» Rockweekend 2009 |
« back
|
My expectations on this festival were set pretty high since great names like Arch Enemy, U.D.O., Testament and W.A.S.P., among others, were to pay a visit to this three day metal battle. I was also excited to see a new band named Killgore, who had recently caught my attention. With all this anticipation built up there could of course be a lot of disappointments, so did this festival turn out to be a fiasco or a pleasure for my metal heart? Well, it could have started way better, since already at arrival we noticed that the weather gods were clearly against us already from the start. Heavy rain, a steady wind and a distinct coldness had made its way to the festival area situated in Kilafors, Sweden. And naive as I am, I had a few hours earlier decided against bringing proper shoes, so fifteen meters in the area me and my feet were already soaked in a 10-15 centimeters high, sticky and cold mud and that was the end of that pair of shoes and the warmth of my feet that day. But at the end of the day (weekend) it was a really good and entertaining festival with many good performances and very few gigs under par. The crew behind the festival should also have some credit, since the sound this weekend was absolutely phenomenal in my ears, probably the best I have heard on a festival ever. And considering we got a wheather that turned the ground into a swamp which made it virtually impossible to get through at some places, they did their best to remedy this. Spending the time before noon every day throwing out tons of hay made it a decent walking area again, at least for half the day before it was the same muddy shit again. But they did their best as far as I could see. And with proper shoes from the second day and onward, it was less of an annoyance and full attention could be payed to the concerts. Read on to see what we thought about the whole thing. - Tribe Thursday - July 09Band: Wolf ~ By Tommy I was surprised to hear guitarist/vocalist Stålvind's voice sounding almost as on albums, which was something I did not expect since it sounds a little bit processed on albums. He has a voice you either love or hate, as I have come to understand it, but I personally just love it since it fits perfectly to the music. The setlist was very good straight through, except for one slower song that did not really fit too well, and the ending with Genocide was the icing on a very tasty cake. 7 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Dia Psalma ~ By Tommy 3,5 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist)
Band: Testament ~ By Tommy There were some elements playing against Testament this day, as with all other bands this day, such as the weather but they completely ran us over nevertheless. The sound was magnificent and the abundance of razor sharp riffs they lined up was just pure metal heaven. The set list was good with a decent variety, but for once I would have wished for a couple of more songs from their great latest album than just the title track. Even though there was a slight feeling of another day at the job
for the guys, the grade can not be any lower than this, and that proves
what a monster machine this band is. Along with W.A.S.P. it was one of
the two best concerts I saw during the weekend. 8 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Dark Funeral ~ By Tommy -- chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: W.A.S.P. ~ By Tommy The show was energetic and there were not many dead seconds during this
gig. In a way, you kind of know what you are going to get from a W.A.S.P.
concert and we indeed got the whole package here just as expected. It
was just one of their better days this day. 8 chalices of 10 Setlist: Friday - 10 JulyBand: Apostasy ~ By Tommy Their music is of the more brutal kind with atmospheric elements but the keyboard does not take up too much space in the sound picture but is instead carrying the songs along perfectly in Apostasy's music. They did not offer much of a show to talk about, and singer Edin is the only one really sweating along with the audience, but they are excused due to a limited stage area and this is something all bands on this tent stage suffered from. You can see that it is still a relatively young band, but they have gathered enough routine by now to be able to pull off a very tight and confident performance anyway. Great riffs and a good variety in the songs made it dynamic and interesting
and there was not many dead moments to be found. An enjoyable start of
the second day, for sure. 6,5 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Aeon ~ By Tribe It is hard to pinpoint one specific highlight since the gig was so short
and everything was very good from start to finish, and if you like hard,
heavy and raw death metal with really a brutal growl, then make sure to
check this band up. If you get the chance to see them live, take it, since
it will be worth it. The only downside, as mentioned, was that they only
got a mere half hour to their disposal, as I had gladly seen twice as
much with this splendid death metal squad who in my eyes was the surprise
of the festival. 8 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Killgore ~ By Tribe But Killgore really succeeds with this and manage to create a really heavy and groovy flow in their songs, at the same time as the band is blessed with two equally good singers who have remarkably similar voices. It is not unusual that bands have one growler and one clean singer, but Killgore's both singers have the same kind of deep and dark whiskey- and cigar kind of voices that sound so perfectly right in this context. Killgore's music really makes you want to move your neck muscles, however
not in the same way as with an inferno of blistering death metal, here
it is really just a soft laid back tempo in the music but still with a
powerful groove. Do you like a mix of raspy vocals spiced with stoner-like
guitars and a somewhat modest tempo, this is a band for you to check up
