Friday
Friday starts with a beer happy hour from noon. In the meantime, we receive the disappointing news that EGOISTEN have cancelled their show just hours before they were due to take to the stage. Consequently, the bands scheduled to play earlier are postponed so that there are no gaps between bands, as it is impossible to find a replacement in such a short time. It’s still a bit too hot, but the first band, who is on at 14:40, is giving in all its energy. The Bavarian newcomers EXORCIST deliver an exhausting thrash metal show in the late-midday heat, and we later cool off in our small improvised pool. I bet we’ll be hearing more from them in the future. They set the bar quite high for the next bands.
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It’s not a problem for CHICAGO LANE from Hanover, who play at 15:50. They joined two years ago as a substitute for another band, but this year they are a regular act, presenting their phenomenal theatrical glam and hair rock show. If things were a bit improvised last time, everything fits together like a well-oiled machine this time. Nevertheless, there is still enough time and space for some neck-breaking stunts.
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After these two bands, we’re back on track and on schedule. AEONBLACK have travelled quite a long way to be here, from near the Swiss border to Oschersleben, and they take to the stage at 17:10 with ‘Pure f*ckin’ Heavy Metal’, and these are no empty words. Get up, move your feet and prepare for another wild ride of power chords and legendary riffs.
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Magic happens at 18:30: it feels like he’s alive again. Close your eyes and you can hear him singing; open your eyes and you can watch him performing – Ozzy Osbourne! In this case, it’s OZZYFIED, and the illusion is perfect! I watched the band last year at Ulmich om Braand and was thrilled. Today is no different. Sadly, there is not enough time to perform all the songs that the fans want to hear, but vocalist Henning Wanner has promised to come back with a completely different set. We take you at your word.
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They could have been the headline act, but that position goes to two other bands. The first, performing at 20:00, is DUST BOLT from Bavaria. They are indeed a well-known international act who have played together since school. After Ozzyfied’s tribute to traditional heavy metal, it’s time for thrash again — melodic thrash. As the temperatures decrease, the infield fills up more and more; the audience no longer hides in the shade, if there is any, but comes closer to celebrate with the band.
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At 21:30, it’s time for some Swiss metal from Brugg. Lala, Romana and Jay drove for ten hours, Laura drove for a shorter distance because she was at a nearby workshop, and Courtney travelled all the way from Bochum just to be caught on the spot by the Whisky Team for a sip of the most peated whisky – well, we have the same taste! So, welcome to BURNING WITCHES! They headlined the festival two years ago, and the after-show party was legendary. This time, however, they have to get up early the next morning. Nevertheless, there is still time for them to enjoy a personal whisky tasting session together, celebrate Romana’s nephew’s birthday and do some karaoke with Courtney and Laura. Henning and Flo of RMDZ will join them, so let the party begin!
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However, one last band is still scheduled for tonight: DISCREATION will take to the stage at 23.15 and close the night with their brutal traditional death metal featuring female vocals. They certainly won’t have the easiest job after the headliner. However, they can certainly keep the mood high with all their raw energy. The Witches are kind enough to postpone their meet-and-greet until after Discreation’s set. They want to watch Discreation and don’t want to steal their audience. Fair enough!
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By the time the last crew member falls into bed, it is already dawn. It is still too warm to sleep, the bands were too good to go to bed after the last chords, and the mood is brilliant.
