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~ Reviewed by Tommy/Tribe/David/Mozzy
-----------------------------------------------

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 09

Band: Wolf
Time: 17:40-18:20

~ By Tommy
The swedish classic heavy metal band Wolf had the honour of opening the whole thing for me and it was a great start of the whole shebang. The audience was suprisingly small but we who were there got a dose of straight forward heavy metal at its best. The four piece was apperantly in a good mood and with the routine they have by now, they served an enjoyable show both musically and visually. The front three piece seemed to take up a lot of space on stage and they seemed to have genuinly fun and that infected us in the audience as well.

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
Time: 20:05-20:55

~ By Tommy
I have been a fan of the Swedish folk/punk rock band Dia Psalma for many years and I was intrigued by seeing they would play at Rockweekend. Sadly enough I left this gig pretty disappointed. The choice of songs was not the best, with the first half of the set consisting of, in my ears, some of their more complex and weird songs with not so much melodies in them. I was very close to leaving after 20 minutes. They never created a good flow and I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. The concert grew better during the last third of it, when the more melodic hits lined up, but that was not enough to save the whole thing. A big disappointment as a whole.

3,5 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Band: Testament
Time: 21:00-22:00

~ By Tommy
"Greg Christian, Alex Skolnick, Eric Peterson, Paul Bostaph, and I'm Chuck Billy. We're Testament. Heavy Metal Forever!" That's how the big bear with the mighty voice ended Testament's concert and it was as usual a massive performance. This band can choose, mix and shuffle from almost every song in their discography and you are guaranteed an hour of satisfaction. Even though this was not one of their best days or gigs they still, as always, managed to radiate such raw and bombastic energy. I can't honestly think of a way that a Testament concert can fail.

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
Time: 22:05-23:05

~ By Tommy
This was the only concert during the whole festival where I found the sound not being too good, quite crappy actually. And if we to this add that Dark Funeral play pretty much at the same speed all the time, it turned pretty boring pretty fast. I choose not to grade this since I left very early in order to grab a bite to eat instead. From a very long distance the sound was way better but I was not around to see them and therefore I can not give a fair opinion.

-- chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Band: W.A.S.P.
Time: 23:10-00:40

~ By Tommy
One of the anticipated highlights of the festival for me and what a gig it indeed turned out to be. I have not seen many W.A.S.P. concerts in my life, this was the third one, but Blackie Lawless was really on his toes this night. The sound was great and the front man is a charismatic person on the stage and when he sings, you really listen. I found myself thinking several times what a great voice he still has, and how dedicated he still seems to be to his task. Blackie was posing and acting up as usual and was seemingly really into the whole show. Some people say that his occasional patriotic approach can be too much, but I personally don't see that as a disturbance at all.

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:

On Your Knees
Inside The Electric Circus
Hate To Love Me
L.O.V.E Machine
Wild Child
Take Me Up
Chainsaw Charlie
Widowmaker
Sleeping (In The Fire)
The Idol
I Wanna Be Somebody
Heavens Hung In Black
Blind In Texas

Friday - 10 July

Band: Apostasy
Time: 14:00-14:30

~ By Tommy
I may be a bit biassed when reviewing Apostasy since a couple of guys in the band are personal friends of mine, but nevertheless they pulled off a solid performance. To make it simple describing their music, it is death metal with a blackened touch to it a'la Dimmu Borgir. Melodies is the keyword, but they do not forget the bone crushing riffs and there is more groove than grind parts, which generates a gold star in my book.

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
Time: 15:00-15:30

~ By Tribe
This swedish death metal band probably made noone disappointed during their short but very intense, powerful and dominant half hour. Immediatly when the band kicked off you got a feeling of classic, raw and brutal death metal and that feeling was intact throughout the whole set. I guess the band has been inspired by Deicide, the singer Tommy Dahlström was amazing in the vocal department and when this was accompanied by really delicious and heavy riffs and thunderous drums, rest assured that the audience enjoyed every second of this high quality swedish death metal.

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
Time: 16:00-16:30

~ By Tribe
I was very eager to see this band live who I had discovered just recently via some of their songs on YouTube. According to their own testimony, Killgore play Death/Stoner/Thrash/Grind Metal, and that can be a tough concept to hold together since there is always a big risk that it will turn into a mix that does not really lead anywhere.

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
Time: 17:40-18:20

~ By Tommy
This was my first encounter with Crucified Barbara and my expectations were set pretty high, especially since their last album is really good. They did their best to fire up the scarce audience with a couple of smokers in the beginning of the set but it never really took off at any point from there. Confident and tight, but somewhat boring. The concert rolled along and I enjoyed most of the songs, but far from everyone, for the moment but I found myself feeling quite restless and unfocused and when writing this a few weeks afterwards, I can not really remember much from the concert. I am almost certain, and rumour also has it, that they can do much better live than this and that they were just not really fired up for the task this day.

