Concert Slipknot, Jinjer si Vended la Romexpo – 20 Iulie –   Un show electric care a zguduit Bucurestiul

Am asteptat cu nerabdare show-ul acesta inca de acum 2 ani cand a fost anuntat. Pandemia ne-a pus bete-n roate si a trebuit sa ne punem la bataie rabdarea pana anul acesta. Saptamana a fost plina de concerte mari la Romexpo, dar acesta este cel la care mi-am dorit inca din facultate sa ajung. Am ajuns in parcarea C pe la ora 6 in timp ce termometrul era blocat pe la 37°C la umbra. Accesul s-a facut relativ usor in locatie si mai toti cautam un loc bun sa vedem concertul. Primi pe scena au fost Vended, trupa din care fac parte doi componenti care au tați în Slipknot.

© Carlos Funes

Cred ca pe langa presiunea oferita de publicul numeros, s-au adaugat si emotiile de a performa pe aceiasi scena cu parintele tau. Trupa atinge mai multe tipuri de metal: alternative metal, alternative rock, death metal, grindcore, groove metal, hard rock, heavy metal, metalcore, nu metal, pop rock, post-grunge, rap metal, shock rock, speed metal and thrash metal. Au cantat melodii de pe primul lor album lansat: What is it/Kill it (2021) si au sunat chiar bine.

© Carlos Funes

Cu toata nebunia din Ucraina, ma bucur ca am vazut din nou Jinjer pe o scena din Romania. Mi s-a parut un nice touch logo-ul trupei in culorile steagului ucrainian de pe fundalul scenei. Cred ca asta este trupa de care nu o sa ma satur sa o vad, fiind a 4-a oara cand ii vad si ascult live. Tatiana nu a dezamagit nici de data asta, cu stilul vestimentar caracteristic si vocea puternica ne-a umplut de energie pentru ce urma sa se intample pe scena Metalhead Meeting. Emotionant a fost momentul in care a mentionat criza din tara lor si a tinut sa multumeasca pentru sprijinul oferit de Romania pana acum.

© Carlos Funes

Productia concertului Slipknot ne-a oferit un spectacol pe cinste, mult mai bun decat speram vreodata. Scena a fost impartita pe mai multe nivele, instrumentele fiind pozitionate pe inaltimea scenei. Fiind primul concert in Romania al trupei, Romexpo a fost plin de toate categoriile de varsta, in ochii carora se vedea cat de mare a fost asteptarea. Am avut parte de toata energia trupei, Romania fiind punctul de start al turneului european de anul acesta.

© Carlos Funes

Costumele, luminile, sunetul au surprins si pe cei mai sceptici dintre noi. Si daca acesta a fost concertul premierelor, am ascultat pentru prima data live si melodia noua „The Chapeltown Rag” de pe albumul „ The end, so far” care va fi lansat pe 30 Septembrie. Am venit cu singura asteptare sa ascult „Snuff”- melodia mea de betie din facutate, live. Desi nu speram sa se intample deoarece nu a mai fost in playlistul trupei de foarte mult timp, totusi dumnezeul metalistilor exista si s-a intamplat minunea. Am avut parte de extaz si fericire suprema de cand am auzit primele acorduri. Oh, the memories!

© Carlos Funes

Au cantat 16 piese iar spre sfarsit am avut parte si de un moment emotionant cand fiul lui  Corey Taylor, Griffin Taylor de la Vended a urcat pe scena și au făcut un duet tată-fiu pe melodia „Custer”. Ultimele 3 piese au fost cantate fara pauza, doar scurte intrerupe ale lui Corey in care ne intreba ”Do you want more?” si raspunsul nostru cred ca s-a auzit de la Calarasi. Si pentru ca nu ne mai saturam, dupa o scurta pauza, au urcat din nou pentru biss si ne-au incantat cu: „People = Shit” si „Surfacing”.

In concluzie, wow ce spectacol! Cand ziceau ca vin iar? 😀

Concert Wardruna la Arenele Romane – 8 iulie 2022 – Mai aproape de zei

Dupa succesul avut cu “Nordic Night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre” din Statele Unite si “Nordic Night at Gelsenkirchen” , Wardruna alaturi de By Norse Music au transformat acest concept intr-un intreg turneu intitulat Nordic Night Summer Open Air Tour care va promova albumul ‘Kvitravn’ care a fost lansat pe 22 Ianuarie 2021. Turneul era planuit pentru 2021 dar cu toate restrictiile, a trebui sa fie amanat pentru vara acestui an. Atmosfera si discutiile prinse din zbor inainte ca Wardruna sa urce pe scena m-au convins cat de asteptati au fost la Bucuresti.

