Settling-in Thursday
Thursday starts much earlier than the previous day, with DELIVER THE GALAXY kicking off at 11:50 and it is very space-heavy, even though the band comes from ‘around the corner’ in Quedlinburg. With such a short journey hitchhiking through the galaxy, you can deliver that early…
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Tetzel then delivers the next blast with ASENBLUT, meaning that the music is very testosterone-driven and anthemic, as usual. In any case, Tetzel is very fan-friendly throughout the festival and can be found on the grounds in a natural way.
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The following KUPFERGOLD strike a somewhat gentler and more feminine note, with Bonnie Banks knowing how to handle her audience, which is almost at headliner level. Finest Rhineland Folk Metal reigns supreme in the Harz mountains! Therefore, they deserve a few pics more!
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She passes the baton of good music almost seamlessly to MISTER MISERY, which means it gets more made-up and Nordic again. Their Gothic Metal paired with Metalcore enchants the audience shortly after lunch as the perfect digestif before the next band, weakened by substitutes, plays Rockharz for the first time.
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THE GEMS celebrate their debut without guitarist DeMona, who has to take a break due to pregnancy – no flying allowed – and without regular touring bassist Mia Karlson, who is currently on tour with Crucified Barbara as Coldheart. Emlee and Guernica have adequate replacements with them and don’t let anything burn, even though the temperatures are rising again to immeasurable heights. Traditional, fast and hard heavy metal dominates the infield.
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The Rheingauner from THE NEW ROSES then revive sleaze rock “n” roll with a powerful blues influence as a little change of pace. The band appears as grounded, experienced and extremely well-rehearsed as usual. No wonder, as it feels like the five guys are on tour 370 days a year without tiring.
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You could almost think they have something like a GREEN LUNG, but no, it’s ‘just’ the next combo from, well, who knows it? No, it’s not Brazil or the green island of Ireland, as the name might suggest, but rather rainy London. The occult fun makes many a fan’s heart glow with joy, and it’s definitely not just because of the temperatures.
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When a gentle breeze quietly knocks, it’s time for MEMORIAM, so we stay on the island. At first, the technology doesn’t quite want to work the way the band does, but it eventually gives in. Old School Death Metal blows ever stronger across the infield and ends in a musical hurricane of the first order.
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After a long period of seriousness, J.B.O. now heralds the arrival of pink Fun Metal. Still plagued by Hannes G. Laber’s health problems last year, the four Franc(onian)s play for at least 401 Rappen (I guess, this joke works better in German language). Their parodied and rewritten versions of well-known melodies don’t let the audience down when it comes to raising the mood level. Because their metal is pure fun, they deserve four more pics.
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The wild horde of WARKINGS then treats fans of imaginative and history-laden power metal to veritable fireworks display of emotions with two different vocalists. The band is truly a feast for the eyes in their masquerade and costumes, which are in no way inferior to the music. This is pure Epic Metal!
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Things get brutal and thrashy again with the veterans of SODOM before they take their well-deserved concert break, of course with a new album in tow. The band is rightly celebrated frenetically and delivers a correspondingly strong show with the classics from their 40-year band history.
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The change in style could hardly be more diverse when VERSENGOLD take to the stage. Folk metal from Hanseatic Bremen takes over the difficult interlude before the next big hit. Of course, with all their skill, they more than thrill the audience and master this task with ease. Thus, they deserve some more pics too.
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It becomes demonic with KING DIAMOND. The huge stage set-up was hardly conceivable during the previous bands’ performances. And yes, we anticipate that Abigail will naturally die last, as an encore. Before that, the band puts on skillful fireworks display in the best horror musical style. Few other musicians can tell stories and shine both musically and dramatically like they can.
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When HEAVEN SHALL BURN takes the stage, feelings are divided. Of course, everyone hopes for Marcus‘ quick recovery, but just as many hope to experience one of the concerts with Britta Görtz as vocalist. Marcus was at least present at the afternoon autograph session, but unfortunately not yet at the show. Nevertheless, the last emotional words of the magnificent show belong to him. Britta did a great job, the audience celebrates her, and it would be really desirable if this collaboration could be repeated from time to time on suitable positive occasions, such as a joint duet.
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Shortly after midnight, it’s time for NACHTBLUT. Is there anything left to say about this Gothic Metal band? They are rightly no longer playing in the early afternoon, but at a more appropriate time. Songs from the brand-new album ‘Todschick’ are in the foreground, yet the audience already knows the lyrics by heart. AND people don’t just leave the infield for the Mutantenstadl or campground because the headliner is over but enjoy the sophisticated dark arrangements until the last note.
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But it’s about to get even darker, even if the colour of the stage clothes suggests otherwise. NON EST DEUS play dressed entirely in white and celebrate their unholy show with true relish. Song after song is built up down to the smallest detail, accompanied by theatrical gestures until the orgiastic climax, and then the day is over. The last song has been played, the new day has already begun, and the night will be short enough, because on Friday it will not only be more colourful, but also earlier.
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