more closely. I will definitely see them again if I get the opportunity. 7,5 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Crucified Barbara ~ By Tommy 5 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Isole ~ By Tribe The tempo was modest, according to normal doom standards, but when Isole
at some occasions brought it up a notch and shifted to their growl parts
with some splendid riffs and twists, it was close to magic. Unfortunately
these moments occured too seldom for my taste, but doom loving fans are
most likely appreciating this band quite a lot more. There is a little
more to be wished for when it comes to their stage show and this gig would
have earned a bit more points if there would have been some more motivation
on stage. 6 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Mustasch ~ By David But Mustasch still equals Ralf Gyllenhammar, of course. The man who never seems to have a bad day at work. In any weather he continues to deliver his riffs, his characteristic singing and his small stand up speeches between the songs. What I would wish for, and what I naturally will get along with the new record this fall, is for some more fundamental changes in the set list. I have seen the band five times in two years with basically the same set. Of course there is no way to replace hits like Dogwash, Down In Black, I Hunt Alone, Black City and Double Nature, but Accident Black Spot, 6:36, I Lied and Monday Warrior could easily leave place for The Dagger, Ratsafari, Nailed To Pain and Do Or Die. The band also had advertised a special surprise for the evening. That
turned out to be a skylift with hundreds of beach balls with the band
logo and Jack Daniel's logo on. A great idea wouldn't it had been for
the mud on the ground. As soon as the balls touched the ground (and was
picked up again) they became flying mudbombs, splashing into inattentive
spectators. 8 chalices of 10 Setlist: Band: Arch Enemy ~ By David A pre-Gossow track (Silverwing, wasn't it?) was dusted off, as a foretaste
of the coming re-recordings of songs from the earlier records, and it
worked fine, although not all of the audience seemed to be familiar with
it. But it is a little bit of a feeling of a day at work in the end. There
is no super-extra energy glowing on the stage and there is no magic in
the air, although the sun made one of it's rare visits. Then again, maybe
Arch Enemy would have done better as the closing act they initially were
set to be on this day. 7 chalices of 10 Setlist: Band: U.D.O. ~ By Tommy This day was a good day for them and they seemed to be in a good mood, having a lot of fun themselves and already there the concert is safe. They opened a bit surprisingly with Metal Heart right away followed by a couple of other olden goldies. Along the way we got to hear a pretty "safe" set with mostly hits and they did not take out the turns especially much but all songs were rendered perfectly with a brilliant sound. Unfortunately, the only piece played from the latest Mastercutor album was Vendetta, which is the only song I don't like from it, and at that point the concert made its only dip. I have seen them better and this was somewhat of another
day at the job once again, as with a few other bands at this festival,
but it was more than enough to make me mark another great gig in my U.D.O.
calendar and I left more than satisfied. By the way, U.D.O. was the only
band I saw during the festival that made two encores and that shows that
these guys love metal and they love their fans, and that is something
you can almost feel in the air at a U.D.O. concert. 7,5 chalices of 10 Setlist: Band: Chickenfoot ~ By David It would not have been wrong at all if the band had hold on to the first plan to play some songs from their respective careers as well. Hell, we have half of Van Hagar on stage and with a guitarist who very well can compete with Eddie Van Halen and a drummer who is even better than Alex. Why not give us at least Why Can't This Be Love, Poundcake or When It's Love, instead of yet another dull cover of Highway Star? Apart from that, Chickenfoot rocked the pants off the most of the present people. The crowd was not as big as on Mustasch or U.D.O., actually a bit small to be the biggest headline act. But few can have left disappointed. Songs like Soap On A Rope, Oh Yeah and Get It Up really fuels the fire. There was no sign of Chad Smiths recent arm injury, which forced the
band to cancel several gigs earlier the same week. He smiled, played with
a unstoppable go and threw his drum sticks in the audience with an even
flow that made me wonder how many he actually got back there (and if there
was anyone in the first few rows that didn't get one)
When he accidentally
hit a girl in the head he jumped off the stage to give her a kiss on the
bump. It really is that simple - have fun on stage and you will be joined. 8 chalices of 10 Setlist: Saturday - 11 JulyBand: Scar Symmetry ~ By Mozzy It might be that it is simply a case of getting used to this new incarnation
of Scar Symmetry; without doubt, their first album with the new vocal
department will be interesting to hear. Either way, it is still good fun
to see Scar Symmetry live. They possess a bunch of excellent songs, brilliant
set closer The Illusionist being the band´s most celebrated composition,
and perform them enthusiastically. Moreover, the band showcase a cheerful,
relaxed attitude, as far removed from big-headed, egoistic antics as is
possible. 6 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Hot Leg ~ By Mozzy Though the material aired from the debut album Red Light Fever is not
of the same high standard as The Darkness, it nonetheless includes many
quality tunes which go down nicely with the crowd. Like the songs of Hawkins´
former band (Hot Leg are, naturally, quite similar to The Darkness), the
music is catchy, groovy and, simply put, appealing. In addition, it is
performed with conviction and affection by Hawkins and his band mates.