© Carlos Funes

Atmosfera a fost aproape sacra pe intreaga perioada a concertului, au fost momente in care s-a simtit aproape divin in sensul propriu al cuvantului. A ajutat la acest lucru si faptul ca a fost un concert all-seated, intensitatea luminii reduse si melodiile trupei. Concertul a inceput cu melodia care poarta numele albumului nou ”Kvitravn”. De pe acest album trei melodii si-au facut loc in setlist-ul serii: „Grá”, „Kvitravn” si „Skugge”. Sunetul a fost impecabil, luminile gandite pana la cel mai mic detaliu, iar scena decorata atat de simplu dar atat de eficient incat cred ca nu am suficiente cuvinte de lauda.

© Carlos Funes

Dupa cele 15 melodii cantate care m-au purtat prin cele mai adanci ganduri si cele mai ascunse sentimente, eu nefiind o persoana care sa creada in divinitate, cred ca au facut o treaba atat de buna incat pentru o clipa m-am transpus in vremurile din care vine inspiratia lor. In mare parte, cred ca asta este unul din scopurile trupei, mai ales ca au ales sa nu adreseze absolut niciun cuvant pana aproape de finalul concertului, lucru care m-a bucurat pentru ca n-am simtit absolut nicio intrerupere la aceasta experienta. Si da! A fost mult mai mult decat un concert, a fost intradevar o experienta. Un final mai bun nu cred ca putea exista, Kvitrafn a cantat acustic, singur cu o lumina aprinsa varianta Skaldic a melodiei „Voluspá”, fara sa exagerez pot spune ca s-a lasat cu plansete in jurul meu, fiind o melodie despre viata si moarte asa cum sustine solistul.

© Carlos Funes

In deschiderea au cantat doua trupe, care au fost foarte potrivite, avand cumva acelasi stil domol: KALANDRA, LINDY-FAY HELLA & Dei Farne. Accesul a fost unul usor si rapid, am observat ca oamenii aveau foarte multe intrebari in legatura cu sectorul in care aveau loc dar nu mi s-a parut ceva foarte deranjant. In concluzie, abia astept urmatorul concert Wardruna!

Dream Theater & Devin Townsend- 29.05.2022 (Arenele Romane, Bucuresti)- Recenzie

Am sa va povestesc despre cum a fost la concertul mult asteptat al celora de la Dream Theater organizat la Arenele Romane. Deja mi-am facut un obicei sa ajung la locatie cand prima trupa isi canta melodia de deschidere. Bine, spun prima trupa dar de fapt ma refer la Devin Townsend solist si chitarist de progressive metal, cunoscut deja ca “multi-everythingist” in ceea ce inseamna muzica.

© Carlos Funes

Concertul a inceput la ora 19:30 fix cu melodia Failure (Devin Townsend Project song) care pot spune ca a setat ceva asteptari pentru seara asta. Ca atmosfera sa fie in ton cu stilul concertului, din cand in cand ne-a si picurat. Dupa doar 8 melodii, concertul s-a incheiat cu Love?(Strapping Young Lad song). Si fix cu aceiasi intrebare in cap am asteptat primul meu concert live Dream Theater.

© Carlos Funes

Programul anuntat s-a respectat cu o strictete rar intalnita pe la noi, iar in pauza de 15 minute m-am dus sa explorez un pic locatia. Achizitia de bauturi s-a facut tot pe baza de jetoane, cate un stand pentru fiecare zona. Locatia a fost impartita in 3 categorii de bilete: Golden, Acces General si tribune. Cred ca organizatorii au facut o alegere buna sa mute concertul din Romexpo la Arenele Roamane deoarece asa atat publicul cat si trupele au putut simtii emotia concertului.

