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Last year, Swedish indoor festival House Of Metal had to acknowledge a negative financial result for the 2013 edition. The spirit of the organisers did not suffer, however, and hard work and planning commenced which finally led us to another long-awaited festival weekend this year. Plans of three festival days were scrapped, but the two days certainly still had room for a string of prolific acts, such as Hatebreed, Hypocrisy, Napalm Death and Raubtier. Also including popular bands like Enforcer and Civil War, this year's line-up was impressive, not least for a festival with way less financial muscle than the bigger actors in the business. Also, the line-up appealed to a wider audience, more so than in recent years, which was one of the strategies this time. That this strategy paid off was evident early on, with many tickets being sold prior to the event. And it was clear for everyone to see during the weekend that there were more people than last year. Without doubt, the large attendance brought a more joyful feeling and atmosphere. Surely, the financial outcome was more positive this year, and there should be a good chance of a repeat next year, something which everyone is hoping for. This is a special festival, in that it is taking place indoors, in Northern Sweden, and during the winter. Once again, there were also things like music clinics, seminars and meet-and-greets on offer at an event where everything functions smooth and professionally. But there is also a special air around House Of Metal; a true, wonderful sense of hospitality, fun and camaraderie which simply makes you feel good and happy. These we recognise as characteristics of a great festival, and House Of Metal sure fits in that category. Over the years, many artists playing at the festival
have expressed their appreciation as well, and a prime example took place
this year when Hatebreed singer Jamey Jasta thanked House Of Metal a number
of times from the stage. The American also nailed it when he sincerely
described the event as "a unity of all heavy shit; I don't care if
it's death or black or whatever, as long as it's heavy". Offering
different kinds of quality metal to its visitors is indeed something House
Of Metal do well, and long may it continue. Friday - February 28Band: Vanderbuyst ~ By Mozzy Performance:
6 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Skull Fist ~ By Mozzy The crowd responds with approval, pumping fists and banging heads. Like their tour comrades Enforcer, Skull Fist's delivery onstage is energetic and passionate, and the Canadians possess the proper attire and moves. Frontman Jackie Slaughter is no doubt the focal point, displaying great stage presence, both with and without his guitar. He also has strong pipes and high-pitch capabilities. The excellent No False Metal is played at the end, and its title certainly fits the splendid celebration of heavy metal which is taking place. During the rest of the weekend, many people sporting Skull Fist shirts can be spotted, and we will surely hear about these young heavy metallers again. Performance:
8 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Napalm Death ~ By Mozzy His bandmates are equally spirited, and it is obvious these men still have a passion for their craft. The show is performed with an intensity that is admirable, not least when you consider how long the band has been around. Musically, Mitch Harris' vicious guitar riffs, Shane Embury's scorching bass delivery and Danny Herrera's ruthless attack on the skins make up a devastating sound. Complemented with Greenway's characteristic, fierce vocals and Harris' screams, it is an annihilating musical assault, one which has the crowd in the standing area go apeshit. There is a mosh pit already during opener Silence Is Deafening, and the place goes wild during a brutal version of Unchallenged Hate. The adrenaline remains during the remainder of the concert, with regular pits breaking out. There is high spirit and enthusiasm in the air, with fans letting loose completely and having wide smiles on their faces, not least when the explosive, classic numbers from the first two albums are played towards the end. The affection for this uncompromising music style is wonderful to behold, and the band show their appreciation for the support. As for the setlist, it offers a terrific mixture of the different sides
and eras of Napalm Death, and whether it's older or more recent material,
the standard is high throughout. Both older, longtime followers and younger,
newer fans can be seen in a happy state afterwards, having witnessed a
professional, impressive onslaught by this cutting edge outfit, still
at the top of their game. Performance:
8 chalices of 10 Setlist: Band: Enforcer ~ By Mozzy After a cool cover of Venom's classic Countess Bathory, the show is rounded
off brilliantly: first an awesome version of Satan, the belter from the
latest album, and then Midnight Vice, the gem and video track from Diamonds.
