAGPnNhomyN5mY75ZFawnoUJjIl1YtBc9CAFwfZoy9agugYgLpLw9lj-MyyAZCG7wCEVktY96STOMEkpZl1FTFGrbSTGzYAVXCim5FSAR7Ta8ng7dx2QnZ3W4O80cdmfmhuwSKAmVC_noPEX-h1sfc20LmURi/s640/IMG_0326%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LbCvoUp-r_ig5iMiebgwFEMLMahemP0SAGPnNhomyN5mY75ZFawnoUJjIl1YtBc9CAFwfZoy9agugYgLpLw9lj-MyyAZCG7wCEVktY96STOMEkpZl1FTFGrbSTGzYAVXCim5FSAR7Ta8ng7dx2QnZ3W4O80cdmfmhuwSKAmVC_noPEX-h1sfc20LmURi/s320/IMG_0326%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Since we both had a morning program we missed the first two bands. Headless Hunter I wil check out at Metal Experience Fest in Nobel (new name) 23 September. Sepiroth I saw a few times before and will see again no doubt. So our first band was Your Highness from Belgium. Even if catching up with some people you bump into at every metal event possible, I liked what I heard from a small distance. Sludge / Stoner Metal Archives mentions and that might well be. I liked their overall performance and after several beers killing the thirst of the trainride in, we were in the mood. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nl13yZQMFHG2lQXzjeA62Z7hWeN6BZ1phBYFTolNXZiq0VGrdIQ-ZwPzVjOwelcMqiIC1Md_Lx7E5afIjuNkQrG87ctNSSCyI1oDiF7ka_sKro4CcqFpl6vkl8w_WYvDU5b6_NuLbtEhrcKVkzFjNAR8PYSIg8szq59QG3I0xyuf2deEike7CfR2I05w/s640/IMG_0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nl13yZQMFHG2lQXzjeA62Z7hWeN6BZ1phBYFTolNXZiq0VGrdIQ-ZwPzVjOwelcMqiIC1Md_Lx7E5afIjuNkQrG87ctNSSCyI1oDiF7ka_sKro4CcqFpl6vkl8w_WYvDU5b6_NuLbtEhrcKVkzFjNAR8PYSIg8szq59QG3I0xyuf2deEike7CfR2I05w/s320/IMG_0328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We stayed in Belgium for Mordkaul. The band were announced by a guy I recognized from his other non-dayjob as vocalist in Razorblade Messiah. He called them the Belgian At The Gates. Being referd to another band makes originality complicated, but I did not care. Their Melodic Death Metal went down a storm and this bad got the crowd moving. They also included a Death cover which showed they are technically a good band indeed. Slowly we started liking the day better and better with on forehand unknown surprises liek these.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9OiIVV3helOEGAwIu0fqT0QfJs3i8a5ib392ZuYFksf_nl0rMb9z6s_201ly5pLISnWsRm3KoS9tevS7Hd9WN6ppv7BSOpkWNO_1haiXrrAFwQWnyhHWeik3UnFxO-FLsdquLGooRD5v0cdtHJfJ2cQYJlaqXfuLeL36OR5H_iwllM29lPH-D8p4jtuC/s640/IMG_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9OiIVV3helOEGAwIu0fqT0QfJs3i8a5ib392ZuYFksf_nl0rMb9z6s_201ly5pLISnWsRm3KoS9tevS7Hd9WN6ppv7BSOpkWNO_1haiXrrAFwQWnyhHWeik3UnFxO-FLsdquLGooRD5v0cdtHJfJ2cQYJlaqXfuLeL36OR5H_iwllM29lPH-D8p4jtuC/s320/IMG_0332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The stomach asked for food and the Robuuste Burger was a treat. No sloppy festival burger, but a massive and more important tasty burger to fill us up. We finished in time to be back in the shade for An Evening With Knives. I saw this doomy stoner trio before and liked them at the time. Today they turned out to be not for all as the lightweight on the menu. Or was it dinner time for many? Anyway they struggled to get a crowd, but in the end convinced me again. Just a very good band, at maybe not their best festival. A welcome break of moodswings inbetween all the sonic violence of the day they were.