© Carlos Funes

Nu cred ca as putea gasi cuvintele potrivite pentru a descrie cea mai iubita trupa de progressive metal a timpurilor noastre. De la primul acord toata lumea a amutit si si-a indreptat atentia 100% la ceea ce urma sa se intample pe scena. Marele dezavantaj, in schimb, a fost sonorizarea care nu cred ca s-a ridicat la amplitudinea creatiilor Dream Theater. Obligati de ploaia care ne ameninta, toti membrii trupei au stat in spatele scenei iar in momentele in care voiau sa se apropie de public, intrau intr-un con de intuneric, luminile nici ele foarte bine gandite. S-a simtit ca majoritatea celor prezenti au venit pentru Petrucci, ma convins acest lucru numarul mare de chitaristi si nu numai din formatii cunoscute pe la noi, multi chiar nu dintre metalistii pe care ii vedem si urmarim pe la fiecare concert. Pentru fiecare piesa au avut un alt fundal sau animatie care a ajutat la crearea ficarei povesti.

© Carlos Funes

Setlist:

  1. The Alien
  2. 6:00
  3. Awaken the Master
  4. Endless Sacrifice
  5. Bridges in the Sky
  6. Invisible Monster
  7. About to Crash
  8. The Ministry of Lost Souls
  9. A View From the Top of the World
  10. The Count of Tuscany

Eveniment organizat de Maximum Rock și Promusic Events

Concert Dark Tranquillity si Ensiferum la Arenele Romane (Open Air) – 15 mai 2022-Recenzie

Well I have to tell you a story!

Am ajuns la acces cand prima trupa incepea show-ul, se auzea bine rau si am fost impresionata inca de la primele note. Surpriza mare a fost in momentul in care am vazut pe scena fetele de la GWENDYDD, trupa de melodic death metal/metalcore  originara din Bulgaria care m-au facut sa ma indragostesc pe loc de muzica lor. Energia si starea de bine pe care au transmis-o catre noi au fost uimitoare, cu atat mai mult ca vorbim de prima trupa care urca pe scena in seara asta.

© Carlos Funes

Pauza dintre trupe a fost de doar 15 minute, nemaipomenite pentru a-ti trage sufletul si a te hidrata pentru urmatoarea trupa. Si, man, cum a fost urmatoarea trupa… 🙂

© Carlos Funes

Au urcat pe scena germanii de la  PYOGENESIS, trupa de alternative rock / gothic metal cu mult chef de distractie. Am ras cu lacrimi pe tot parcursul show-ului, au avut toata energia din lume si ne au dat-o pe toata cat au stat pe scena. Pe langa membrii trupei pe scena a fost prezent si un baiat de la tehnic care a facut deliciul publicului.

© Carlos Funes

Situatia a devenit un pic mai serioasa o data cu urcarea pe scena a celor de la Ensiferum. Trupa deja cunoscuta si iubita pe la noi care au facut un spectacol pe cinste. Au echilibrat foarte bine atmosfera intre cele doua trupe si capul de afis al serii.

© Carlos Funes

Dupa inca 15 minute de pauza au urcat pe scena Dark Tranquillity iar entuziasmul publicului s-a simtit pe scena. Au deschis concertul cu melodia: ”Identical to None”, apoi au reusit sa pastreze publicul atent tot concertul. Au cantat 13 melodii, dintre care 4 de pe albumul ”Moment”. Concertul s-a incheiat fara bis cu piesa: ”Lost to Apathy” .

© Carlos Funes

In concluzie, de mult n-am mai fost la un concert atat de bine inchegat cap-coada. Toate trupele au fost cam in acelasi film din punct de vedere muzical dar si al energiei transmise noua.

Moonspell si Bucovina la Arenele Romane (Open Air) – 12 mai 2022- Recenzie

Am fost intampinati in locatie de catre grecii de la Fragment Soul, o trupa de progressive/dark melancholic metal formata in 2016. Cu soarele in fata, trupa chiar a reusit sa creeze o melancolie generala in public. Partea buna, fiind intr-o zi de joi concertul, la ora 18:30 cand ei au urcat pe scena inca nu se stransesera mare parte din public. Alaturi de ei, e scena, a fost si solista ambre V, care pot spune ca a sunat chiar bine, vocea ei s-a integrat perfect atat cu vocea solistului Marc Durkee cat si cu instrumentalul trupei.

