Archive for November, 2017

Any Way You Want It

Posted in Uncategorized on November 19, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, the day of the departure came. We talked to our host and was granted an hour to sleep in, which was much welcome for us! We packed up our stuff and said good bye to Laura as she was heading off to a different destination than the rest of us, and the three of us others headed off to Cologne.

It was kind of nice. Sjorven and me in the front, and Niki doing her best to keep up with us behind. She did a great job by the way.

Once at the airport I got checked in, we said our good byes and then I went on my plane. I had a stopover in Hamburg, so I stopped by this supercool burger diner which burger was too much for me to finish, and then got on my plane home. Which was of course delayed, because why not? But lucky me, there is a very late bus, so I got home all in all!

So, this was an amazing weekend. Thanks to all of you people who made this weekend so amazing as it was! Kisses to all of you!

// Sara

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Battle Beast @ Matrix, Bochum, Germany 18/11 – 17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , on November 18, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

(So long overdue it isn’t even funny)

So, we got up quite late in the morning, the due arrival time for our two companions was later in the day, so we took the opportunity to sleep in a bit. We headed in toward town, as I wanted to do some light shopping and for lunch, we shared a big pizza at Pizza Hut and even managed to pick up a lotion for Sjorven! What a day.

We made it back to the apartment just in time for Laura and Niki’s arrival, and seriously, what a beautiful get together. Cars from all over Europe gathered, and we even managed to squeeze in Niki’s big one in the drive way. Which was ironic, as her car was the car we had to use.

Once inside, we treated Niki and Laura to some of our left overs from yesterday as we all started to get ready. Which included Sjorven trying on one of Niki’s corsets. Because why not?

Once we were all ready, we headed off to the venue and gladly, it wasn’t too much of a line, I’d expect more from Germany on a Saturday – but I guess not! The venue was right next to a food store, so once we secured spots, Sjorven and I headed into the store to get refreshments and candies for after the show, and I’ll be damned. I turn around when Sjorven goes after some drinks, and there’s Battle Beast! They even waved to me – I suppose this is because of the hoodie, but I’ll be damned!

We got our stuff loaded into Niki’s car and then we went back to wait. Soon enough, they opened the doors and we were let in… to another door. Oh well. Gladly, this bought us some time to go to the bathroom, and finally they let us in. Very much on the side, but still front. Happiness! And so, we waited, and then, Silver Dust began.

Silver Dust

I was quite excited to see Silver Dust tonight, they were part of the reason I flew out to Germany in the first place –  I really liked them on the last tour, so I was excited. And it got even better, as I got to see a proper show with actresses and theatrics. They performed a good set, and they got good response from the audience.

After this, we waited and soon enough, Battle Beast began.

Battle Beast

They came out and kicked us right in the face (almost literally because no fence) with “Straight to the Heart” before launching straight into “Bringer of Pain” and then “Familiar Hell”. It was good to be back “down on the continent” where fans are more respectful and crowds are crazier. I don’t feel so alone for once. I love it.

“Into the Heart of Danger” followed suit, and then “We Will Fight”. Noora was energetic as usual, and drove you over like a tank before they continued with “Let it Roar” and then into “Black Ninja”. The crowd had such a good feeling to it, loving every second.

They slowed it down a moment with “Far From Heaven” before getting into a more serious setting on “Lost in Wars”. This song is seriously so magical. “Iron Hand”, mighty “Iron Hand”  before the powerpack that is “Bastard Son of Odin”.

“Touch in the night” was following, and it was magical to once again experience this sexy and absolutely amazing song together with my Laura. She’s the one who makes this song, really. The band rounded up the show with “Out of Control” before leaving the stage, but returning quickly.

“King for a Day” and “Beyond the burning skies” were the encores even for this night, and the band thanked for the night and then left the stage.

We stopped by the merch to say hello to Silver Dust and pick up small items before heading back to the hotel.

We had a small afterparty, and then crashed in bed preparing for tomorrow mornings take off.

It was a great show, once again, with a great band and great company. Thank you!

// Sara

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Eagle Fly Free

Posted in Uncategorized on November 17, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, for once I actually… could sleep in. Well somewhat, it was still a relatively early morning, but not as early as usual which is amazing. I got up at around 7, headed down to the busstation and had an early and light breakfast at Espresso House (where else?) before getting on the bus to head to the airport.