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfGB4EeO3Bz3pe5aslCa2FfhUEpHmfiP8ZaTIg9WyYLW9SFW1eSAgE9rkYRr3Y0iXKLXbS3mDaZVIDiIKglIUlrjfLjy2Tap2dywfg-GKY1GdK8stdt3nMXiQ3lyUkmXSoUpEXfpzRO9-mYS5MlzbF--0I3pS-UMsM6rSXe1r5wiIZA4erVmOJKIYKbuf/s640/IMG_0335%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfGB4EeO3Bz3pe5aslCa2FfhUEpHmfiP8ZaTIg9WyYLW9SFW1eSAgE9rkYRr3Y0iXKLXbS3mDaZVIDiIKglIUlrjfLjy2Tap2dywfg-GKY1GdK8stdt3nMXiQ3lyUkmXSoUpEXfpzRO9-mYS5MlzbF--0I3pS-UMsM6rSXe1r5wiIZA4erVmOJKIYKbuf/s320/IMG_0335%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Coffinfeeder came on next and what a blast this was. Again a Belgian band who gave us deathcore with slam death vocals and brutal death metal blended in. The band went wild and so did the audience. These turned out to be the wildest pits of the day helped by last daylight and an overdose of energy coming off the stage. While I would not play this at home that quick, I loved their performance and tight set. Robocop soundbytes blended in and all out metal in your face most of the time, made this one of the highlights of the day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITKUG6iaz_nuhGSiJuaVr436XW5VkPUzmkwPHcWsbcpkI4tvsGYf1hyWQkp2zgFjSHPNvHQ0zWmA1ncy5CrZ8TVdZ40wb_0ET9R5kJmSpnFimqQ2XQrsWbWCxuDHbPa2kP1yd8Zlc-v5F5DJQei22TYTfJZLExLAYcZ6JyjMidaCQibxlbSVOTSP0iLuL/s640/IMG_0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITKUG6iaz_nuhGSiJuaVr436XW5VkPUzmkwPHcWsbcpkI4tvsGYf1hyWQkp2zgFjSHPNvHQ0zWmA1ncy5CrZ8TVdZ40wb_0ET9R5kJmSpnFimqQ2XQrsWbWCxuDHbPa2kP1yd8Zlc-v5F5DJQei22TYTfJZLExLAYcZ6JyjMidaCQibxlbSVOTSP0iLuL/s320/IMG_0343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Then something strange hapend. When the show was over a disco hit was played and almost everyone went crazy. I am too old for that and in spite of many repeats by Marko on the song title it did not survive the night in my head. After this tasteless intermezzo the DJ went for party songs and the mood went through the roof on tunes of Motorhead and Twisted Sister. This definitely was the best festival to be at during that specal break, but more was to come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7_nUQar6kLV2kSr9BKC802TuFQdPL77W58T72JWXREEphqpMClfDXQ4FraSianYAo9CFIwRyVTxy1PRU3lElWsADTk1xNNX-0U8QsMiH-BE9oJGsSus2q13fjDrzj2vEzGZvNmySYouFrWjBhVVa3KRN1FQXYUmhrimaDUtE0v7-6AEVZDVJF4TCWLdP/s640/IMG_0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7_nUQar6kLV2kSr9BKC802TuFQdPL77W58T72JWXREEphqpMClfDXQ4FraSianYAo9CFIwRyVTxy1PRU3lElWsADTk1xNNX-0U8QsMiH-BE9oJGsSus2q13fjDrzj2vEzGZvNmySYouFrWjBhVVa3KRN1FQXYUmhrimaDUtE0v7-6AEVZDVJF4TCWLdP/s320/IMG_0341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />More came with Hellripper the band I only discovered this year, but is among the ones that absolutely blew me away this year. This time they brought Black Arts & Alchemy on CD, so I am nearing completion (collectors do understand this). As Hellripper already played The Netherlands at Welcome to Hell, Pitfest and supporting Midnight this year, they have become quite a name already. What I liked is that among the youngest fans present 90% wore a Hellripper Tee. At the same time, speaking to my generation, many admitted looking out most for Hellripper. And no they did not disappoint. What an energetic rollercoaster they take you on. Giving a career overview we got a bit of everything and the crowd loved them. At the end James soloed crowdsurfing again and the hour flew by. Defintely one of the bands guaranteeing the future of metal, as all generations find something for their liking here. All Hail the Goat it is..</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLpR3XJ1owrOGK9MnK5xniDyYgkj7ICt1rStPHPkfEZV_2mHqg9iBlUdW0-fo8eSjpzLlncQCbDYV_DYbNzbsVfq5sacLw1yIfsOqGHgCn4dybAlU4oXwsPzc9SZildo_Tzco0XsF7-PzZDHzlHhz9k1smLui5bj8cNVq2Hi-_BdQM4graxFUhPcoU8P6/s640/IMG_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLpR3XJ1owrOGK9MnK5xniDyYgkj7ICt1rStPHPkfEZV_2mHqg9iBlUdW0-fo8eSjpzLlncQCbDYV_DYbNzbsVfq5sacLw1yIfsOqGHgCn4dybAlU4oXwsPzc9SZildo_Tzco0XsF7-PzZDHzlHhz9k1smLui5bj8cNVq2Hi-_BdQM4graxFUhPcoU8P6/s320/IMG_0352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The festival would end with Baest from Denmark. I saw them before both indoor Paard and outdoor at DMF a few years back. A proper Death Metal band seemed the right choice to end the festival. Even if in a bar in Roosendaal a Metallica cover band woud be waiting. We decided to leave before the end catching a comfortable train home. What a surprising nice festival this turned out to be. A big thanks and thumbs up for all in organization and volunteering along. Roosendaal Open Air proved for me once agan why I prefer small scale festivals over the huge experiences big time. So ending in Coffin Feeder Schwartzenegger quoting style "I'll be back".