Scena fiind cucerita de doar 3 trupe in aceasta seara, am avut pauza de cate 30 minute intre prestatii, ocazie cu care am avut parte de o surpriza. Organizatorii au renuntat la achizita de jetoane, iar asta din start a omorat o coada si au transformat achizitia de bauturi un process mult mai usor si rapid. Nu cred ca am petrecut vreodata, la vreun concert, atat de putin timp la bar. 😊

Au urmat pe scena cei de la Bucovina, trupa de folk metal foarte cunoscuta si iubita intre metalistii autohtoni. Energia cu care au urcat pe scena este de apreciat, din pacate nu au reusit sa o extinda si asupra publicului, lucru recunoscut chiar de catre Crivat care a tinut sa ne spuna: “Aceasta zi este v-a ramane in istorie ca ziua in care la concertul nostru nu s-a dansat, nu am vazut wall of death, nimic.” Chiar daca nu a fost desmat in public, pot spune ca mi-am miscat corpul pe “Mestecanis”, “Spune tu vant” si inca cateva melodii care au risipit un pic nivelul de amorteala si lipsa de antrenament din pandemie.

Moonspell a fost headliner-ul serii, au urcat pe scena sa ne incante atat cu melodii noi cat si consacrate precum, “The Greater Good”, “Common Prayers”, “Night Eternal”, “Alma Mater”, “Scorpion Flower” si “Full Moon Madness” cu care au incheiat spectacolul. Show-ul a fost foarte bine inchegat, au reusit sa trezeasca un pic publicul si sa ne faca sa ne miscam. Un mare plus a fost jocul de lumini, care pot spune ca m-a impresionat. Mi-a dat impresia ca modul in care au folosit luminile a ajutat foarte mult la crearea unei povesti foarte bine conturata. Sa nu mai zic de faptul ca luminile roz au fost folosite prima data, in opinia mea, foarte frumos intr-un concert de metal.

Overall, acest concert mi-a dat impresia ca cei doi ani petrecuti in casa si-au spus cuvantul, suntem mult mai retrasi si cred ca am uitat cum este sa ne distram. Poate pana la finele anului ne revenim la energie pre-pandemie.

Familia Addams la Teatrul Excelsior – o experienta de neratat

Daca nu ai fost pana acum la Familia Addams la Teatru Excelsior, trebuie neaparat sa o faci! Ce, cum? – te intrebi probabil. Nicio grija, si eu am aflat spre rusinea mea recent de acest spectacol. Dar nu poti sa il ratezi.

In regia lui Razvan Mazilu, Familia Addams este un SPECTACOL! in toate sensurile cuvantului. Un tur de forta pentru actori, care canta, joaca, danseaza, reusind sa le imbine pe toate parca fara efort. Un show cu un concept rar vazut pe scenele romanesti, cu muzica, decor, machiaj, costume. Daca Broadway sau West End ar avea spectacole in Romana, asa ar arata.

Poate sunt subiectiva, din moment ce mie mi-a si placut foarte mult Familia Addams, asa ca a fost o incantare sa observ personajele atat de cunoscute. Spectacolul urmareste prima iubire a micutei Wednesday Addams, care nu mai este atat de micuta se pare, si cum se adapteaza familia la asta. Si, mai ales, prin ce peripetii trec cand ii cunosc pe “socri”. E o poveste cunoscuta, dar care are grija sa integreze multe elemente mici pe care le recunoastem cu drag din Familia Addams.

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Pentru 2h si 30 min (cu pauza) am intrat intr-o lume aparte si parca am uitat ca ne uitam la un spectacol de teatru (muzical). In schimb, a fost o experienta uimitoare. Moment dupa moment gasesti ceva care sa te impresioneze. E dramatic, e amuzant, e teatru muzical prin desavarsire. Un mare Bravo din partea noastra pentru toti cei implicati in acest show.

Daca nu te-am convins inca, uite si trailer-ul oficial

Nu stiu cand se va juca urmatoarea data, dar fiti atenti si luati-va biletele din timp!

https://teatrul-excelsior.ro/familia-addams/#bilete

God Is An Astronaut / Ghost Tapes #10 / Album Review

Disclaimer: God Is An Astronaut is probably one of the first post-rock bands I’ve listened to. Even more so, one of the bands with whom I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage a few years back (Torsten, Niels and Lloyd are the most down to Earth artists I’ve ever met). So what you’re about to read is unapologetically a biased review of their upcoming album, Ghost Tapes #10.

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Adrift, the first song on the album, sets the tone for what I would call a God Is An Astronaut you never knew ever existed. 90’s grunge riffs, dirty delayed guitar leads and distorted bass lines, followed by the atmospheric trademark the band is known for. Right from the get-go, I can definitely say that the Production is perfect. A lot of work has been put into capturing every detail on what the band is expressing on Ghost Tapes #10. And this song clearly establishes the vibe that we are going to experience throughout the entire album.

