house_of_metal

» House Of Metal 2019

~ Reviews by Mozzy
---------------------

Similar to last year, the 2019 edition of House Of Metal did not really have the bigger names in the line-up. Like last year, there was a string of popular quality bands with many fans, but not those that are known to a wider audience. Sure, that is not the main purpose of this festival in Umeå, Northern Sweden, but one still had some concerns regarding how many would attend this year. Thankfully, there were a big number of people in the venue, just like last year.

Aside from getting to see great bands, a central aspect behind the positive turnout is certainly that people simply enjoy the festival event itself. The excellent organisation combined with the welcoming, joyful atmosphere is something which makes people want to return year after year. As it is a hard task to keep booking quality bands, which the organisers do very well, the loyalty and dedication of the visitors is no doubt invaluable.

That there is a strong base of true metal fans in the area, blending with metalheads from other cities as well as other countries, is clearly a factor as well. Ross The Boss' singer Marc Lopez nailed it when he addressed the crowd with the words "you have a great community of heavy metal". Rotting Christ frontman Sakis Tolis identified the same, urging us in the audience to "keep the festival alive! Keep the spirit alive!" With the expertise and dedication mentioned, the Greek will get his wish for sure.
~ Mozzy

Friday - March 1

Band: The Haunted
Time: 19.00
Stage: Idun

~ By Mozzy
When The Haunted played at House Of Metal in 2015, singer Marco Aro battled through a cold and fever. He mentions that occasion tonight but thankfully he is in a good shape this time and like always he has a great, cheerful connection with the crowd. Combined with the excellent, intense instrumental delivery from his bandmates, it creates a positive energy and the crowd responds accordingly. All Against All and Bury Your Dead really get the action going on the floor.

The latest two albums get a solid representation in the set, while old staples like 99 and Trespass remain. Both the older and newer material gets a warm response and another classic, Hate Song, generates the last sweat and chants in the crowd. As expected, The Haunted's quality thrash metal, plus some heavier numbers, provides us with an ideal start to the weekend.

Performance: 7 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The tunes from the first albums
Worst: The sound is not good during the first minutes

Setlist:
Fill the Darkness With Black
Brute Force
99
Trespass
Preachers of Death
Spark
Trend Killer
Time (Will Not Heal)
This Is the End
Bury Your Dead
Hate Song

Band: Tiamat
Time: 21.15
Stage: Idun

~ By Mozzy
Since last year, Tiamat have done shows based around the albums Clouds and Wildhoney. As these albums from the first half of the 90's are celebrated among fans, it felt special that the concept would reach Umeå and House Of Metal. Since the release of Clouds 1992, Tiamat's sound has evolved so it is very cool to hear songs from the album live, containing more up-tempo parts and a darker and more aggressive sound, complete with singer Johan Edlund's grunts.

After half the set and a brief pause, material from 1994's Wildhoney is next. We get awesome, colossally heavy versions of Whatever That Hurts and The Ar. The stage sound is very good t too, adding even more power, and by now the crowd response is heartfelt. The band is not that animate onstage, except for keyboardist Per Wiberg, but the music with its beautiful melodies and arrangements speaks for itself.

Edlund goes into his serious stage persona but steps out of it now and then, chatting with and thanking the audience in a relaxed manner. At the end, the catchy Vote For Love generates just that, love, in the room. All in all, Tiamat's performance is captivating and characterised by a warm and affectionate ambience.

Performance: 8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: The Wildhoney material
Worst: ---

(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Ross The Boss
Time: 23.30
Stage: Idun

~ By Mozzy
The announcement of Ross The Boss, and more specifically that there would be a special Manowar set, was met with excitement by many ticket buyers. Closing this Friday evening with these party-friendly tunes is of course fitting and the mood in the audience cannot be mistaken. There is a mass of fists in the air, with the classic Manowar arm sign in use, there is loud singing and there is joy in people's faces. The continuous stream of timeless heavy metal anthems is indeed a treat.

It is great to see Ross The Boss himself, Ross Friedman, onstage and he is clearly having fun playing this material from his years in Manowar. He is well assisted by his bandmates which include skilful Symphony X bassist Mike LePond. Marc Lopes is the one singing the beloved songs and he has strong pipes and puts in a strong effort. At the same time, one cannot shake off the feeling that this is, after all, not Manowar and not the original voice. There are moments which feel a bit cheesy and after half of the concert, the crowd starts to get smaller.

But when all comes around, the band put on an enjoyable show and what takes place during the final numbers is special. The remaining crowd consists of the more devoted Manowar fans and the atmosphere during Kill With Power, Fighting The World, Battle Hymn and Hail And Kill turns into ecstasy. Band and crowd join in a passionate and loud celebration of heavy metal which is beautiful to behold, with pure happiness in the air. After the set, the band members show their big appreciation before taking a group picture with the crowd.