The flight was uneventful, and thus started the long journey from Düsseldorf to Dortmund. Which was a lot harder than it needed to be. First I get to somewhere, somewhere I don’t even remember, and then onward to Dortmund. But at this point, I had gotten so tired of traveling, especially considering the train got delayed and stuff.

So once in Dortmund, I actually got myself a taxi even if I normally don’t do that kind of stuff, only to just reach my destination about this year. So, once there I got settled in in the probably cutest apartment! This is something I really love about AirBNB, that the places are so cute, cozy and amazing.

I started preparing my surprise for Sjorven, consisting of a dinner and movienight. Once he arrived around nine, he got settled in, we had our dinner and movienight before going to bed.

After all, it had been a long day for both us, and tomorrow it was yet another heavy day.

// Sara

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Stone Sour @ Annexet, Stockholm, Sweden 16/11 – 17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , on November 16, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, three weeks of weekend tourings has reached the start of the end, and so I went on the train, again, seems to be a new normal for me, and headed off to Stockholm for a pitstop and then onwards to Germany. But this must have been the trip to hell.

On my way to the trainstation, it dawns upon me that I have forgotten my SL card, buscard for public transport in Stockholm. Which I had topped up specifically for this. While seated on the train, I realize I have forgotten my carry-on pouch which contains my toothbrush and toothpaste, and then a day worth of necessities, in case my checked in bag would get lost. Oh well. Fuck my life. And then I realize another thing.

I forgot the concert ticket at home.

There were a few frantic moments of panic, until I could read on the ticket in my mailbox that it’s fine to scan it directly off your phone at the entrance. Thank. Fucking. God. On top of that, the train got delayed.

So, once in Stockholm I went back to Birka Hostel, my new “home” in Stockholm, and conveniently enough, I had the exact same room as I had earlier this year when I saw Sabaton. How awesome? Ran off to a convenience store to buy my now third travel toothbrush and some paste and then down to Sergels Torg to once again meet up with Robert.

This time around though, we chose to have dinner at Burger King instead. Why not you know. We headed off to the arena and got a bit lost at first. It’s a bit confusing, seeing the venue is Annexet, which is not really Globen, but still is Globen. Eventually we found our way in, made the bathroom break and then headed off to the merchandise. Robert picked up a shirt of each band, and then into the venue.

It was somewhat empty in fact, to my surprise but also to our joy, I guess. Ida and Adam soon joined us, two of the people I met while at Graspop, and it was BEYOND to see them again. And then.. lights out and show starting.

The Pretty Reckless

First time for me to see this band, and I listened a lot to their “Going to Hell” album at the time it came out, but after that I kind of lost track of them? If that makes sense, but I was very happy to finally see them.

They walked on stage and just stood there, almost as if in pain, and then started off with “Follow me Down” which is the perfect mixture of both subtleness and in your face kind of thing. They followed it up with “Since You’re Gone” and “Oh My God”.

“Hangman” was next to the list, and even if the crowd might have been a little bit thin, it was still a good vibe coming from them. The band was delivering as well, so it was all good. “Prisoner” was next, followed by one of my personal favorites “Sweet Things” before they cranked out their big hit “Make Me Wanna Die”. Or I don’t know if it’s their big hit, but it was the first song they released anyway. Somewhere here, Robert manages to drop our beerglass. ALL OVER MY NEW BATTLE BEAST HOODIE. And Ida’s hair and dress. Oh well.

Guitarsolo was ripped up before “Heaven Knows” which is also one of my own personal favorites, it’s the perfect crowd song, if you think about it really. “Going to Hell” and “Take Me Down” wrapped the set for this time, and the band thanked for themselves and left the stage.

While I enjoyed the show, I still found it a bit dull. Musically they delivered, but I wish to have seen more energy in them, I’ll admit.

After this, I headed out to the bathroom, and still miraculously made my way back where we were, and Robert was nowhere to be found. What the hell. Turns out he’d gone too, after all, so I made my to the side of the crowd rather than in the middle of it. And before Robert even returned, the intro started rolling..

Stone Sour

As they came on stage, they opened the set with “Taipei Person / Allah Tea” and the crowd… sort of lost it, I guess. It’s not exactly as I’ve seen it happen before, but the place had gotten packed and everyone was in a good mood, and the band seemed to be too.