Burial is the song that the band chose to announce the album through, releasing it as the first single. And I think it’s safe to say that they made the right choice: dark melodies, deep piano chords and a constant state of anxiety, all tailored in a way to make you nod your head at the same time.

If there’s something I think more post-rock genre bands should embrace more is experimenting with odd time signatures and groovy drum beats, rather than the usual (and overdone, at this point) crescendos and reverb-driven lead parts. I think In Flux is doing just that. The song starts off with a dark synth pad part, followed shortly by a 7/8 time signature beat. I could definitely hear this song in Quentin Tarantino’s next action movie’s soundtrack.

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Photo Credit: Brian Meade

Spectres picked up from where In Flux left off, in a similar odd time signature beat and a fear inducing soundscape . This gem is one of the best examples on how the band have distanced themselves from albums like All Is Violent, All Is Bright or Helios / Erebus. I’m pretty sure that more than 16 years ago they wouldn’t have had a clue that they would put out an album such as this one. An album I cannot wait for all of you to listen to.

Fade is God Is An Astronaut’s second single off Ghost Tapes #10 and it clearly doesn’t disappoint in maintaining the solid feeling the entire album’s been built upon. However, unlike the 4 previous songs, we’re listening to a more melody oriented song, rather than the riff based songs like Burial and Spectres.

Barren Trees is probably my favourite song on the album! It managed to encapsulate all of my expectations from this long awaited release: groovy drum beats, courtesy of Lloyd Hanney, Torsten’s airy vocals and riffs and Niels’s amazing bass lines, all wrapped up in a reinvented grungy God Is An Astronaut.

Luminous Waves is the closing song and it’s something I was waiting to hear from the GIAA crew in a long time. I strongly think that, if they would try to write Fragile once again, this song would definitely sound like it.

Conclusion:  The album clearly represents a departure from Epitaph, Helios / Erebus and basically, most of what we’ve been used to hearing from God Is An Astronaut. Of course, that’s not a negative aspect. It’s actually quite the opposite. If there’s something that I respect the most in a band is their ability to innovate their sound and re-invent themselves, over and over again. Ghost Tapes #10 does just that and I cannot wait to listen the s**t out of it on repeat.”

Review by Mircea Becherescu

AD INFINITUM Chapter I: Monarchy – album review

There is nothing like new music to lift our spirits during these times. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of AD INFINITUM’s upcoming album Chapter I: Monarchy, and I am excited! They already released a couple of bangers singles and absolutely over-the-top videos (in the best way possible) for Marching on Versailles and See You in Hell. However, the first sample of what was to come was I Am The Storm, with a video released in November 2018.

The whole album has a lot of fire and power. It’s bombastic and symphonic, which makes it harder to create a new and specific sound, but they managed it gracefully.

Infected Monarchy is a perfect intro, so dramatic, symphonic, and bombastic, and yet very soft. I love how there is a such a common sound and concept tying the album together.

Marching on Versailles is such a powerful anthem I can only describe it as “!!!!”. I sure am ready to follow Melissa into battle and storm Versailles (eat the rich) This was their first single and it was chosen so well because it defines the album and band and really makes a statement. I loved it. Very curious to see if any new songs will surpass it in my top.

Maleficent is a bit different, starting with a lot more focus on drums, but alternating with very soft parts where clear vocals shine. The drama of it all is still there. And by the end of the song we are treated to some growls as well “Watch me riiiiiise!” – I sure will.

See You in Hell starts so soft like a sad song I just want to wrap myself into. It just gets better and better and then bam SEE YOU IN HELL. A song for my taste. The sound is so good, Melissa absolutely shines and the lyrics are even more powerful. I mean, “Goodbye my love/ May we meet again/ Heaven is closed/ See you in hell!”. Like wow! Chills! Take a moment to take that in. I also have to mention just what a big production the video is! True dedication and investment, bringing a story to life.

I Am The Storm was the first song we heard from Ad Infinitum, with a video released a year ago. It’s a good song and definitely a good first song from a band, but it feels somehow ‘other’ to the most recent songs from the album, as it’s not as over the top with the orchestration.

Fire and Ice is a ballad that is still full of different elements and orchestration but compared to the rest of the album seems more stripped down.

