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~ Reviewed by Mozzy
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Last year, House Of Metal - the indoor festival in Umeå, Sweden - suffered a bit of a setback. While the line-up offered numerous established names (see last year's coverage of the festival), the turnout was smaller than usual. As I remarked then, the second day's main attraction, Samael, was not that widely known to the public and thus the attendance for the Swiss group's performance was not that large. This year, both days featured a very strong name as headline - Amon Amarth plus Immortal. Complemented by other great bands, the festival had a greater turnout this year. This was particularly obvious on Saturday, when the venue was packed.

In last year's report, I also remarked that many younger metal fans possibly wished to see a newer band - one more hip, one of their generation if you will. Also, those who are not that into the more aggressive type of metal could well be attracted to the festival if there are some accessible, 'softer' bands. Thus, Sweden's Amaranthe, a more commercial metal band that has quickly gained lots of supporters, could be found in the line-up this year. As they are not really my cup of tea and as they clashed with Hail Of Bullets, I did not see the band myself, but they were reported to have gone down very well, attracting a large crowd. If this recipe is repeated - a big-name headliner on each day, some other great bands plus one or two acts that attracts a wider audience - is repeated, there is every chance this year's success will be repeated too. Then again, booking big bands costs lots of money, so let's just hope the organisers will have the necessary funds and support from the community in the future.

Under all circumstances, there is zero doubt that the festival staff will put in anything other than hard work and dedication to deliver a memorable weekend of metal. Apart from the excellent organisation of the festival, one thing that distinguishes House Of Metal is the friendly, jolly atmosphere. Not that this is something unique when it comes to metal festivals, but I still think that there is a special, warm vibe during House Of Metal. Nowadays, the festival weekend also includes other things apart from the actual live performances. For example, there are clinics, this year featuring the celebrated guitar wizard Mattias 'IA' Eklund of Freak Kitchen, various music-related seminars and other interesting events. For the first time, there were also meet and greets with some of the bands this year. In conclusion: a splendid time was had, once again, in the city of Umeå at House Of Metal.

Friday - March 02

Band: Nocturnal Rites
Time: 20:00
Stage: Idun

Surely, there are less appropriate ways to kick off proceedings at the House Of Metal main stage than with Umeå's own heavy/power metallers Nocturnal Rites. Many seem to agree as a large crowd has gathered to see the city's heroes. To add to the occasion, the band has been absent from the scene for quite some time, and therefore, this gig is also functioning as a much-anticipated comeback. The band is greeted with a great welcome, and one can tell the band themselves are excited too, being happy to play live again. As usual, bassist Nils Eriksson is the most cheerful of the bunch, with a wide smile plastered on his face. Singer Jonny Lindqvist, meanwhile, proves he is an engaging frontman, directing jokes towards the audience and his bandmates. As for his vocals, even though his capacity was proven many moons ago, tonights delivery from Lindqvist is just extraordinary, his voice as powerful as it is appealing.The songs making up the set are exclusively gems from the Nocturnal Rites catalogue. We are treated to tunes such as Never Again, Leave Me Alone, Still Alive and Fools Never Die, all getting a warm reception from a crowd that is on its feet throughout the show. The singalong element imbedded in the songs is as usual as loudest during the classic Iron Force.

The main reason for the inactivity of Nocturnal Rites is that they have been working on new material, and halfway through tonight's set we get a taster in the form of a song that is a bit darker and harder but clearly promising. While it sounds awesome and the performance is dynamic and inspired, the show also contains nice entertainment in the form of pyrotechnics, with bolts and sparks of fire being consistently set off. Nocturnal Rites have long been among Sweden's premier bands in their field, with a solid fanbase home and abroad. That said, they deserve more recognition, and with their upcoming album and touring they might just get a bigger breakthrough. At House Of Metal, their classy performance is a superb start - a smart move by the organisers - to the festival weekend, instilling a happy, spirited mood among the spectators.

8 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Band: Tiamat
Time: 22:00
Stage: Idun

The booking of Tiamat was a bit unexpected, as there hasn't been much noise of the band lately. Then again, it's been almost four years since last album Amanethes was released, to much praise, and the Swedes did tour after that. Under all circumstances, the opportunity to see Tiamat in Umeå was good news. The band haven't played live since last fall, but their approach is instantly recognisable. There is an air of true devotion and authenticity that is transcended from the music and it is reflected in the stage performance as well. Needless to say, frontman Johan Edlund, is the undisputed leader and focal point. Not one for big gestures, he is nevertheless a very strong presence onstage, embodying the devotion and authenticity spoken of above. Bassist Anders Iwers delivers a rumbling low-end and forms a solid backbone together with drummer Lars Sköld.