“Knievel Has Landed” was the second song on the setlist, and Corey was… he was good. He was energetic. I’ll leave it at that. “Made of Scars” followed suit, and “Reborn” was next. The crowd was decent, but not really there yet. BUT – when next song was announced, they woke up a little bit

“Say You’ll Haunt Me” took place, and I do personally love this song a lot, so I was more than happy. “30/30-150” followed suit, and then “Hesitate”, which he fittingly enough dedicated to all of us ladies. Thank you for that, Corey. I love this song.

“Tired” was next, and the thing is… The band performed. And delivered. But I miss that energy. They lack that energy that I wish to see in a live band, which surprises me. Even Corey Taylor was a bit calmed down, and it felt like it was just another day at the job for them. Which it was, in a way.

“Rose Red Violent Blue (This song is dumb and so am I)” from the most recent album followed suit, alongside “Do me a Favor” and “Cold Reader”. At this point, the crowd had warmed up a little bit… but still not entirely there, you know?

“Get Inside”, “Song#3” were done and then… Corey started singing, and the whole arena more or less exploded. Yeah, I guess you can guess. “Through Glass”.

After the song, they left the stage and the intro for “Gone Sovereign” started echoing, and they returned to finish of the song. A screaming competition between the sides emerged, to set the intro for “Absolute Zero” and FINALLY the crowd woke up. Well, for a second anyway.

The whole set was wrapped up with “Fabuless” before they, for real, left the stage and said their good byes.

Robert and I hung around for a while, and we both managed to score setlists despite not being in the front, and he also got a pick. How awesome, huh. We hung around for a while to make the line go down, and then got out and got home to our respective places.

It was a good night with good friends, and I loved that. Tomorrow, Germany.

// Sara

 

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Typical British Weather

Posted in Travels, Uncategorized on November 12, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So the last day came upon us. Nathan went up rather early in the morning to catch his bus, which was well understandable. Already at 7, he left. Niki drove him to the busstation and then came back to sleep for another hour before we went down and had our last hotel breakfast for this time.

She was kind enough to drive me to the airport in Manchester, so we did spend a wee bit of time there. I went shopping, or more, looking for a specific item one last time, and then we had one last dinner at Pizza Hut before parting ways at the airport.

The flight was a little bit delayed because of you know, passengers being passengers, so I missed my bus by two minutes. Lucky me, there was another one in two hours, so I just sat down, had my favorite espresso house drink and then enjoyed a quiet and uneventful ride home.

This was a well needed vacation, and I can’t wait to do it again!

// Sara

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Alice Cooper @ First Direct Arena, Leeds, United Kingdom 11/11 -17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags , on November 11, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So it was time. It was the D-day. Lazy, I guess, as we were, we got up as late as possible to still make it to breakfast, although we made it in different… times. Niki was first down, then I followed and I really tried my hardest to make Nathan come, but he was too tired or something.

So, Niki and I enjoyed a nice breakfast, and we were indeed joined by Nathan at the time. He came last, but also left first so he could take a shower. You readers may remember, Nathan takes a few hours or so in the shower.

Once everybody was done and ready, we headed off to town to check out the city. There was a German christmas market going on, and as well as some additional shopping. We then settled for Wagamama for some dinner, which was delish! We made our way back to the hotel – even if it was a bit of a walk, it was a fairly easy way, gladly. In the elevator there were some people we thought were going to Cooper, so Nathan said “Let’s play a game, everyone seeing Cooper tonight raise your hands” and we got it confirmed. Was in fact a lot of Cooper people in the lobby.

Got a quick change and make up done at the hotel and then we headed back the same way toward the venue. The whole area surronding the venue was cut off, and it was extensive controls before getting in, but do you know what I love? The feeling of no rush or stress to get in. We had our seats, and we didn’t have to worry about a damn thing.

We headed straight for the merchandise and Niki and I picked up some merch before heading into the venue to find our seats and casually looking at the supportbands. I’m sorry, but I won’t be writing about them as I wasn’t really paying that much attention. The Tubes and The Mission was the support bands though!

Before Alice Cooper, or perhaps it was before The Mission, I did a Katy Perry and went outside to get popcorn and a cola. I mean, if I’m gonna sit here I might as well make the most of it right? Except on Katy Perry I didn’t have any seats, I just had the popcorn in front of me.

We saw the backdrop, or perhaps the curtain, for Alice Cooper being risen and we just got so goddamn excited. This show, we knew it was going to be one hell of a show.

