Archive for the 70000 tons of metal Category

Throwback: 70.000 Tons of Metal 2018, part 3

Posted in 70000 tons of metal, Concerts, Travels, Uncategorized on January 11, 2021 by Sara Hammerzmith

So the next day came, I got up and got ready… for the infamous Alestorm show. Actually, it wasn’t all that special and different at first – a relatively regular festival show by Alestorm, just in the most perfect location. They played the pool deck set, so, beyond perfect. The sun wasn’t out at the time, and it was rather windy, which we got to experience.

As per usual, Alestorm throws out their Ducky during their set. And then Ducky just jumps and floats around assaulting the people in the audience. But today, it would take a bit of a twist. As the band came to an end with their show, going into ”Captain Morgan’s Revenge” the wind hit just a little harder and Ducky was going wild. 

So wild that no one could stop him, not even the crew throwing themselves all they could during the break down and Ducky thus ended up hitting a bass player and the drummer of Alestorm. Chris just remained on the floor laughing for a while, the band stopped to play and he stood up, told us to shut up because they are ”actually a very serious metal band” and continued the song.

Sidenote: Some year or years later 70K team posted about this show on their feed, asking who got hit by Ducky which lead to the iconic comment ”Their drummer, for a change” being made by someone I do not remember the name of. But yes. Oh my god. What a start, huh?

Looking back on the schedule now I realize I just missed out on so many bands out of pure bliss. I had minor plans seeing several different bands but wound up pretty much only seeing Korpiklaani and attending a Battle Beast signing session prior to one of the coming highlights for me.

I mean, we might be in the Caribbean, but I’ll STILL wear combat boots and camo pants. I ran by the Battle Beast signing and then up to Sabaton which ultimately would be the highlight of the cruise, of course, what else? 

It was yet again a relatively average show by the boys actually, but I guess I couldn’t have expected much more, I was hoping for “Midway” because you know, boat? But nah. But the biggest memory I have from this show is toward the end of the show where I feel someone tugging my pants and I look down at the most adorable little Childs face I have seen. I lean down and ask what’s wrong and he looks up ”Did they play Sparta?” And I tell him that yes, they just did (was literally before this song) and MAN! The disappointment on his side. I had a strong urge to just tell the band to replay the goddamn song for this little warrior. He then left, even though I had every intention of letting him be in front of me. Cute boy.

After Sabaton, nearing midnight in fact, I got myself a nice swim in one of the pools, a midnight ice cream and then spent a little while fan-girling over the setlist I had just acquired. 

But, alas, it couldn’t last for long as I had to get back to bed because my alarm was at 4.30 in the morning to see Battle Beast on pool deck at 4.45. And I wanna paint you the picture here – I was staying on deck 2. Pool deck is deck 12.

So, it’s not exactly just a little tiny walk. It’s either climbing Mount Everest or ”Please Hold” while waiting for about a decade for the next elevator to come. 

Once up there, I saw an opportunity and I took it. Obviously, it’s relatively mandatory on boat to not wear actual underwear but instead bathing attire at all times, so I threw my pyjamas and jumped in the hot tub right next to the stage. I mean, I HAD to have at least one hot tub show right? And this was perfect. I was beyond tired regardless, so? Everyone wins?

It was nice actually. Sitting there in the warm water (it’s dead ass cold at night, despite being the carribbean) and watching a favorite band of mine. True bliss.

I was not however as cocky the next day. Slept for maybe 4-5 hours before having some breakfast and then embarking on another adventure – exploring the Grand Turks.

Today was the day of destination, and for this year it was Turks & Caicos islands. And what a beautiful beach! First I stopped by some local tourist shop and the off to the beach. And aaah, I can’t even begin! Taking some swims in the ocean, lying on the beach (a bit away from the boat) and just taking it so easy and gentle was something I really needed. I might be the type of person who happily sleeps on a FlixBus between Paris and Budapest, but all the same I am the type of person who LOVES to just relax near the water, the endlessness of the water with the sun radiating on my face.

Alas, we had gotten off rather later (around 12 I believe) and in order to NOT miss the ship back to the States we got back on at 16.30 or so. Had a nice shower and then toward the Alhambra to see Battle Beast. So, literally, I saw them twice in the same 14 hour period. Nice.