Song-wise, the set is thoughtfully balanced, with a blend of slow and more up-tempo numbers. In this way, it gets more dynamic and prevents a sense of monotony. A mix of the slow and subtle and of the harder and aggressive, Tiamat's music offers a musical journey that in its best moments gets under your skin. Beautiful melodies and great hooks are mixed with dark, heavy gloom. Uplifting songs sit side by side with depressive numbers. As often, highlights tonight include Vote For Love and Cain. When it all works out, a Tiamat concert can be a very fulfilling experience, and tonight Edlund and co really impress with a concert that also functions as nice diversity among the other more traditional and more party-friendly bands.

8 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Band: Amon Amarth
Time: 00:15
Stage: Idun

Amon Amarth last played at House Of Metal in 2009, and the return of the Swedish Vikings for this year's edition was undoubtedly most welcome. The last two albums from the band - although they were very popular before as well - have really raised their profile and further increased their number of followers, so it is indeed a strong headline act that enters the Idun stage. The first half of the set is based round last year's excellent Surtur Rising, with five cuts from the album. We also get a bit of a surprise inclusion in the form of The Beheading Of The King. The second part of the show comprises goodies from the past, such as Cry Of The Blackbirds and Death In Fire, the latter decorated with cool pyrotechnical flames.

It is certainly a display of constant high-quality death metal, played tight as hell. And as usual, the band put in a strong effort, with plenty of commitment, headbanging and mobility. The likable frontman Johan Hegg repeatedly thanks the audience for their appreciation, and Amon Amarth do get a warm response. That being said, the atmosphere in the hall does not reach the upper level. There is a slight feeling that it gets a bit samey at times, that some further dynamics and treats in the actual show would be a good idea. As Guardians Of Asgaard - which is becoming a real live favourite - starts, as the closing song, one is curious to see if L-G Petrov from Entombed will appear. And suddenly, there he is, running onto the stage to repeat his guest performance on the studio version. Petrov's charisma definitely loosens things up and is an awesome conclusion. With Amon Amarth being true, hardened road warriors, it is of course a very professional and solid performance that is taking place. Although this is not the most memorable of Amon Amarth gigs, the band's material and experience ensures that their live show could never be anything other than an enjoyable metal experience.

7 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)

 

Saturday - March 03

Band: Entombed
Time: 20:00
Stage: Idun

Giving Entombed the first main stage time slot on the second festival day seemed like a clever idea in order to get visitors to turn up early. Sure enough, on arrival the crowd is very large, to the extent that I only just manage to squeeze myself into the standing area, with the floor simply packed. The crowd loves every minute, as several highlights from the Entombed back catalogue are played. Tunes like I For An Eye, Stranger Aeons and Damn Deal Done offer tremondous hooks and groove, simply being brilliant songs that invite for a lively, great live experience. The performance from the band is passionate, and no-one exemplifies this more, of course, than frontman L-G Petrov. The man gives his all and is a colourful character you just have to love. He entertains with amusing comments and knows how to stir up some action from the crowd.


There is no doubt that the latest change in band personnel benefited Entombed. When Uffe Cederlund quit in 2006, Alex Hellid took sole charge of guitar duties. While he did a terrific job, there inevitably was something missing. Now, there are two guitars again, which provides a thicker sound. With the current roles of Victor Brandt (bass) and Nico Elgstrand (now on guitar), there has been a definite improvement, not just sonically but visually as well. Brandt is a monster of a bass player and an imposing figure onstage, and with hair flying and much energy coming from the pair, Hellid actually gets a more quiet role onstage, concentrating on delivering that killer Entombed guitar sound. While it's hard to compare different editions of the band from a musical point of view, there must be little doubt that where the live situation is concerned, this line-up of Entombed may just be the strongest one in a long time. The finale of the set is magnificent; first an awesome rendition of Night Of The Vampire that has everyone singing along, and then death metal evergreen Left Hand Path. Once again, an ace performance from Entombed, possibly the best of this weekend.

8 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Band: Krux
Time: 21:00
Stage: Studion

That Mats Levén is one of Sweden's finest frontmen and vocalists has been stated, and rightfully so, in many quarters and for a long time. Levén has had stints as frontman in a string of groups, the most famous being Therion, Yngwie Malmsteen and Treat, while also being a busy session vocalist. However, Levén is not as widely known and spoken of as some of his more limelight-seeking colleagues, and this is a shame indeed. A more natural frontman, totally at ease onstage and boasting an absolutely amazing voice, is hard to find nowadays. Tonight, Levén, sporting a cheeky Charlie Sheen t-shirt, is the real star when Krux take the stage. With a dynamic performance and cool poses, he owns the stage and oozes rock star quality.