And then.. the arena went dark and the intro “Spend the night” started echoing.

Alice Cooper

He opened up with “Brutal Planet”, much similar to earlier this year, and then continued into “Under My Wheels”. Seriously, Alice Cooper is indeed among the bands I’ve seen live the most, but for some reason I get childishly excited whenever I see him. Perhaps it’s because of the rarity.

Backdrop change, and next song “Lost in America” was delivered to us in a perfect way, and then continued with “Pain”, which was a bit of a surprise if you ask me! This was such a dream, this show. It is nothing but amazing to see Alice Cooper live.

We had seats quite high up, in the back, but I honestly didn’t mind. The seated people on the floor ended up standing up, so it was probably just as well that we were sitting this high up to be honest. “Department of Youth” and “The World Needs Guts” followed suit, by “Woman of mass Distraction”.

And after that, Hurricane Nita got to show off her skills, and seriously – this woman. She’s something else. I love her stage prescence and showmanship. She’s amazing. The guitarsolo wound up in “Poison”, and later one of the more amazing surprises for the night – “Halo of Flies”, which also featured a drumsolo by no one less than Glen Sobel.

“Feed My Frankenstein” was next on the list, followed by “Cold Ethyl”, and to my big surprise, and happiness I may say, “Only Women Bleed” was next. It was not yesterday I heard that song live, that is for sure.

“Paranoiac Personality” off the new album followed suit, and then “Ballad of Dwight Fry”. As you can see, a pretty normal setlist of Alice Cooper with some occasional easter eggs. “Killer” and “I Love the Dead” followed suit together with the execution… and then the arena went black.

And Nathan just hit my leg and was like “YOU WANT TO KEEP THAT CAMERA ROLLING” so I turned it on again. Which was great, because this was the entrance of the original members.

“I’m Eighteen” is usually a song I have a hate love relationship to. Because this was the only song that I repeatedly rehearsed with my band. But tonight? With the original bandmembers? Magical. Absolutely magical.

“Billion Dollar Babies” was next on the set, followed by “No More Mr Nice Guy” and “Muscle of Love” before also the current line up joined the originals to end up an amazing show with “Schools Out”. What a line up, what a set up. It’s hard to grasp, you know?

Seriously… this was beyond magic. Hearing Alice Cooper introduce all the bandmembers, all the current as well as the OG’s…. that was just. I can’t believe I got to witness this. It’s beyond me, really.

After the show, we headed straight back home, had one last drink together in the hotel bar before going to bed.

// Sara

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Death Rock Porn Star

Posted in Uncategorized on November 10, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So the day to travel up to Leeds were finally here. For some reason, despite being up and out in well time, we got late anyway. This is really just us, and all the time. We got an Uber to get us to the airport, where we took the bus, and damn, what a long walk just to get to the bus station. Seriously.

So, we got on the bus, quite uneventful, we got to the central, went and got some food and then came back in well time for the bus. Got the lane, went there… no bus. Okay. So we get out, and ask some National Express employees where it is, they have no clue. Run back and forth, can’t find it, and miss the bus.

A lovely lady next to us then informs us that apparently the bus had been behind the other bus. Right next to where the National Express empoyees had been standing. What. The. Hell. Says a lot about them, huh?

Gladly, the lady in the ticketbooth refunded our tickets and put us on a new bus – I guess she didn’t have much choice as it was AT LEAST three other people before us in line that had missed the same bus – and if that many passengers misses the same bus, it’s not the passengers that is the problem.

So, we finally got on the bus, and our loooong onwards journey toward Leeds, which was quite uneventful if you ask me. We got to Leeds, sat down in the busstation and had our lunch. Well.. better late than never right? Niki was on her way approaching, but we had to wait a while for her, and then it took ages before we actually found each other. At a casino, nontheless.

We went to the hotel, got checked in, freshened up a bit and then we went out for dinner. We decided to hit up TGI Fridays and pretty much just treated ourselves to whatever we felt like. Big bill, but very much worth it!

Once back at the hotel, I had started to feel ill (I blame me downing a cider) so I went up to rest as Niki and Nathan headed down for another drink before bed.

// Sara

 

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Blind and Frozen

Posted in Travels, Uncategorized on November 9, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So! On it again, and this time I headed over to the United Kingdom, it’s been some time since last. Or actually, it hasn’t. Only like nine months ago. Which is quite some time now that I think about it.