</div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-83889861410457331072023-08-26T10:03:00.000+02:002023-08-26T10:03:10.039+02:00Vandenberg & Tiffany Kills - de Boerderij Zoetermeer, 25 August 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ17Z_CE2oVT8I-s0XK9Oh9X-HJ1x841Gr0f_zb-G7qxv05GYECjK27lFVWihEo2EbUwmuSPUVeqvBDzOjZ7-KOEVFBgVYbrbEwQg32xopetop8Xpxd9MGeHVWdEnTdEgSJRiPhnFrKLa-8XgHN_hSreliyhH4vC75crEfKOAiDUlLrIPgmnMLkpQDxRDS/s640/IMG_0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ17Z_CE2oVT8I-s0XK9Oh9X-HJ1x841Gr0f_zb-G7qxv05GYECjK27lFVWihEo2EbUwmuSPUVeqvBDzOjZ7-KOEVFBgVYbrbEwQg32xopetop8Xpxd9MGeHVWdEnTdEgSJRiPhnFrKLa-8XgHN_hSreliyhH4vC75crEfKOAiDUlLrIPgmnMLkpQDxRDS/s320/IMG_0308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Vandenberg released a new album Sin and this weekend celebrate the fact with two shows in de Boerderij and Metropool. That sounds like an easy one to attend, but I was in doubt. Little Devil had Marquis de Sade and Lovell's Blade. Now I did not know the Marquis, but what I heard was right up my alley with melodic NWOBHM reminding me a bit of White Spirit. Than came last Sunday and a sunny day at the beach, where Lida, Eggie and Sandra told they would go to Vandenberg as well. So Boerderij it was. Shortly before I left home the evening got a sad and emotional cargo added, when FB flooded with messages on the sad loss of Bernie Marsden. He was a hero of my early hardrocking days as original Whitesnake Moody/Marsden. Since Adje was Whitesnake as well, we were promised some of their songs in advance. Before the support kicked of I met Mr and Mrs. Thrasher at the bar. Nice catching up until I moved to our regular Boerderij spot on the left after the bar. Well no sight of the others I stayed and watched the support alone.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX2whce6XXM8cJeQ8PVeK874O36ygvhkb5MNUAV8JAihFdIYQF9nbLRgr37dTbo2NxMe9iTH76CgZqeg3TltLz4ztDLIqg07K6Qbg9Ql9NdD3VzTxQRmQbKzViUxJXoKsXT_Lc0-j3d6VuCLO9QBMhWzl5u5QIc0QQD2sRglgNh4Fxc-85VnoGHdQRMbN/s640/IMG_0303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX2whce6XXM8cJeQ8PVeK874O36ygvhkb5MNUAV8JAihFdIYQF9nbLRgr37dTbo2NxMe9iTH76CgZqeg3TltLz4ztDLIqg07K6Qbg9Ql9NdD3VzTxQRmQbKzViUxJXoKsXT_Lc0-j3d6VuCLO9QBMhWzl5u5QIc0QQD2sRglgNh4Fxc-85VnoGHdQRMbN/s320/IMG_0303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I never heard of Tiffany Kills until I got my ticket for this evening. Before searching internet for more inforation I just write down how I underwent this show. Most famous band member is Jaycee Cuijpers. I saw him with Praying Mantis and a Dio cover band, but most people might know him from his Ayreon contributions. He is one of Holland's best voices in hardrock at the moment, if not the best. So that promised a lot, even if the rest of the band looked rather casual. I did not know them, but one of the guitarists apparently played with U.D.O. in the past. We first got some songs of their album, which were easy going hardrock songs. The band played good and JC sings great, so a nice enough opener. Later we got a U.D.O. song and the set ended with Balls to the Wall. Now that song is the ultimate Progpower Afterparty anthem, There it comes with the typical dance of slamming your balls to walls, bars or luggage boxes whatever is nearest. Now by lack of walls it became more some balls in the air, but it did put a smile on my face and ended a good set by Tiffany Kills.