~ Reviewed by Mozzy
------------------------
This year, the House Of Metal festival in Umeå, Sweden experienced an unfortunate setback. In short, not enough people showed up, which led to a weak financial result. That there were fewer visitors than normal was apparent for all to see, and while it is sad, there was the suspicion beforehand that this could be the case. It might just be that this year's line-up was not appealing enough in order to attract more visitors. There were not really any "bigger" names in the line-up; acts which are well-known to a larger number of people. For example, Sodom - perhaps the biggest band this year - are a beloved band among the more dedicated metal fans, but they are not really widely known to the general rock and metal public.
The financial and visitor aspects aside, this was another most enjoyable edition of House Of Metal. It is a very professional, well-organised and welcoming event where fans get the opportunity to watch excellent concerts, even those who are rare to witness in Sweden, such as Anaal Nathrakh this year. While it's not always financially possible to book bigger bands, there is no doubt that the House Of Metal crew deserve lots of credit for all their cool bookings. It is also common to hear bands expressing their satisfaction with the festival and the nice treatment they get. Other than the live performances, there were as usual plenty more to enjoy this year, such as meet and greets, guitar clinics (by such prominent figures like Doug Blair from W.A.S.P. and Ryan Roxie from Alice Cooper) and interesting seminars.
During the year of 2014, Umeå
will have the privilege of being named Capital Of Culture, via the European
Union. This will probably mean larger financial support for House Of Metal,
and a splendid opportunity to develop the festival. The festival crew
has already announced that they will have a slightly different strategy
ahead of next year. Among other things, they intend to book some more
wider known bands. Also, the festival will be expanded to take place during
three days, and some new ideas will be incorporated. There should be every
chance that this great Swedish metal festival will make a strong and deserved
comeback from a commercial point of view.
Friday - March 01
Band: Daemonicus
Time: 19:45
Stage: Studion
Unfortunately, I arrive a bit late for Daemonicus set, thus missing the first couple of songs. One is quickly grabbed by their performance, however. The band, playing in their hometown, deliver a fine slab of old-school death metal which gets the spectators going. Hair is flying on and off the stage to the fast and furious numbers, which shows off cool riffs as well as some tasty melodies. Nothing But Death is one of the highlights of an energetic set from the guys, its title also serving as a fitting description of the music offered. The sound is good too, aiding the death metal attack. This serves as a nice way to kick off the festival weekend.
Performance:
6 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: Nothing But Death
Worst: While it's never bad, the material
is not really of the highest quality compared to the top bands of the
genre
(sorry, no setlist)
Band: Grand Nation
Time: 21:00
Stage: Äpplet
Formed in 2008, Grand Nation from Kramfors quickly gained a reputation as an entertaining live band. This is certainly proven tonight, when the band are firing on all cylinders from the moment they appear onstage. Musically, the quartet offer an uncomplicated brand of party-friendly, adrenaline-fuelled hard rock along the lines of AC/DC, whose Whole Lotta Rosie is delivered in an ass-kicking version.
Otherwise, they deliver their own material, of which the very catchy Fight On (Never Stop) is a true highlight. What also makes Grand Nation such an appealing live band, however, is their dedication and presence onstage. Their genuine enthusiasm, cheerful attitude and awesome energy make them quite irresistible, and it has an infectious effect on the crowd too. Frontman Johan Bergman, especially, is difficult to keep your eyes off, rocking as if his life depended on it. With the addition of more memorable tunes, Grand Nation could have a promising future indeed.
Performance:
7 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The energy and party feel
Worst: A couple of the songs are not
of the extraordinary kind
(sorry, no setlist)
Band: Entombed
Time: 22:00
Stage: Idun
When Katatonia regrettably had to cancel their appearance, Entombed stepped in as replacement at the last minute. A great gesture, and it is clear that many approve of the choice of Entombed, as a large crowd has gathered. Without a doubt, the band's top gig at the festival last year is also fresh in mind. Unfortunately, there are just four members that step onto the stage, as guitarist Nico Elgstrand was unable to make the trip to Umeå. One has gotten used to two guitars and the fuller sound it brings to the Entombed sound, so this is a shame. Still, there is no question that Alex Hellid does an admirable job on his own, just as he did before when the band was a quartet.