Got on the bus at five in the morning, got perhaps one or two hours of sleep, jumped on the plane around 10 – it was quite uneventful if you ask me. A bit ahead of time. The drama started once landed, in fact. First and foremost, Nathan and I struggled to find each other. Finally though, we did and headed off to our normal place to eat – McDonalds. It’s just, we always eat there. It’s that simple, really.

Nathan was a bit of a tight time schedule, as he was attending and playing an event, so sooner rather than later we made our way to our hotel. Or tried, anyway. Firstly, we took the tube all the way to Heathrow, as our hotel is located by Heathrow. So, we get there, and then we try to order an Uber after realizing it’ll be hell trying to get there with the bus right now. Said and done.

After ten minutes, the uber was still five minutes away, and then six, and finally, after 15-20 minutes he shows up, only to say he thought it was cancelled, because he got into an accident – an accident that left no visible marks what so ever on his car. He even tried to check the inside of the door to see if it was damaged, but honey, if your car isn’t damaged on the outside it’s not gonna be on the inside.

So, what happened is that he refused to drive us because of this – so we ended up taking a taxi instead. The driver has been reported to Uber though, so don’t worry about it. Taxi, checked into the hotel and then Nathan took off right away to the event, and I laid down to rest. I wasn’t feeling too well, sadly.

Once I started feeling better, I headed out to London for some very light shopping. Pretty much just stopped by two or so stores.

Firstly, I picked up a oven-glove or mitten or what you call it, which is something I actually lack at home. And two bottles of the face cleaner / make up remover. I need more of that stuff.

Secondly I got some christmas decorations. I need to start in time, so I don’t stress myself out too much.

The most purchases though, were done at Primark.

A smaller makeup bag to use when I got so shows that requires less make up and equipment to be brought, to optimize packing better, and second is tights with diamonds on it. How nice?!

Socks! And a lot of them. It’s different variations of winter socks, as well as a 7-pack of camo-patterend socks. Sabaton socks, also known as.

Plain blue top, my favorite color, and a cute tshirt with a penguin on it. I love it, really.

This is probably my personal favorite purchase. It’s a green/yellow knitted cardigan, and it pretty much has my name written all over it. How amazing isn’t that?

Once done, I found Nathan again and we picked up some late night food and headed home to the hotelroom for a drink and preparing for tomorrow, as we embark a seven hour journey to Leeds.

// Sara

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Battle Beast @ Folkets Park, Huskvarna 3/11 – 17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags , , , on November 3, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, back in the saddle and on it again. Or more like, back in my wonderful absolutely amazing little tourcar, and heading down toward Huskvarna. This is a city and a venue I’ve never been in before, but after driving to Sweden Rock so many times, I actually almost found my way to Jönköping by default. How amazing isn’t that huh?

The drive was quite uneventful to be honest, a lot of headbanging and just cruising to my destionation, which was a MAX hamburger restaurant in Jönköping. I had gotten a lot of those discount coupons, and for once, they arrived at the time when I was actually IN NEED of them – like actually going to use them. How amazeballs isn’t that?

After a quick food and make up break,  I headed off all the way to Huskvarna. You know, those all long five minutes it takes to travel from the specific restaurant in question to the venue.

Once at the venue, I was lucky enough to get a parking spot right at the venue and from there I was just very very confused. It has like a gazillion buildings, or well, three, so I had to send Jonathan photos of everything like “where do I go from here” and eventually I found the little house, where I found some people working that told me that that specific building was the venue, and that the doors open in two hours. So now we wait.

Jonathan and his friend showed up rather quickly, and we hung around for a bit. They went in to check out the merch, some more friends joined in and we had a jolly good time before the doors opened. Once the doors opened, we ran, well, more walked in and took our spots in the front row of this tiny little venue.

It is like one of those vintage dance halls in facts, round in shape and all in wood. I loved it. Time passed quickly, and Rexoria stepped on stage.

Rexoria

Rexoria is a local band from the area, Jönköping to be more exact, and they delivered a pretty good set. You could kind of tell they were from the area as they had quite som fans in the crowd. I enjoyed their set a lot, and on top of that they played a new song from their upcoming album.

After this, the wait began and sooner rather than later, Dynazty took the stage.