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OMAAiD61JUMeDICP0BMfQgABhe52RFyaVEBCwrstlcx5RWXwoAj3n6fOc268n6sRUlrSg2SKZR6a1r7cTzLVwlTc9JsrcMBODd45A5QFcWVbfHSuGJh8ZusxotPEEK_jD0tLRC93r8BcKjc_qi6vJX56GMmGS9DsDBqdeWzf3Hr8jhdR2IfCHK8WO-Wv/s640/IMG_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OMAAiD61JUMeDICP0BMfQgABhe52RFyaVEBCwrstlcx5RWXwoAj3n6fOc268n6sRUlrSg2SKZR6a1r7cTzLVwlTc9JsrcMBODd45A5QFcWVbfHSuGJh8ZusxotPEEK_jD0tLRC93r8BcKjc_qi6vJX56GMmGS9DsDBqdeWzf3Hr8jhdR2IfCHK8WO-Wv/s320/IMG_0306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Finding Eggie at the break I moved and was ready for some Vandenberg. Somehow I have the feeling that Vandenberg does not get the recognition they deserve. They did write Holland's biggest hit in rock/metal of the eighties with Burning Heart. Not a song you hear often nowadays and next time Tiago comes home I will ask him if he even knows it. I mean both huge Dutch hits from a decade before Radar Love and Venus (both from The Hague) the whole world still knows Anyway in 2020 Vandenberg reformed and released an album 2020. I don't own that one, also as Ronnie Romero took care of vocals like his 2769 other bands and projects. He has now been replaced by Mats Leven and that fit worked much better. Mats also sung with many bands and I especially loved his album with Abstract Algebra. Vandenberg started with some new songs and that sounded fine. With the audience all being around my age plus/minus ten years we also came for a trip down memory lane. This came in the form Your Love is in Vain, Hereafter Whitesnake was revisited with Fool For Your Loving and I was surprised that Bernie Marsden was not mentioned as he co-wrote the song. The set would hereafter continue through new and old Vandenberg and some Whitesnake. The title track of the new album even reminded me of 80's Sabbath with Tony Martin. A good mix it was, but I have one tip for making it even better. With Sailing Ships and Burning Heart we got the ballads covered Different Worlds always was a Burning Heart 2.0, before we even knew what 2.0 meant. Instead of that ballad, add a faster rocker like Pedal to the Metal, This is War or Welcome to the Club. Finally Bernie marsden was remembered, when Here I Go Again was dedicated to him. Here Matts made a brutal mistake when the audience was asked to sing along. The best version of this song obviously was on Saints & Sinners. So the line is like a Hobo I was born to walk alone. This was only after Bernie's years changed into Like a Drifter to please American markets. Maybe not a brutal mistake for all, but Saints & Sinners was the first major show I attended and I like to stay truthful to Whitesnake's best years. The encore of the evening came with teh obligatory Burning Heart and the apt titled rocker Friday Night. After the show Koen Herfst was also invited on stage. He was injutred and could not drum. I don't recall the name of his replacement, but believe it was the guy from Moonkings who did a fine job. After the show most people seemed to be pleased with this nostalgic evening. When moving from hall to bar there was a queue at the merch stand, so I thought of picking up Sin later. Only to find out that when heading for my last Ranstad Rail the merch stand had packed and gone already. Too bad for me, but a good evening it was. </div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828930154763203266.post-53263534966663682912023-08-11T10:33:00.002+02:002023-08-11T10:33:51.984+02:00The Anchoret - Jag