The frontman himself looks healthy, focused and in happy spirit, which
is good to see considering his former issues. He is gracious towards the
audience and delivers many witty comments in his distinct English accent.
The falsetto sing-along at the end of the set is a humorous moment, and
overall this is a really entertaining performance by Hot Leg - one of
the positive ´surprises´of the festival. 7,5 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: H.E.A.T. ~ By Mozzy The audience lap up every moment, and it is indeed difficult finding
something to remark on. A point could well be made, however, about the
setlist. Consisting exclusively of top-drawer songs from their debut album,
it nevertheless tends to be a bit samey if you have seen the band a few
times before. Undoubtedly, anticipation is high regarding a second CD
from H.E.A.T., and though it is understandable that the band is currently
riding the wave, so to speak, the time has come to create a new arsenal
of glorious tunes. But for now, there is no stopping the band. Receiving
a loud ovation, the Eurovision song 1000 Miles and latest single Keep
On Dreaming is nothing but a triumphant finish to their celebratory evening. 7,5 chalices of 10 (sorry, no setlist) Band: Queensrÿche ~ By Mozzy Otherwise, there is nothing to complain about regarding the actual performance; the sound is excellent, Geoff Tate´s voice is in good shape and his long-time partners in crime are of course rock solid. I have to say, though, that new, young guitarist Parker Lundgren looks really out of place in his short emo haircut. Likewise, the presence onstage of third guitarist/keyboardist Jason Ames feels odd. Call me narrow-minded, but these are simply aspects which are difficult to ignore when watching Queensryche this evening. When it is time for a segment of songs from Empire, the atmosphere is
enhanced, especially during the title track. Then, the brilliant Take
Hold Of The Flame serves as a lovely ending. As you may have noted, there
is no material from Queensryche´s magnum opus, Operation Mindcrime.
During tours in recent years, the whole of that album has been played
in its entirety; consequently, the choice was made to leave it aside for
now and concentrate on other material. This standpoint has to be respected,
and it shows, once again, that this is a group with integrity; but at
the same time it is of course inevitable that the exclusion of Mindcrime
songs has a negative influence song-wise. Two tracks, say, from said masterpiece
would certainly boost the performance a notch. 6,5 chalices of 10 Setlist: Band: Edguy ~ By Mozzy With less time than normal at their disposal, only ten songs make the
setlist. Therefore, including a drum solo is quite strange. Otherwise,
tunes spanning Edguy´s whole career are played, all getting a great
reception. The addition of the classic Vain Glory Opera is a highlight
for sure. However, while an Edguy live show is indeed solid and uplifting,
some might argue that it is rarely surprising or that spectacular. On
the other hand, does it really have to be? Delivering an entertaining
show of qualitative heavy metal which gives the audience an enjoyable
time is well enough, and this is exactly what Edguy do tonight, true to
their tradition. 7,5 chalices of 10 Setlist: Band: Dimmu Borgir ~ By Mozzy The band members, though, are not as entertaining to watch. Though the
conduct onstage reflects the sinister mood of the music, it wouldn´t
hurt if the band loosened up just a bit once in a while. Shagrath actually
makes a couple of amusing comments, but otherwise the Norwegians are quite
stiff in their presence and movement onstage. But these are just minor
remarks; on the whole, we still witness a display which is impressive
as well as entertaining. As fan favourite Mourning Palace and the colossal
Progenesis Of The Great Apocalypse round off the show, it is clear that
Dimmu Borgir continue to be a leading force in today´s black metal
scene. Without a doubt, this is a classy, very professional performance
by a most well-oiled unit. 8 chalices of 10 Setlist: Band: Napalm Death ~ By Mozzy As usual, singer/barker Barney Greenway´s effort is a sight to
behold, the modest frontman giving his all with his characteristically
raging gesticulations. Some devotees go apeshit, forming a small yet fervent
pit, while the other spectators show their appreciation via applause and
cheers. What can be seen is in fact an almost moving bond between band
and audience; a manifestation of genuine love and dedication for uncompromising,
trend-ignoring music which is purely from the heart. It is simply a fucking
beautiful sight. Concluding the performance - shorter than planned because
of travel commitments - is a vicious rendition of Siege Of Power, during
which the exhausted moshers muster the last of their strength. The heartfelt
response the band get from the whole crowd as the music stops is a sign,
I dare say, that Napalm Death have won more followers. Indeed, in the
more extreme metal field, few can match this foursome live. 8 chalices of 10 Setlist:
Related links: |