As always, L-G Petrov proves his skills as a frontman, being a real entertainer
onstage with a very likable cheerfulness. With his enthusiasm for metal
shining through, he has the audience in his palm, getting everyone to
raise the horns. While this is not one of the more extraordinary Entombed
shows, an enjoyable time is had once again. And how could it not be with
such a setlist, containing gem after gem. We are also treated to a couple
of tunes that do not always feature in the live set, such as Demon and
Supposed To Rot, which is very cool.
Performance:
7 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 6 chalices of 10
Best: The setlist
Worst: The absence of a second guitar
Setlist:
Eyemaster
Like This With The Devil
Out Of Hand
Revel In Flesh
Stranger Aeons
Damn Deal Done
I For An Eye
Night Of The Vampire
Left Hand Path
Chief Rebel Angel
Demon
Supposed To Rot
Wolverine Blues
When In Sodom
Living Dead
Band: Tankard
Time: 00:15
Stage: Studion
Being an entertaining live act which never fails to generate a party mood, Tankard was a faultless booking for this year's festival. They were even scheduled to play on both festival days, the first appearance being reviewed here. Just before the start of the concert, the band members can be seen on the side of the stage, in a cheerful mood and pumped up with energy, eager to go on. These two factors - a cheerful mood and lots of energy - are always present during a Tankard gig, and tonight is the same. The main focus is inevitably on singer Gerre, a whirlwind onstage who gives his all. The man is an awesome character who is very entertaining to witness with his running around onstage, funny gestures and comments plus interaction with the crowd.
His bandmates put in a wholehearted, top performance as well, and the
quartet displays a joyful mood which has a most engaging effect. The crowd
is loving every minute: wide grins are seen, heads are banged and there
is enthusiastic singing to the songs. While it's easy to focus on the
fun aspect during a Tankard show, let's not forget that there are lots
of great music as foundation. We are served a constant stream of Tankard
favourites which, quite simply, are excellent thrash tunes. It is also
nice to see that the songs from the latest album get a warm response.
That goes especially for title track A Girl Called Cerveza, which is definitely
one of the highlights of the set. The sound is great too, with Andreas
Gutjahr's guitar sound being totally awesome. When the outro music comes
on after a brilliant show by Tankard, the tremendous entertainer Gerre
jumps off stage and starts to dance with a young blonde in the crowd -
hilarious stuff, and a true sign of the wonderful time just had by band
and audience.
Performance:
8,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: Gerre's frontman entertainment
Worst: There should have been a larger
audience, despite the late hour
Setlist:
Zombie Attack
Time War
The Morning After
Need Money For Beer
Not One Day Dead (But One Day Mad)
Octane Warriors
The Beauty And The Best
Slipping From Reality
Stay Thirsty!
Rules For Fools
Maniac Forces
The Metal Ladyboy
Die With A Beer In Your Hand
Rectifier
Space Beer
Chemical Invasion
A Girl Called Cerveza
(Empty) Tankard
Saturday - March 02
Band: Naglfar
Time: 19:30
Stage: Idun
Having the honour of opening proceedings at the main stage on Saturday are Umeå's own Naglfar. That the city's revered black metallers take their task seriously is obvious. The stage show is impressive, with a tasteful light show and cool pyro and smoke. The performance oozes experience and commitment and the dark, imposing atmosphere has a powerful and epic impact. Frontman Kristoffer Olivius has a commanding stage presence and delivers vicious vocals. His newer bandmates Alex Friberg on bass and Efraim Jantunen on drums form a solid rhythm section, while Andreas Nilsson and Marcus Norman shine with skilful guitar work. Aided by a very good sound, although a bit low, Naglfar's set of melodic black metal is most convincing. They enjoy a loud support from the audience too, and rightly so.
