The Halo Effect
special guest: PAIN
support: Bloodred Hourglass
‘What a incredible northern metal package’, I think to myself as I make my way to the bus stop. ‘Braving the capital’s rush hour and half of Berlin will be worth every moment.’ For those unfamiliar with Berlin traffic, it’s a ravenous beast, devouring time without mercy. But enough of that.
Tonight’s venue is Kesselhaus, a gem within the Kulturbrauerei complex, where culture and creativity reign supreme in Prenzlauer Berg. Berlin is infamous for its tough crowds —much like Sinatra’s legendary line, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”
As I step into the courtyard of Kulturbrauerei, I’m greeted by a burgeoning queue. Perfect!
Kesselhaus
High concrete walls tower above me, enclosing a hall where a gallery wraps halfway around the space. A long bar stretches alongside, framing a stage that appears surprisingly small. There, an enormous black cuboid dominates the center, leaving me to wonder how the six-piece band Bloodred Hourglass will fit into the limited space that’s left.
As I glance around, The Hallo Effect showcases their merch right by the entrance, while PAIN and Bloodred Hourglass (BRHG) share a stall at the foot of the staircase leading up to the gallery, opposite the bar.
Bloodred Hourglass
At seven sharp, Jarkko and Lauri, Eero and Jose, Jaredi and Joni burst onto the stage, kicking off their gig with an electrifying presence. BRHG have never shied away from opening for big names, and tonight they tackle the challenge with an insatiable hunger to win over new fans. Their carefree energy shines through in catchy riffs, a passionate performance, and an undeniable best-buddy chemistry. The show grabs you and urges you to move—heads nod, hips sway, and feet stomp, igniting a vibrant circle pit.
BRHG delivers a setlist that showcases their milestones, from “In The Lieu of Flowers” off their recent album How’s the Heart? to their traditional closing anthem, “Where Sinners Crawl” from Where The Oceans Burn (2015).
The imposing black cuboid on stage inadvertently thrusts the drummer into a nearly frontman position, perfectly lit and perfectly aligned with the audience’s gaze. This setup forces the entire band to huddle close to their fans, bridging the gap between performer and audience.
Though many in the crowd may not have been familiar with Bloodred Hourglass before tonight, the energy shifts dramatically as they celebrate the band with fervor. After just over 35 minutes, we’re left craving more of their infectious, high-energy melodic death metal.
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PAIN
The change-over is swift, but it’s a welcome break to grab a drink and recharge after the intense, mosh-filled workout courtesy of Bloodred Hourglass. I take a moment to quench my thirst as the venue continues to buzz with anticipation, already packed to a respectable crowd despite not being sold out.
As the cover is lifted from the mysterious cuboid, it reveals a sleek, transparent, and illuminated drum kit perched atop a grand pedestal. The transformation is mesmerizing, and the crowd’s curiosity is piqued.
When Peter Tägtgren‘s PAIN storm the stage, the crowd erupts into instant metal-party mode, sustaining the high-energy frenzy for approximately 50 minutes. The stage show is a multidimensional experience, offering more than just a musical performance. The band seamlessly changes into various new outfits in a matter of seconds, showers the crowd with toys, and encourages sing-alongs, crafting an unforgettable atmosphere.
The setlist is a carefully curated selection of PAIN’s extensive discography, featuring a plethora of well-known tracks that cater to both old and new fans. This potent mix of familiar favorites and charismatic stage presence ignites the crowd, creating an electric connection between the band and the audience.
The Halo Effect
This time, the change-over feels like an eternity. From my vantage point, it seems as though the crew is meticulously dismantling the entire stage, even packing away the impressive pedestal. Finally, when they clear out, the full expanse of the stage is revealed, vast and open—only a single drum set remains, evoking the sensation of gazing out over the Great Plains.
As the lights dim, Mikael Stanne and his bandmates launch us back into the heart of Death Metal. The light show elegantly complements the intricate soundscapes, casting dramatic shadows that dance along with the music. The musicians take full advantage of the generous space, effortlessly engaging with the audience, drawing us into their world.
While the previous acts might have led some to believe that the crowd came primarily for them, the truth is revealed—this gathering is a fervent congregation of The Halo Effect disciples! They may tolerate the musical prophets that grace the stage, but it’s clear that their true deities are the ones delivering the essence of Gothenburg Death Metal. The air vibrates with excitement as they hone in on the rich legacy of the genre, and the crowd responds with electrifying enthusiasm.
As the night winds down, I’m left feeling exhilarated but not exhausted, with a few rounds in the circle pit still fresh in my mind. The music was great, the energy was high, and the crowd was into it. The band’s performance was a testament to their skill and passion for metal.
Thanks to the musicians and crew for a really good show. The train of bands will keep moving on, but I’m glad I got to catch this one.
!
Tickets, merch and music:
The Halo Effect * PAIN * Bloodred Hourglass
Photos by Muumi-Katja