Both band and crowd put in their last energy, and the latter show their
love of the band. It will now be interesting to see if the massively talented
Swedish group can take their career to the next level. Performance:
8 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Hatebreed ~ By Mozzy Defeatist is an effective opener, going straight for the throat, and the old Empty Promises upholds the tempo. Drummer Matt Byrne and bassist Chris Beattie form a compact rhythm section, with the latter supplying a colossal low-end sound. On top of that, guitarists Wayne Lozinak and Frank Novinec provide razor-sharp, vicious riffs which slice the air. The combined ingredients result in a ferocious sound, one that is ridiculously heavy and full of muscle and testosterone. Whether it's hard-hitting intensity or mid-tempo groove, Hatebreed's music has a catchy side to it which makes it impossible to be still. No wonder that there are frequent circle pits formed by the adrenaline that the music creates. The setlist contains a string of favourites that does the trick, such as To The Threshold and This Is Now. Vocalist Jamey Jasta once again demonstrates his frontman abilities, having the crowd in his palm. He gets them to raise their fists, orchestrates a singing contest and encourages circle pits, while instructing people to look after each other. The other band members are not thrilling to watch onstage, though. To be honest, tonight's Hatebreed display does not feel like it's firing
on all cylinders and the extra spark is missing somehow. Likewise, there
are hardly any surprises for one who has seen the band before. That being
said, this is a definitely a convincing performance by one of the leading
bands in the genre, and the crowd sure appreciate it and gets an ideal
opportunity to release their energy. Performance:
7 chalices of 10 Setlist: (might be
slightly incorrect) Saturday - March 01Band: Raubtier ~ By Tommy The set was a balanced one with an almost perfect selection of songs from the new album Pansargryning that was released just weeks prior to the gig. Since the second song is among the least good ones they have released so far, hence in my ears a strange choice to place so early or even include at all, it doesn't really take off until the third song but from there on it's a smorgasbord of catchy, refrain based and industrial tunes with singer Hulkoffs characteristic voice, to say the least. They drew a big crowd that sang along with them from the first note to the very last. The sound could have been a bit better at times but they managed to get the most out of the Rammsteinesque riffs on which they rely on. I was completely satisfied at the end but it was not quite the best gig I have seen with them, despite the best setlist. Performance:
7,5 chalices of 10 Setlist: Band: Civil War ~ By Tommy This was my first time seeing them and I have to say that I got what I expected, nothing more, nothing less. The guys all have massive routine stacked up from their previous bands, and that showed, but I have to say that I had expected more of a show. It felt at times more like a cozy and familiar garage rehearsal with the guys often just goofing around and seemingly cracking internal jokes. All in all, an enjoyable hour with catchy tunes decently delivered, but what saves the band from the risk of getting stuck in the gray mid-line is really Nils Patrik Johansson. A monster vocalist who gave a great show this evening and as usual owned the stage. Performance:
6 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: F.K.Ü. ~ By Mozzy Otherwise, all is as usual in the F.K.Ü. camp. One track after the other in the classic thrash vein is performed in a tight, aggressive and heavy fashion. It whips up a frenzy in the crowd, where an eager moshpit is going on. From the latest full-length, we get the catchy 112 Ocean Avenue, and A Nightmare Made Thrash is performed for the second time ever. The set also of course includes crowd favourites such as Twitch Of The Thrash Nerve and Pit And Poser, which sure enough generates thrashing fans and fun action in the mosh pit. Yet again, Mackory displays a classy frontmanship. He delivers entertaining banter in English, spurs on the audience and shines with his great vocals. Being a perfect component in the band's thrash metal, his voice is aggressive and very capable in the high register, where he even treats us to a Rob Halford impersonation. All in all, an enjoyable time is had yet again with F.K.Ü., a unique and entertaining quality act in the thrash family. Performance:
7 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Avatarium ~ By Mozzy The duo contributes much to the songs' heaviness, which has Edling's signature written all over them, and guitarist Marcus Jidell delivers huge, awesome riffs. Playing and soloing with expertise and precision, Jidell takes much of the limelight onstage, and together with Carl Westholm on Hammond organ, he adds superb flavour, mood and melody. Indeed, these tunes are not all heavy but include beautiful and atmospheric parts too. And now, then, to the vocals: Jennie-Ann Smith impressed on record, and she does so live as well. Her voice has bags of power, feel and talent, and her showmanship has confidence and character. Her soulful and passionate performance makes it pleasurable to watch her onstage, and her looks cannot be unobserved either, one has to confess. With all these components, the performance by Avatarium tonight is magnificent. The songs from the album, such as Moonhorse, Boneflower and Bird Of Prey are great in a live setting. The crowd is with the band from the start, cheering and applauding each song. The band feed off the energy and there is a brilliant atmosphere throughout with sincere affection between band and audience. There is also a marvellously epic feel in the music, and this is certainly the case in the subtle Lady In The Lamp, which is just wonderful, with Smith singing beautifully. After finishing with an excellent, brick-heavy version of Avatarium,
the quintet of the same name receive a very warm celebration by the audience
after finishing their performance, and it is evident they are happy with
how it all has gone. Edling, who despite being absent receives loud cheers
during the presentation of the members, can be proud of his new project's
debut on the live stage. In this writer's opinion, Avatarium was the highlight
of this year's House Of Metal, and truly a great way in which to round
off the most enjoyable weekend. Performance:
9 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist)
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