Live Before You Die is back with a kick! It’s the kind of song that makes you wanna move and dance, so I think this one will be a hit live.

Revenge starts with soft keyboard and bells, but I am sure it’s not gonna last. And there it is! the orchestration growing in intensity and dramatism. I love how they know how to mix enough harsh vocals to get just the right effects. The vocals are shining loudly on top of the instrumental. However, for this album I expected more …. hatred …. from a song called Revenge.

Photo Credit: Nat Enemede

Demons is fast-tuned, with slightly less choirs and dramatism than the rest of the album and makes even more use of harsh vocals. We even get a spoken interlude.

Tell Me Why closes the album on a softer touch, mixing “flowy” parts with more powerful ones.

All in all, this is the kind of musical content I want to hear. For a first album, this manages to create not just a specific sound but an identity for Ad Infinitum. It will also skyrocket Melissa as an absolute powerhouse vocalist! This album showcases just how much she can do and how well it all works. She can explore everything she can do, but still knows when to reign it in and not over do it, when to layer tracks and when to use harsh vocals. The instrumental also keeps up with her and helps create a magical and powerful sound.

Fans of symphonic metal will definitely run towards this album. For me,
Marching on Versailles remains the absolute favourite and highlight of the album, with See You In Hell a close second. Within this genre, this will definitely be one of the best albums of the year!

I am sure it will be such a treat to hear it live. So when things calm down and we get the chance to attend concerts again, make sure to buy a ticket and go see them support Serenity, Dynazty, and Victorious!

Blazing Desert Metal takes over Bucharest – Myrath and Eleine

Blazing Desert Metal descended upon Bucharest with Myrath and Eleine enchanting us for a night.

Eleine are the perfect opener for Myrath, close enough in style. After all, we do see their frontwoman, Madeleine Liljestam , in a traditional bellydance outfit. And boy does she put on a show! The songs are interesting and it makes for a nice show for those who don’t know them. Very visually pleasing. Unfortunately, the sound was quite bad, with drums cranked all the way up and vocal lines indistinguishable at times. Guitarist Rikard Ekberg deserves some praise for his really great interaction with the public.

Myrath are no strangers to Romania and they packed Quantic Club once again. This was my 4th time seeing them and I was really excited because they have been growing so much and their show has become so much more. It’s not every day that you see a band bring their own carpets and pillows on stage :))

The sound got better for their but not ideal and the lights were a real struggle for photographers, since they never actually light up Zaher and he got a bit lost behind the smoke.

Back to the good parts, the guys delivered! I truly love their attention to detail and their commitment to bring something extra and to do something special. This tour they have been bringing their producer Kevin Codfert on stage to join in on keytar (portable keyboards) for a couple of songs. They have a lovely bellydancer who just kept getting better and better throughout the show.


And as if that is not enough, they even had an illusionist! Yes, imagine floating sticks and tables and even floating Zaher!

They actually put thought into bringing props and creating interesting costumes. So glad to see men be creative about how they dress on stage and not just get away with basic tshirt and jeans combo.

But enough about that, let’s get to the music! That’s why we’re here after all. Their setlist took us through their albums, including all the well known hits such as “Tales of the Sands”, “Endure the Silence”, “Believer” and the very strong songs off their latest album which are already classics: “Dance”, “Born to Survive”, “No holding back”, “Monster in My Closet” and obviously the title song “Shehili”. Though I think I would have liked them to start with a stronger bang to match all the craziness already on stage.
I have to admit I don’t know all their songs that well, but even for those I didn’t know it was such a pleasure to listen and watch!

The whole show is just such a great ride with so many things happening that make it memorable. Truly, it is an experience to take part in more than just a number of songs played. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they filled Quantic and people really joined in for the fun. They also announced that they would be coming back to Romania with their new album, so I am excited! This tour saw them go to Brasov as well, so the future looks very bright!