Performance:
7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: Harvest
Worst: The volume was a bit low
(sorry, no setlist)
Band: Amorphis
Time: 21:15
Stage: Idun
In recent years, Finland's Amorphis have seen their popularity get higher and higher, thanks to a couple of excellent albums as well as hard touring. That they would cross the Baltic Sea for an appearance in Umeå was great news indeed. Unfortunately, tonight is not one of the most memorable of shows by the Finns. For whatever reason, Joutsen's voice does not impress like normal. He has an awesome ability to combine brutal growls and tasteful clean singing, but tonight Joutsen has trouble coping to uphold the power during the clean passages. While energetic onstage, there is something lacking there too, and he is clearly not in his best form tonight. Overall, the show is somewhat inconsistent and does not lift to any greater heights.
To add further dilemma, the sound is not the best, as the typical, glorious
Amorphis melodies do not quite get through. Still, there is of course
splendid music performed which ensures that a good time is had, despite
everything. The band's musical combination of melancholy and beauty is
impossible not be affected by, and songs like Mermaid and My Kantele are
greeted with a warm response. We also get to hear a new song by the name
of Hopeless Days which sounds promising. Let's hope that Amorphis get
the chance to return to House Of Metal, to prove they are a stronger live
act than witnessed tonight.
Performance:
6 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 5 chalices of 10
Best: My Kantele
Worst: Joutsen's voice problems
(sorry, no setlist)
Band: Sodom
Time: 23:00
Stage: Idun
There can be no doubt that for many festival visitors, Sodom's concert was the one most looked forward to. One of the so-called "Big Four" of German thrash metal (together with Kreator, Destruction and Tankard), their appearance was a very cool happening. Having been a big influence for many younger bands, they have stayed true to their style and after entering the Idun stage to loud cheers, their characteristics are instantly identified as they unleash an unfussy but most effective thrash delivery. Hard-hitting and pounding but catchy at the same time, their music invites you to let loose and the crowd sure does so. Heads are banged, moshpits are formed and words are sung as Sodom deliver one classic fan favourite after the other, such as Agent Orange, The Saw Is The Law and the pulverising Blasphemer.
That it is just three musicians delivering this thrash bombardment is quite impressive. It is a massive sound that is created by frontman Tom Angelripper's pummelling bass lines, guitarist Bernemann's effective and awesome riffing, and Markus Freiwald's rock-solid, thunderous drumming. There is also a brilliant atmosphere between band and audience, with Bernemann having a constant smile on his face. Angelripper, meanwhile, is as usual cool as hell and his vicious vocal style fits just perfect to the music. It is apparent the band enjoy what they do and it transmits well to the crowd. Ausgebombt sees a wild pit erupt before the classic Remember The Fallen and the furious Bombenhagl finish things. An excellent display by Sodom, one that must have satisfied every metalhead present.
Performance:
8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The Saw Is The Law
Worst: A somewhat average start of the show
(sorry, no setlist)
Band: Anaal Nathrakh
Time: 00:15
Stage: Studion
To be perfectly honest, my knowledge of Anaal Nathrakh's music was not at all big prior to their appearance at House Of Metal. In these cases, however, there is always the possibility that you are pleasantly surprised, and that is exactly what happened here. The Englishmen, hailing from the hallowed metal lands of Birmingham, have gained a reputation as quite an original act, and the hall is packed when they take the stage. From the first note to the last, this is a concert which in one way or the other grabs the attention of everyone present, whether you are a fan or curious newcomer. The band's unorthodox mix of death metal, grindcore and black metal, with touches of other elements, hits you in the face in a relentless, overwhelming fashion.
The playing is remarkably skilful and tight, all the more astounding
given the music's character. Organised chaos could certainly be a fitting
description. It is tight as hell, and with a great sound in the room as
well, it is a display which is most impressive. And while it mostly offers
aggression and speed in massive doses, the music has some tasteful, beautiful
parts too. The stage performance is excellent as well, as the band are
very energetic onstage, undoubtedly passionate about their music. This
is in fact Anaal Natrakh's first visit in Sweden, and singer Dave Hunt
is very humble and has a tremendous rapport with the audience, which sends
much appreciation back. Many have said afterwards that this was one of
the absolute highlights in the history of House Of Metal, and one can
certainly understand such thoughts, as this was quite a brilliant conclusion
to this year's House Of Metal.
Performance:
8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: The band's originality
Worst: Some frenzied parts are a bit difficult to get into
(sorry, no setlist)
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