dirkschneider_2016_11

» Dirkschneider 2016 11 03

Reviewed by Mozzy
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Special guests: Vicous Rumors
City: Umeå, Sweden
Venue: Idun
Date: November 3, 2016
Vicious Rumors set length: 40 minutes
Dirkschneider set length: 120 minutes

Vicious Rumors

That Vicious Rumors were announced as special guests on Dirkschneider's Swedish tour was met with much approval. The Americans are far from frequent visitors in this country, and having them in Northern Sweden and Umeå even is a treat. The quintet is greeted by a warm response from the start, with the classic Digital Dictator appearing early on. Assisted by a fat stage sound, Vicious Rumors deliver their muscular heavy metal, often branded US power metal.

Newer tracks like Take It Or Leave It go down well too and the band put on an enthusiastic effort, not least guitarist Geoff Thorpe and drummer Larry Howe. These original members' passion is still present which is awesome to witness. Thorpe highlights that this is the band's 37th year in the business which is impressive indeed. Vocalist since three years is Dutchman is Nick Holleman who has a wide range, hitting high notes, while being a busy frontman. Two of the group's other staples, Soldiers Of The Night and Don't Wait For Me, round off a fine performance and warm-up by Vicious Rumors.

Performance: 7 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: Soldiers Of The Night
Worst: ---

(sorry, no setlist)

Dirkschneider

After the tour in February, Dirkschneider are back in Sweden within the same year, now stopping in more cities. Metal Covenant were present at an outstanding show last time around in Sundsvall, and there are many returning faces tonight in a large attendance despite it being a weekday. Udo and co take the stage with Starlight, kicking off a set packed to the brim with heavy metal gems.

As it turns out, the setlist is identical to the one nine months ago which might not be that thrilling but why change something that has produced such a successful year for the band. After a couple of numbers, the atmosphere has built into a pure heavy metal party once more, with loud singalongs and excited, joyous spectators. One killer tune after the other is performed by a quintet that is by now very tight and solid. With a great stage sound as well, it is an effective metal machine performing and having fun onstage, including Udo's son Sven, who is completely at home behind the drum kit.

Leading his squadron at the front is of course none other than Udo Dirkschneider, whose vocal capabilities can still be depended upon and it is evident that he is enjoying himself at the moment. Udo might not be talked about in the company of the greatest singers in heavy metal, such as Ronnie James Dio and co, but the German's voice is certainly an iconic and dear one in the genre. His singing in these golden, timeless Accept songs will truly be missed and at towards the end one feels a bit emotional.

There might just be a slight, though unlikely, chance of hearing him sing them again, but if tonight was the last time for me and the other metalheads in the venue, it was a classy and very worthy final occasion.

Performance: 8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: The constant flow of classic heavy metal
Worst: The feeling towards the end that this probably won't be experienced again

Setlist:
Starlight
Living For Tonite
Flash Rockin' Man
London Leatherboys
Midnight Mover
Breaker
Head Over Heels
Neon Nights
Princess Of The Dawn
Winterdreams
Restless And Wild
Son Of A Bitch
Up To The Limit
Wrong Is Right
Midnight Highway
Screaming For A Love-Bite
Monsterman
T.V. War
Losers And Winners
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Metal Heart
I'm A Rebel
Fast As A Shark
Balls To The Wall
Burning