Hammerfall, Battle Beast and Serious Black trio in Budapest

This Thursday evening 3 heavy metal bands played in Barba Negra, on the same day as Megadeth and Five Finger Death Punch performed in the Arena. On my way there I was wondering about how many people I will see in the venue when I arrive, but when I saw the queue around the entrance I knew this show would be sold out or at least close to it. (later I learned it was actually sold out)

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Out of the three bands I was familiar with two, Battle Beast and Hammerfall, having seen each of them twice before.
Based on their name < Serious Black>, I draw the conclusion that they must play in the same genre as Hammerfall and I couldn’t be more right. When I entered the venue, they were just starting the show, the sound and the image of the band was just pure heavy metal, nothing more, nothing less. Sometimes less is more. I looked around and I saw people from all ages already having the most fun, kids, teenagers, parents and even grandparents. This genre, I would say, is the one that closes the gap between generations when it comes to music preferences. The youth loved it because it was catchy, very energetic and the band really knew how to hype the crowd. On the other hand, the older generation, I guess, grew up on this exact sound and this is what they think of when they say music was better when they were younger. Of course, this was true for the whole night, not only for Serious Black. People were enjoying the opening show, they were jumping, they were clapping and singing when asked to J , but the most important part is that they were there, listening to them.
We often go to events where there is considerably less people before the headliner starts and I was happy to see this was not one of those nights. Serious Black are coming back in September and I’m sure there will be many people who will join after seeing them opening for Hammerfall.

The next act on stage was Battle Beast, a band I enjoy a lot! I got into metal by listening to female fronted bands and what I like most about Battle Beast is that they are nothing like them. Not that I would not love those anymore, cause I do, but because of the surprise element they have. I guess everybody, including me expects a high pitched voice or exactly the opposite, some growls when it comes to female singers in metal bands.

BATTLE BEAST

Noora doesn’t meet any of those expectations, she has a very strong voice with a great amount of rasp, no opera style and none of the extreme ends of the spectrum. Hearing her is very refreshing, it feels like something new, when the genre itself is one of the oldest. Battle Beast bring an ‘80s heavy metal sound that still has a fresh vibe to it.
The moment they showed up on the stage, all hands were up in the air and the venue “exploded”.
They started with the opening  song from their most recent album “No More Hollywood Endings”, from which they played quite a few more during the night. Song after song, people were screaming, dancing, headbanging, nobody got tired and to be honest they would not let us stop anyway. The way they interact with the crowd is next level. All the joking, funny moments, speeches between songs add more to the table than we would think. A little disco element in the songs, a little comedy never hurt nobody. After a few songs, Janne brought some disco drums <as he said> on the stage which gave a whole new atmosphere, now that was the 80s vibe we needed from them.
Rock music was always about fun&games, and they did not let us forget this during the night.

After a short break Hammerfall jumped on the stage, by this time, there the venue was absolutely full, which shows that besides modern metal, there is still a huge need for simple heavy metal without adding to much extra elements to it.
The instruments were loud, the singer was loud, but damn, the crowd was even louder at times. Fans were not so busy with moshing, they choose to sing from the very first song to the very last one.

Image result for hammerfall napalm records

It didn’t really matter which album they were playing from, fans knew the lyrics and they definitely knew how to impress the band. In between the songs, they did not stop chanting “Hammerfall”, it was very nice to see that. Besides playing a few tracks from their new release “Dominion” they did not forget to bring their classics like “Any means necessary”, “Last Man Standing” or “Hearts on fire” (probably the first Hammerfall song for 90% of the crowd). Especially on these pieces, the fans not only sang along with the band, but they were let to sing choruses and bridges alone several times.
Some people prefer to hear the singer sing all the way to the end, but I think these are the moments that become unforgettable memories from a show not only for us, but for the band also. My favorite part at heavy or power metal shows is that the crowd not only sings the lyrics but they “sing” the riffs and the melodic guitar solos too. Of course, this also happened here on almost every song, which made this night a very loud and energetic one. Little kids also joined the “OoooOooo” parts and I’m sure they will remember this concert when they grow up.
After “Let the Hammer Fall” the band left the stage for a few minutes. It goes without saying that fans invited them back, so they continued the set with the most successful song from the night (imo) “Hammer High”.
That song is like the anthem of not only Hammerfall fans, but all heavy metal fans. It’s a classic that should be never left out of their setlist, and I’m glad they think the same way.
After this bomb of a song, the new album’s “Sweden Rock” followed which got the best reaction from the crowd from all the played new songs. As for the last one, the riff of “Hearts on fire” started playing and it took us back to some childhood memories when we couldn’t wait for this song to come up on MTV.

Overall, I think this is how a tour line up has to be done. Great quality bands playing in similar subgenres, so fans can appreciate them all, no matter which band made them buy the tickets.

Review by Eszter Kovacs