Otherwise, Krux is of course a constellation that apart from Levén consists of other well-known figures from the Swedish metal scene, assembled by band leader and Candlemass front figure Leif Edling. As Fredrik Åkesson is on tour with Opeth, the vacant guitarist position is filled by Markus Jidell from Evergrey. On the recent 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise, Jidell deputised for Candlemass' Lars Johansson, and just like then he does an excellent job here, playing flawlessly and contributing with tasteful solos. Overall, Krux' songs are not as direct and, to be fair, not of the same high standard as Candlemass material, but it's nevertheless quality stuff. The riffs are huge, it's skilfully played and it's crushingly heavy, though the bass sound is a bit excessive this evening. Essentially doom metal, the compositions have a dark, sinister and epic feel which often proves spellbinding. This is apparent in the reaction from the crowd as well, who is sucked into the music and respond with cheering and applauding. And on top of this classy music lies Mats Levéns powerful set of pipes, which is a brilliant fit. All in all, this is a most pleasurable display from these Swedish gentlemen.

7,5 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Band: Immortal
Time: 22:00
Stage: Idun

The booking of Immortal was a great achievement by the festival. Arguably the biggest black metal band of today and a big name in metal overall, expectations are high among many, many festival visitors. One can truly sense the level of excitement inside Idun, increasing further as the intro starts. Then the Norwegian stars step onstage, launching into the title track from the excellent comeback album All Shall Fall, with fire setting the stage alight. It is an overwhelming opening, and the momentum is upheld as it goes straight into a blistering Sons Of Northern Darkness.

With Immortal being a trio, it's quite remarkable how they are able to produce such a devastating wall of sound. Horgh is a powerhouse on drums, guitarist/vocalist Abbath deliver riffs both vicious and memorable, and bassist Appolyon fills the gaps admirably. Whether it's furious, neck-breaking speed or colossally heavy parts, the impact is just massive. The songs paint pictures of dark, frosty and bleak landscapes, but yet offer an enticing feel, creating an commanding, larger-than-life feel. This certainly applies to Blashyrk (Mighty Ravendark), an inevitable highlight in an Immortal show.

While this is for the most part metal of the more extreme kind, one can also trace a splash of rock n´roll in there somewhere (that Motörhead can be heard from the speakers just before Immortal go on is no fluke, as Abbath is a big fan of Lemmy and co). While Abbath and Appolyon move around energetically, headbanging aplenty, the former proves he is a true character onstage. He conducts the crowd with skill, delivers funny comments, does his Gene Simmons tongue-impersonations and yes, we are treated to a fair share of that hilarious crab-walking too. Apart from having memorable songs, this element of not-too-serious approach helps making Immortal not just a great band but a unique one too. In sum, this is a mighty and entertaining show by Immortal, as well as an impressive House Of Metal headliner performance, one that is a milestone in the festival's history so far.

8 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Band: Hail Of Bullets
Time: 00:15
Stage: Studion

Since their formation in 2006, Hail Of Bullets have released two records, both receiving much praise. The old school death metal group has also generated interest through frontman Martin Von Drunen, an experienced death metal vocalist with merits from Asphyx, Pestilence and Bolt Thrower. In addition, the line-up includes other renowned musicians as well, such as Ed Darby, drummer of the now retired Gorefest. As if all this wasn't enough to create interest, this is also Hail Of Bullets' first-ever live show in Sweden. Unfortunately, the room is not exactly jam-packed, rather half-full. This is not something that deters these Dutchmen, who without any fuss unleash their muscular death metal. Those gathered are served well-crafted compositions, ranging from fast via mid-tempo to slower ones. Whether hyper-intense or thunderously heavy, it is excellent stuff and the spectators show their headbanging-approval.

Martin Von Drunen is quite often referred to as something of a cult hero in the death metal scene, and he sure has his own inimitable style. His voice is unique, with a raspy, tortured and brutal character that is simply immense and perfectly fitted to these songs about the terrors of war. As for his stage persona, he is cool as hell, has authority in abundance and puts in an energetic effort. At the same time, he creates a relaxed, good-humoured bond with the crowd. Those who came to see Hail Of Bullets certainly got to witness an tremendous exhibit of classic, uncompromising death metal, no doubt warming the hearts and souls of those especially fond of this genre.

7,5 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Related links:

www.houseofmetal.se