Panzer<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVPYyFroo4THvV5SlGSjDVvuuJHQ_y35sFeXaEM-mmFmiXwItj00XfigAM8Qc-alcpUGGVyQl8i3VgOGtPLk4J-WBwwdcW6RGvVKZ-kzYowoPToKhTPiNrIChATUszmGRQbNYQdEavQLy92lrZLXVbXda7LqneYWwvd43S4joWV6VRrBPoNRrxGHL24NL/s640/IMG_0286%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVPYyFroo4THvV5SlGSjDVvuuJHQ_y35sFeXaEM-mmFmiXwItj00XfigAM8Qc-alcpUGGVyQl8i3VgOGtPLk4J-WBwwdcW6RGvVKZ-kzYowoPToKhTPiNrIChATUszmGRQbNYQdEavQLy92lrZLXVbXda7LqneYWwvd43S4joWV6VRrBPoNRrxGHL24NL/s320/IMG_0286%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Two CD's you might want to consider (or must check out)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2LjDQSqgdrcgWMMV7MCP1pRiy6IPCk6HgMENpzyAE9BFDCHSADuEb3a7VoShl8ysqdwcH0DCZuc8ttmPNRSPTHoKjIwoCi2-TTxjQBkWNXUfLgkgwhcBifo4xYNvCW147NU21LMfU6aXrVPbOKmynfCod4ezoyuyS0d76P2X1E6gvp71SdbOm4DSsTHc/s1200/Anchoret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2LjDQSqgdrcgWMMV7MCP1pRiy6IPCk6HgMENpzyAE9BFDCHSADuEb3a7VoShl8ysqdwcH0DCZuc8ttmPNRSPTHoKjIwoCi2-TTxjQBkWNXUfLgkgwhcBifo4xYNvCW147NU21LMfU6aXrVPbOKmynfCod4ezoyuyS0d76P2X1E6gvp71SdbOm4DSsTHc/w200-h200/Anchoret.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />The Anchoret - It All Begins With Loneliness</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This year might be modest on big bands releasing new albums, it is huge on new disocveries for me. Might it be either new albums by bands I missed so far, or like The Anchoret new bands. The main man behind The Anchoret is Eduard Levitsky. a very talented Canadian it turned out. The vocals on this album are by someone Progpower regulars know: Sylvain Auclair (Heaven's Cry). This album presents us moody progmetal of the slightly dark kind. It is not overly heavy and those who dislike their windinstruments have to swallow quite a few. Still if you take your time, sit back and listen through headphones we do get an album that will appear on many end of year lists. I have not even decided yet if I do have a favorite track on the album, as diversity is great. Conclusion extremely recommended for those into progmetal and those into innovative progrock as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWTj9_aihhhCSLPBT2SD3ghNjKYqWC4A6XDFZ4CKW7h1uCT9EoPcGop7kVmc76QBbE-tnPzWBQyIBv41lfx3z0v4eHsk_nHugOa8WYlOlVE1DYk_PR7y0kTHzYhXXp1IDpUbAgc-toFF2E-zD1zsflvHF9cjk3XN8wTvC3YTtBuBXcZdmwUw5ZlnUz0Ai/s1222/Jag-Panzer_The-Hallowed-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWTj9_aihhhCSLPBT2SD3ghNjKYqWC4A6XDFZ4CKW7h1uCT9EoPcGop7kVmc76QBbE-tnPzWBQyIBv41lfx3z0v4eHsk_nHugOa8WYlOlVE1DYk_PR7y0kTHzYhXXp1IDpUbAgc-toFF2E-zD1zsflvHF9cjk3XN8wTvC3YTtBuBXcZdmwUw5ZlnUz0Ai/w196-h200/Jag-Panzer_The-Hallowed-01.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><br />Jag Panzer - The Hallowed</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Balancing my collection so next to some new progmetal Jag Panzer brings us some traditional US metal.Their history is different. Ample Destruction a 1984 classic in the genre. Disappearing and returning with many albums around the turn of the century. Nowadays they seem to prefer six year hiatus between albums as this one follows up on The Deviant Chord from 2017. I saw them early this year touring a classic set and last week touring this album, where I picked up my copy. Another strong album this is. A concept album even, but I never looked into the story so far. What I do like is the strong and fast songs, leading up to a ten minute closing epic Last Rites. Both live and on album two people stand out. Harry The Tyrant Conklin still has an amazing voice and scream. Further new lead guitarist Ken Rodarte already impressed live, he now repeats same on CD. Jag Panzer is not reinventing the wheel, but presents a classy album which is welcome anytime. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>erikprogtricolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648474239062431929noreply@blogger.com0