Saturday
I turn over in bed and suddenly it’s Saturday morning, the last day of my two-week festival holiday before I drive home on Sunday. I already miss my cats…
Nevertheless, at 11:20, it’s time for the sensational newcomer, PINHEAD, to open on the Rock Stage. I’m not the only one blown away by their raw industrial modern metalcore this early in the day. Finland is very progressive in this case…
.
Just a few moments later, it’s time to turn over and welcome DRONE on the Dark Stage at 11:55. Now, the metalcore is mixed with thrash elements, and is no less exciting than the previous act.
.
At 12:30, TAILGUNNER open fire with a more traditional heavy metal set in the best NWOBHM style. There have been rumours about the band members, leading to line-up changes, but the band seems to ignore them and just delivers!
.
At 13:15, NECROTTED from Abtsgmünd near SBOA take to the stage. It’s lunchtime, and they serve up a feast of the finest Death Metal in several courses.
.
TUNGSTEN follow at 14:00 as a digestif and deliver a helping of the best Swedish power metal, before we cross the ocean for the first time today.
.
The all-female Brazilian thrash band CRYPTA will take to the stage at 14:45. The band is certainly one of today’s early highlights and leaves nothing to be desired. Fernanda‘s fierce grimaces and fan-friendly attitude are simply convincing and make you want more.
Here is a comment from Doro about them:
I’d never heard of this Brazilian death metal band before, and this was the first time I’d heard and seen them. If you’re into the genre, they’re really talented musicians and a powerful band.” They incorporate melodic and rhythmic elements, which aren’t immediately obvious, very well to create a musically cohesive whole.
.
At 15:30, the amazing Danish thrash veterans ARTILLERY take to the stage. Volley after volley follows during their bombardment. Don’t worry, though – nobody’s hurt and nothing’s damaged; it’s friendly fire which kills no one.
.
At 16:15, we’ll be staying in Scandinavia with some symphonic power metal from Swedish band MAJESTICA. This genre often sounds streamlined and radio-oriented on records. But live is a different beast, and today is no exception.
.
.
ANNISOKAY from Germany present their own interpretation of post-hardcore alternative — whatever that means at 17:00. I still believe in good music, not sub-genres or sub-sub-genres. Nevertheless, their style is consistent throughout their releases, and they are celebrated as a local band, of course.
.
At 17:55, FINNTROLL will give us an insight into Nordic tales and legends, orcs and elves — nomen est omen. The band’s fantasy costumes are sure to be a real eye-catcher.
.
After seeing a South American band earlier in the day, at 18:45 it’s time for the North American band DANKO JONES from Canada. Their set is furious and full of traditional rock, and they have a fantastic live performance.
.
At 19:35, a relatively unknown young artist takes to the stage with her international band. Her name is Doro, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from her in the future. No, nonsense – it’s the German heavy metal legend DORO PESCH! Finally, she’s back where she belongs, and for me at least, she’s the true headliner on Saturday. The show is phenomenal, and her enthusiasm is overwhelming – she really is one of the all-time greats.
.
We’re straight back into the swing of things with another German band: Berlin-based KNORKATOR will take the stage at 8.40 pm. As always, they’ll be pulling out all the stops. Photographers are invited on stage to be thoroughly thrashed, all in good fun. Entertainment doesn’t get much better than this!
My friend Doro says:
Really cool. The music is compelling, and the vocals from various band members are really good. The humour is intelligent. The funny lyrics make you laugh a lot and, above all, remind you not to take yourself or life too seriously. Yet, thanks to the often absurd lyrics, they also get you thinking on a different level, particularly through some of the song themes. They put on a great, funny show. They are very likeable and close to the audience.
Her husband Daniel adds:
The first time I saw them and heard their music, I thought it was really funny and cool. I really liked it, even though my German is too basic to understand all the words.
.
There are still three bands to come. The first starts playing at 21:45. EMPEROR present Norwegian Black Metal, which is a complete contrast to the previous band and what is to come next.
.
The band around Johanna von der Vögelweide, FEUERSCHWANZ, headline from 22:45. They are a guaranteed good medieval-folk-metal show. Over the years, they have worked their way up from an early morning band to an afternoon entertainer and now a late evening headliner, through nothing but hard work and discipline. Believe it or not when you listen to their songs and watch their brilliant show. Doro Pesch will of course join them for their song “Valhalla”.
.
SOEN will be the last band to perform on the Dark Stage, taking to the stage at 00:30. After a very long day, it is a brilliant and demanding set. Sadly, it is too long for some audience members, who return to the campsite to sleep. Those who remain, however, are not disappointed, but experience a fantastic show.
Once again, Doro, as long-time fan, raises her voice:
As always, absolutely brilliant. They are top-class musicians who play complex music with a style all of their own. There are shifts from fast to slow, soft to loud, building tension to outbursts and moments of calm. There is lots of subtlety and detail, and the lyrics come straight from the heart. The songs are collages of powerful metal riffs, guitar solos and vocals, offering a wealth of variety and showcasing a keen eye for detail. It’s not mosh pit or drinking music, nor is it party metal. It’s more like whisky amongst beers; it often invites you to close your eyes and simply enjoy the moment. In my opinion, they are seriously underrated.
Daniel also has something to say about them:
It was the second time I saw them live. The first time was seven years ago and they were great. This time they were even better; they were awesome and played amazing, beautiful music.’ This band and their music gave me goosebumps and touched my heart. It’s been 20 years since the last time it happened to me with Linkin Park. There were moments when it took me back 20 years to when I was younger, because it made me feel just like I did back then. For the first time in a long time, I could see and feel that a band had put their heart into their music, creating pure art. That had been missing from my life for a long time, and I love and enjoy their music and art so much! I hope they will continue to do so and create their beautiful art in their own special way. I hope to see them again in the future.
.
Turn the page for everything else I have not mentioned so far. There still is so much to tell…