5 chalices of 10

(sorry, no setlist)


Band: Isole
Time: 18:00-18:30

~ By Tribe
Isole is a swedish doom metal band and this was my first encounter with them. Let the record show right away that doom is not my preferred genre, so when they opened the gig with the words: "Hi, we're Isole and we thought we'd play some doom for you", some prejudice thoughts of course popped up in my head. Noone was more surprised than me when I eventually realized that I had stayed the whole gig and even enjoyed it and smiled several times.

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
Time: 19:00-20:10

~ By David
Mustasch is one of the most reliable Swedish live bands there is. There was a reason why they were invited back to Rockweekend for the second year in a row, without even having a new record to play from. Some things have changed though. Both guitarist Hannes Hansson and drummer Mats "Dojan" Hansson have left the band lately and have been replaced with David Johannesson (Sparzanza) and Danne McKenzie. The newcomers have added yet another dimension to the live act. McKenzie delivered pounding heaviness and was full of go, and Johannesson seems to have found himself in his new role since the last time I saw the band earlier this year and was more alert on stage.

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:

Dogwash
Down In Black
Bring Me Everyone
Teenage Pacifier
Accident Black Spot
Falling Down
I Hunt Alone
6:36
I Lied
Black City
Parasite!
Monday Warrior
Double Nature


Band: Arch Enemy
Time: 20:15-21:15

~ By David
The sound was not at it's best when Arch Enemy kicked off their set with Blood On Your Hands. Angela Gossow's vocals were way to low in the mix and it all felt as a blur. But it was apparently cleared up in a couple of songs and the whole experience started to grow. The hit factor of the songs is not to be questioned. With perhaps the exception of Dead Bury Their Dead it was a sting of pearls pouring out from the stage.

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:

Blood On Your Hands
Revenous
Taking Back My Soul
Dead Eyes See No Future
My Apocalypse
Revolution Begins
Silverwing
I Will Live Again
Dead Bury Their Dead
We Will Rise
Nemesis


Band: U.D.O.
Time: 21:20-22:30

~ By Tommy
What can you say about a U.D.O. concert, really? Just as with Testament, which I mentioned earlier, I can not really see how a gig with the band can fail. It would perhaps be if Udo himself fell on his face and broke his jaw, making him unable to sing, or something like that. Otherwise it is the essence of heavy metal according to me, and the only thing that determines if it's good, better or best is the setlist and the shape of the guys.

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:

Metal Heart
Midnight Highway
They Want War
24/7
Vendetta
Princess of the Dawn
Living For Tonight
Man and Machine
Animal House
Thunderball
Holy
Balls to the Wall
I'm a Rebel


Band: Chickenfoot
Time: 23:40-01:10

~ By David
If there ever was a supergroup worthy the epithet it is Chickenfoot. Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony from Van Halen, with solo guitar hero Joe Satriani and Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers make up a fantastic unity. They simply seemed to have pure fun together on stage and that spread like an unstoppable plague to the audience. What was on the downside is the overconfidence in the material on the self-titled debut album. It is a good record. I would give it 7 out of 10. But it has no real monster hits to build a festival headline gig like this around. And it does not really hold up the momentum to be played in almost its entirety.

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:

Avendia Revolution
Soap On A Rope
Sexy Little Thing
Oh Yeah
Down The Drain
Learning To Fall
Get It Up
Turnin' Left
Future In The Past
Highway Star

Saturday - 11 July

Band: Scar Symmetry
Time: 17:50-18:30

~ By Mozzy
Last autumn, Christian Älvestam departed from his post as singer of Scar Symmetry, by mutual consent. Since the multi-talented Älvestam was equally adept at performing clean vocals as well as growl, and in a most impressive fashion, many fans surely doubted whether it was possible to replace him. As a solution, the band unconventionally chose to recruit not one but two new singers. This was also a move to make the two singing styles work smoother and more efficient live. The vocalist duo, Robert Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist, indeed perform their task well, also spurring on the audience. However, they just do not sound as good as Älvestam, an impression which is hard to shake off when watching the gig.

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
Time: 19:20-20:10

~ By Mozzy
I really lamented the demise of The Darkness a couple of years ago. Their songs were tremendously infectious, often brilliantly crafted, and they also brought a good deal of fun and laidback attitude into a sometimes overly dead serious scene. They were however an outfit which many either loved or hated. The main reason for the dividing camps was singer Dan Hawkins, or more precisely his vocals. In his new band Hot Leg, Hawkins is instantly recognisable with his shrill voice and frequent falsetto singing, most apparent tonight as well, not least during Chickens.