Performance: 7 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The passion during the final songs
Worst: That people are leaving the crowd before the end

Setlist:
Blood Of The Kings
Death Tone
Wheels Of Fire
The Oath
Hatred
Sign Of The Hammer
Thor (The Powerhead)
Bridge Of Death
Blood Of My Enemies
Dark Avenger
Kill With Power
Fighting The World
Battle Hymn
Hail And Kill

Saturday - March 2

Band: At The Gates
Time: 21.15
Stage: Idun

~ By Mozzy
Just like in 2015, both The Haunted and At The Gates are playing at House Of Metal, that time even in the same night. Apart from being top names in Swedish metal, the bookings make sense from a logistic point of view of course, as two members - drummer Adrian Erlandsson and bassist Jonas Björler - are part of both bands. As always, Erlandsson and Björler, together with guitarists Martin Larsson and Jonas Stålhammar, put in a solid musical performance while Tompa Lindberg delivers his characteristic vocals.

The setlist is a mix of the old and new era of At The Gates and it is obvious from the response that the fans have embraced the material from the latest two albums. Lindberg has his usual brilliant connection with the crowd and spurs it on further, inviting to singing.

As expected, the atmosphere is raised a notch when the cherished 90´s tunes appear. Cuts like Under The Serpent Sun and Suicide Nation gets the hair flying and the singing louder in the audience and as the set concludes there is cheerfulness all around in the hall. I have seen At The Gates shows in the past that have been slightly stronger, but with the material the band possess - both the newer and older - a quality metal performance is always guaranteed.

Performance: 7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: The Slaughter Of The Soul tracks
Worst: ---

Setlist: (might be slightly inaccurate)
To Drink From the Night Itself
Slaughter of the Soul
At War With Reality
A Stare Bound in Stone
Cold
Daggers of Black Haze
El Altar del Dios Desconocido
Death and the Labyrinth
Heroes and Tombs
Suicide Nation
The Book of Sand (The Abomination)
Blinded by Fear
The Night Eternal

Band: Attic
Time: 22.45
Stage: Studion

~ By Mozzy
German outfit Attic has been an interesting addition to the scene in recent years. Apart from their appealing 80's-style heavy metal, the high-pitch vocals of Meister Cagliostro stands out, and King Diamond unavoidably comes to mind. Studion is well-filled as the band comes on, revealing that many are curious to check out the band.

The music from the albums is well transferred to the stage and the quintet gets a good response from the crowd. There are plenty of excellent guitar parts and melodies reminiscing of classic heavy metal, with Mercyful Fate one of the obvious inspirations, and plenty of hooks. But there are also splashes of more aggressive, even black metal-tinged, features. Meister Cagliostro, meanwhile, does well to replicate the high vocals onstage.

The live presentation includes props with crosses and a cool light show. Combined with the members' committed effort, it all comes together to fit the Attic concept. Musically as well as visually, Attic put on a convincing display and it is pleasing to see them live for the first time.

Performance: 7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The classic heavy metal feel
Worst: ---

Setlist:
Sanctimonious
Satan's Bride
Die Engelmacherin
Join The Coven
The Hound Of Heaven
Dark Hosanna
Evil Inheritance
There Is No God
The Headless Horseman

Band: Clawfinger
Time: 23.30
Stage: Idun

~ By Mozzy
Dashing from Attic's concert a floor below, Clawfinger are a few minutes into their show when I arrive. One can tell straight away that the crowd, filling the entire floor, is having fun and one can also tell why. Clawfinger are delivering an awesome groove with their characteristic brand of metal featuring industrial elements. It is clear that we are witnessing a very experienced live band with much confidence. At the same time, the band are refreshingly natural and cheerful onstage, not least keyboardist Jocke Skog, who takes frequent strolls from his instrument to joke with the crowd as well as his bandmates.

The band has a brilliant connection with the audience, led by tall frontman Zak Tell who apart from his recognisable rap vocals displays much self-distance. The brilliant groove combined with the energetic and joyful performance by the band creates a terrific atmosphere in Idun, with spectators jumping and singing along.

Sadly, I miss the last songs because of leaving for Rotting Christ who will soon take the stage in Studion. Had I been able to stay and enjoy the first and last songs, including more of the band's hits, the grade would have surely been higher. Under all circumstances, it is great to learn that Clawfinger, who I had not seen in a long time, are still as proficient and entertaining live as during their heyday.

Performance: 7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: The awesome groove
Worst: That I don't get to see the whole set

(sorry, no setlist)

Band: Rotting Christ
Time: 00.30
Stage: Studion

~ By Mozzy
After enjoying Rotting Christ at Nordfest, another first-class event in Northern Sweden, the other year it was very nice to see the band confirmed for House Of Metal too. They are the last band out this weekend, half past midnight, and admittedly one feels a bit tired. Studion is jam-packed, however, and one quickly gets new energy thanks to the Greeks' music, which has its own identity. Combining aggressive black metal, a grandiose musical atmosphere, captivating melodies and strong hooks, the sound really sucks you in.

The same can be said about the band's attitude, which showcases genuine dedication for their art. Vocalist/guitarist Sakis Tolis has strong charisma and command of the audience, which he is spurring on, receiving an enthused reaction. The final number Under The Name Of Legion is epic, with chanting from the spectators and their hands in the air. Once again, Rotting Christ deliver an impressive display which serves as a perfect conclusion to this year's House Of Metal.

Performance: 8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The band's characteristic sound and melodies
Worst: ---

Setlist:
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Kata Ton Demona Eautou
Fire, God And Fear
Elthe Kyrie
Apage Satana
Dies Irae
The Forest Of N'Gai
Societas Satanas
In Yumen-Xibalba
Grandis Spiritus Diavolos
Under the Name Of Legion