Dynazty

They opened up ever as energetically with “Run Amok”, and the response from the audience was pretty good if you ask me. They followed rather quickly with “The Northern End”, which, as you know, is my personal favorite song of them. I could seriously travel all over just to see them play this song. Over and over again.

Just as previously “Raise Your Hands” followed suit and then “Roar of the Underdog”. The energy and mood seemed to be quite a little better today if I may say so, as “Incarnation” roared out of the speakers. I love this song no less as I did a few days ago – perfect for live.

Artistic break followed by “The Human Paradox”, “Titanic Mass” and then wrapping the set up with “Startlight” ended the, for me, last show with Dynazty for this tour. I can’t believe it’s already over. I wish and hope they start touring a little more soon. I can’t get enough of this band.

And once they were done, they started shifting the gear, which was a little bit smaller today, which isn’t so weird – smaller venue you know. What I really hated this time, was the douchebag who showed up about when Dynazty was done, and started pressing in, almost squeezing Susanna out of her spot. COME IN TIME PEOPLE. The people in the front has usually waited hours, so leave them be!

Battle Beast

In estimated time, they came on stage and opened strongly, probably stronger than in Stockholm, with “Straight To The Heart” and then launching us into “Bringer of Pain”.

And there was a very, very good vibe in the audience, already from the start, and it got even better for “Familiar Hell”. Stockholm got nothing on these Jönköping-people.

“Into the Heart of Danger” was the next song, then followed by “We Will Fight” which seemed to be quite the crowdpleaser, before we lost pretty much all of the control we might have had in “Let it Roar”. The audience was a bit.. well, drunk I guess. A lot of annoying people, but I guess you just have to live with that right?

“Black Ninja” was next song to be ripped off, and seriously, this song live is nothing but amazement. There’s nothing quite like just stopping for a moment and the absolutely losing it in a deep headbanging beat. There’s a few bands who has songs like that, but there’s nothing quite like it.

Beautiful little moment in “Far From Heaven” before returning to seriousness in “Lost in Wars”. This song has come to grow so much on me, the more I hear it. Not only live, also just at home really.

And you know… you know how some bands, when you hear that one note or tone, it’s like everything inside you simply explode? That is the case for me when the keynotes of “Iron Hand”, after toying around with some Abba, echoes through the speakers, and you could tell and feel on the audience that I was not the only one… holy hell what a song it is!

“Bastard Son of Odin” was next on the list, and it is very true that for once in a while, they actually don’t speak bullshit when they say this is the song about us. Real vikings. And then…

So, as I might have mentioned in my previous post, Robert was set to host the afterparty with Battle Beast after the Stockholm, and in Huskvarna it was my turn. I even had to say my name in the mic and everything, which is very much a first for me. This was of course the intro for “Touch in the Night”, which STILL, is not the same without Laura there… but soon enough I’ll be seeing them with her!

They wrapped up the set with “Out of Control” and it was good to be at a place with people who did go out of control. I was a bit, hm, how do I put it. Not amused perhaps? Upon noticing how I’d been levitating more and more to the right. I started out in the middle in front of Noora, and now I was more and more on the right. Oh well.

The band returned to the stage with “King for a Day” before ending the entire set with “Beyond the Burning Skies” The band thanked for the evening and left the stage.

Jonathan managed to catch a drumstick as well as a setlist, and he was kind enough to give me the setlist. Which was so sweet of him, he didn’t have to do that.

After the show, we got ourselves some refreshments, headed to the merchbooth and then hung around the venue for some time simply to hang out, getting to know each other and for Toivo to get all the signatures from the bandmembers.

Once we “disbanded” I headed back to the same MAX restaurant in Jönköping for some travel food before embarking on the three hour drive home.

This show was pure amazement. Thank you Battle Beast, Dynazty, Rexoria, Jonathan, Toivo, August and Susanna for an amazing evening! Until next time!

// Sara

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Battle Beast @ Klubben, Stockholm, Sweden 1/11 – 17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , , on November 1, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

At 12.18 it departued, my train toward the capital. If that sentence had been written in “The Hunger Games” it would have had a completely different meaning and cause than what my train has. For a change, I was going with the train rather than the bus, and enjoying the spacious seats they have.

Once in Stockholm,  I checked into my hotel and got ready for the evening. For the occasion, I was meeting up with Robert, an old friend I hadn’t seen in some time. We headed off to the closest Subway and had a sweet dinner before heading to the venue.