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.
Time: 20:15-20:55

~ By Mozzy
While a packed crowd await the appearance of Sweden´s hottest rock band at the moment, H.E.A.T., the concert at Rockweekend is a big event for the band as well: this is their 100th gig since forming in early 2007. The talented youthfuls celebrate the occasion in style, offering a display which speaks volumes of the progress they have made through their live outings. The members seem so at home onstage that one could mistake them for a seasoned band making their 1000th live show. Making use of the whole stage - equipped with illuminated ramps a´la the extravaganza of the 80´s - they sprint around with endless energy and connect joyfully with the crowd, all the while performing the music flawlessly.

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
Time: 21:00-22:00

~ By Mozzy
Rage For Order is an album which is often overlooked in Queensryche´s discography. Therefore, it is a treat when Geoff Tate and co open their set with no less than four tracks from the 1986 LP, a splendid rendition of Walk In The Shadows rounding off the journey back in time. Since these are not the most well-known songs to the ordinary festival visitor, however, the show does not really get off the ground. It does not get any better when two numbers from the latest album are next. American Soldier is indeed a good concept album, but when the tracks are played separately live they are not as engaging, and the response is lacklustre, also because not everyone has heard the songs.

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:

Intro
Neue Regel
The Whisper
Screaming in Digital
Walk in the Shadows
The Killer
Dead Man's Words
The Thin Line
Jet City Woman
Empire
Take Hold of the Flame


Band: Edguy
Time: 22:15-23:30

~ By Mozzy
When Edguy take the stage, they do so in front of one of the largest crowds this weekend. Having played quite frequently in Sweden for the last ten years, the Germans have gained many supporters here. Obviously, their albums have also been very well received, but there is no doubt that their reputation as a live band appeal to many. You can always count on this group to put a lot of effort into delivering an entertaining show, and the concert at Rockweekend is no different. It is obvious that this band love playing to an audience, as there are smiles all around. Tobias Sammet is in an inviting and jovial mood as always, working tirelessly to fire up the crowd while also demonstrating his knowledge of some practical Swedish words here and there.

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:

Dead Or Rock
Speedhoven
Tears Of A Mandrake
Lavatory Love Machine
Vain Glory Opera
Ministry Of Saints
Drum Solo
Superheroes
Save Me
Babylon
King Of Fools


Band: Dimmu Borgir
Time: 23:35-00:55

~ By Mozzy
After the jolly party metal by Edguy, the contrast couldn´t possibly be greater when Dimmu Borgir grace the stage. With the clock approaching midnight, the Norwegians dramatic metal, projecting dark menace, evil forces and grim tales, fits like a glove in the darkness. The classic Spellbound (By The Devil) is a superb opening, followed by the momentous riffage in Cataclysm Children. It sounds truly mighty; powerful yet clear and well-balanced. And as promised by frontman Shagrath beforehand, the black metallers put on a magnificent stage show: there is a torrent of pyro effects, with flames shooting up frequently and streams of sparks covering the front of the stage. Also, the stage setup and costumes contributes to an imposing overall impression.

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:

Intro
Spellbound (By the Devil)
Cataclysm Children
The Serpentine Offering
The Chosen Legacy
The Maelstrom Mehpisto
Relinquishment of Spirit and Flesh
The Sacrilegious Scorn
Kings of the Carnival Creation
Indoctrination
Allegiance
Puritania
The Mourning Palace
Progenies of the Great Apocalypse


Band: Napalm Death
Time: 01:00-02:00

~ By Mozzy
When the shorts-clad Napalm Death stroll onto the stage at 2 AM, as the final act of the festival, there is a mere couple hundred spectators present. Unsurprisingly, this does not deter this institution from Birmingham the least, as they unleash their recognisable hybrid of grindcore and metal. Although the performance is perhaps not quite as energetic compared to when seeing the band at a more intimate venue, we are still treated to a deadly intense bombardment of extreme, brutal music which gives you a adrenaline rush whether you are a fan or not. Napalm Death is not only neck-break speed; the music has groove and drive and it is incredibly tight, rhythm section Shane Embury and Danny Herrera holding it all together. Mitch Harris´ guitar sound, meanwhile, is so utterly vicious that it threatens to rip your face off. Those present are served staples such as Suffer The Children and the ridiciosly heavy Scum, as well as songs from latest release Time Waits For No Slave, which sound just as great.

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:

Strongarm
Unchallenge Hate
Suffer The Children
Silence Is Deafening
Life And Limb
Diktat
When All Is Said And Done
It's A M.A.N.S. World
From Enslavement To Obliteration
On The Brink Of Extinction
Scum
Life?
The Kill
Deceiver
You Suffer
Mass Appeal Madness
Nazipunks Fuck Off
Time Waits For No Slave
Siege Of Power


Related links:

www.rockweekend.se