Saturday
Saturday started about 100 minutes earlier at 12:40. It didn’t mean we were in a hurry for breakfast though. First band were Ballsout from nearby Klötze.
Ballsout
They performed a good show, partly very acrobatic. Perfect wake-up music again. Ballsout call it Action-Rock and it is a wild mix between Alternative and Grunge. If you look closely at the photos, you will recognize the guitarist of Out The Mouse, this time as their Bass-stand- in in short term notice. They are more or less neighbours anyway, both being located in Altmark.
Our Silent Voice
Not quite from the neighbourhood was the second band of Saturday, Our Silent Voice from Munich. Not quite silent was their Post Hardcore Metal. But who needs silence on a metal festival? Me, backstage and on the campground, as some people know, but not in front of the stage. It was a very powerful and dynamic show. Give their EP “Networking” a listen and you will agree.
Grumpynators
Sadly, Grumpynators had to cancel their short in very short notice for the saddest reason ever, unexpected death of a family member. Vocalist Christian’s mother had sadly passed away. They cancelled the whole tour as well and we can only hope, he will overcome it soon. Thanks to our friends from Metal Frenzy Days festival, a stand-in could be found within a few hours, so here they are, from Hannover.
Chicago Lane
They got their name from a street of the Expo 2000 near their rehearsal room. Pure hairspray, pure 80ies metal, fresh from Sunset Strip. Rock on guys, you made it! Chicago Lane gave everything they could give and even a little more. They were much more than just a substitute Let us hope to hear more of this very promising young band of exceptional musicians.
Divine:Zero
The combo from Erkelenz presented pure melodic death metal at its finest. A screaming guitar was supported by brutal bass lines, thunderous drums and growled vocals without forgetting to remain melodic. A ludicrous tightrope walk that they mastered perfectly.
Extinct
Extinct from Kiel presented an outrageous set of almost brutal old school Thrash Metal songs. Besides that, Extinct also presented their new guitarist Leda from Italy. He was one of the most colourful musicians on stage this weekend with his pink and red hair. It didn’t mean looks over skills, he was a master on his six strings. Finest thrash, not any note worse than the legendary “Big Four”!
Raffle
Before and after Extinct the winners of the raffle were drawn from the lottery pot. The raffle happened for the first time as an additional attraction for the audience. The six prices consisted of tickets for Wacken Open Air, Metal Frenzy Festival and Heimburger Metalnacht Festival, and Band-merch packages including the stage Roll-Up of Traitor. Here is the winner of the first price.
Manimal
It was difficult for the next band to build up their stage gear for two reasons. First, the stage was crowded with people of the raffle. Second, most of their equipment, clothes, make-up was lost on the flight from Sweden to Germany. We can be more than happy that Manimal took it with Swedish humour and kindness. Dressed with shirts of RMD’z own merch and naked in their faces they played a furious power metal set, well selected from their four album. A visually very different band from what we know but a music wise perfect show.
The Crew
After Manimal it was time for all members of the festival crew to enter stage. Everybody involved found her or his place, from steward at the infield entrance, over kitchen crew to chief organizer. It was all family and that is what makes the festival so unique. Everybody is a volunteer, everybody is a brother or sister, a member of the big RMD’s family and we are happy to welcome all the new members who joined M.A.DE. for kids during or after the festival. Maybe next year they will be part of the crew as well.
Bonded
Back to bands, music and shows to come. Bonded from Dortmund had even more problems to build up their gear due to the overcrowded stage. At least it was their own gear and they could begin right in time. Experimental Thrash Metal ruled from that point on. They presented their new vocalist Manuel Bigus for the very first time. What should I say? It was a perfect baptism by fire as if he had played with the band for decades. Congratulations and well done!
Rezet
Closer to the RMD’z 2023 were Rezet from Schleswig. Once again they were a substitute because Traitor had to cancel their show due to health issues ten days earlier. That’s the Sh*t that happens. Rezet were a more than equivalent replacement. Speed metal with Thrash elements ruled until close to 1:00 on Sunday. The last note was played and the after-show party of the crew could start.