Once there, it wasn’t much of a line – and I saw a lot of coats. For those of you readers who are not from Sweden – up here it is mandatory, at least at most concert venues, to leave your jacket in the wardrobe, they will literally not let you pass without dropping off a jacket, and this is why you will never see me queue with a jacket. Because having to put away your coat in the closet is exactly what lost half this little tiny line in front of us their front row spots. But no issue for me and Robert, since – we did not take our jackets with us.

And you know, it’s not bad I’d say to end up in the frontrow arriving maybe only 15 minutes or so before the doors open. It wasn’t a whole lot of people there in the end, about the front row and maybe 10+ more as Dynazty entered the stage.

Dynazty

They started off the show, as energetic as you’d expect from a band who’s a bit rusty, with “Run Amok” and the interest from the audience was pretty…. yeah, cold. That is really the best word to describe it.

They continued very quickly with my personal favorite song, “The Northern End” and seriously… I could go to every single Battle Beast show in this tour only to see this song be played every night. I seriously hope Dynazty starts touring with Amaranthe.. please…

After this, they went back in time for “Raise Your Hands” before launching into “Roar of the Underdog” and then continuing on with “Incarnation”. I honestly love this song live, It’s so perfect for live – heavy, interactive, and has some melody to it. Amazing. “Unholy Deterrent” followed suit, before band took an “artistic break” and then returning with “The Human Paradox”. Another song that I love beyond.

They wrapped up the entire set with “Titanic Mass” and “Starlight” before leaving the stage.

Well, that sure as hell was worth it. It’s a real special feeling you know, when you get to see a band you see so damn rarely. Right at the end, I dodged for the bathrooms just for safety, and since I dogded so quickly – you know, I’ve been doing it for some time. Getting back in was not too hard either, despite it starting to fill up with people.

Right in time, Battle Beast’s intro started to echo and the show started off.

Battle Beast

Battle Beast started off as energetic and powerful as always with “Straight to the Heart” and my insides pretty much exploded. Not my organs, but inner emotions and any sort of self control just went out the window. Jesus Christ, this band knows how to deliver energy. Also, Noora and I had a little moment here. Which was amazing. There’s nothing quite like being the die hard fan at the front.

“Bringer of Pain” was next song on the list, and then thrown right into “Familiar Hell”. The reception was better than for Dynazty, I’ll give you that, but I felt they were still warming up a bit. Or at least in my opinion they could have done better.

“Into the Heart of Danger” was next on the list, and seriously, this song is so amazing live. It’s just… I don’t even know how to describe it properly, but it’s a perfect setting. “We will Fight” was next on the list, followed by the powerpackage that is “Let it Roar” and then into the epic “Black Ninja”. It’s just a whole segment and package of headbanging and jumping, a complete discharge of energy.

Gladly, we got to “relax” a little as “Far From Heaven” was next on the list, then followed by the extremely beautiful, yet powerful, “Lost in Wars”.

The epic tunes of “Iron Hand” echoed through the hall, and you know, there is something truly majestic about this specific song, don’t you think? It’s like, as soon as the intro starts, it’s like everything just levitates.

And again, as last time I saw them, this time speaking about viking warriors, they were not in the wrong by stating it considering that we ARE truly the bastard sons and daughters of Odin. I guess the next song doesn’t need more introduction than that. Again, a complete discharge of energy.

That is pretty much what this band does to you. The band is beyond energetic as it is, and it just rubs off on you. We feed off of each other. Time to slow it down a little to dance to “Touch in the Night” before, for real this time, losing all sense of self-control we all might have had for “Out of Control”.

Anecdote. At the point of one of these songs, Noora simply said that “It’s okay to take your shirt off you know” and naturally, Robert did. And they pointed out that he was a big contestant to have the afterparty at his place because of this.

The band left the stage, the crowed cheered as per usual, and they returned to wrap up the whole set with “King for a Day” and “Beyond the Burning Skies”. One last time to get rid of all that last pieces of energy you had lying around in you.

The band thanked for the evening and left the stage. And we were left completely dehydrated and dead. We remained at the venue for a long time, just to catch out breath and take a moment to get back to reality.

We left the venue, and I got back to my hotel, and Robert went his own way. Thank you Battle Beast, for this incredibly amazing evening.

// Sara

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