Now, I’m going to tell you a little something. One of the survivor tips I had seen prior to the cruise was this ”You’ll rely on the Pizza place”. And I just.. No? Why would I? The Windjammer is open almost 24/7, I think it was closed a total of three hours a day. But I very quickly came to learn that it is close on the EXACT TIMES when you in fact need it. Still to this day, this is the one survivor tip I always pass on – because it is absolutely true. 

Made yet another attempt to see Amberian Dawn at the Pyramid Lounge, this time without falling asleep every other song. Korpiklaani was also on the set the same evening and then Freedom Call at 1 am in the night, and later on Triosphere.

To be continued…

// Sara

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Throwback: 70.000 Tons of Metal 2018 part 1

Posted in 70000 tons of metal, Travels, Uncategorized on January 7, 2021 by Sara Hammerzmith

Tomorrow we were meant to embark on yet another edition of the 70.000 Tons of Metal cruise – but this pandemic put quite a stop to it. So instead, I figured I’d spend the next couple of days talking about some of my favorite memories from the first cruise I ever attended!

But to be honest, I don’t even know where to start. Sometimes I lay in bed and just think about the boat and the feeling it gives me. That warm, love full feeling when thinking back about something dear to you.  I’m going to try to write from a first comers perspective as possible, so excuse the overly romanticizing, haha!

As with everything that is your first, I’d dare to say that my first 70.000 Tons of Metal is the one that left the biggest mark on me. It started already in how I wound up to be on the cruise in the first place – for some reason the cruise started to make more and more appearances on my feed, and as I noticed the line up getting announced I felt a burning desire growing in me of going.

Battle Beast. Sabaton. Korpiklaani. Leave’s Eyes and lastly… Alestorm. You’d believe Sabaton was the main reason for forcing me to go, and while I won’t deny that they might have held the strongest of points, the thought of missing out seeing Alestorm live on a boat while they sing ”I’m on a ship, if you don’t know” was absolutely unbearable, so at this point I signed up for the waitlist for tickets (since it was you know, sold out). 

I had figured that I might get a ticket by January, which is not a problem visa-wise since I had one currently approved, and financing wouldn’t be a problem by then either (this was in October some time) but mind my surprise when I wake up on October 31st in the morning and see ”70000Tons of Metal 2018 – Waiting List Offer”

At first, YAY! I got myself a ticket! But then I was absolutely mortified at ”Has to be paid in full within three days”. You know, just casually 1200 euros. But thanks to my father I was granted a little loan – which I did not expect considering this is a luxury – and it was thus a fact.

I was going to be on 70.000 Tons of Metal. 

All of a sudden, as usual when it comes to me, I found myself having to sporadically plan a trip to the US, in the midst of the other little touring I was doing at the time. It was more complicated than it needed to be because of reasons, but eventually it was a go.

Not only was it going to be my first visit on the Boat, it would also come to be my first visit in Florida all in all! During 2017 I had been to California for a Lordi tour, first time I sat foot on American soil so I was excited to be back! 

The first fun and ironic thing to add is that once on board the plane, a quick check on instagram pointed out that apparently Sabaton was on our plane. And we got very aware of that in customs line, when we ended up next to them. After this, off to the hotel we went to rest. 

Some of my absolute favorite memories pre-cruise was strolling down the Fort Lauderdale beach and going through the George English Park. 

We also took a major stroll around the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Incredibly beautiful place if you ask me, a place I’ve come to visit every single year since this first experience. Later on in the evening, we had a bit at a restaurant and headed back home to our hotel.

As complete newcomers, I had no idea what to expect of the cruise. And that became very apparent when as late as the night before departure, the 61st band of the cruise. Exodus was announced and I realized that this might be a ”anything can happen” kind of cruise. At least it was the feeling I had.

To be continued…

// Sara

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70.000 Tons of Metal: Day 4

Posted in 70000 tons of metal, Concerts, Music, Uncategorized on January 21, 2020 by Sara Hammerzmith

Despite witnessing that Trollfest show so late, we got up early enough to catch the second set of Archon Angel. Since stupid little me managed to forget my earplugs in the stateroom, I decided to stay further away from the stage. This being an open air venue, at least the sound wouldn’t reflect back to my ears too much. The set was more or less the same as previous, and it was again a really good set with some Savatage goodies at the end.

After the show, we again, grabbed something to eat, then off to play some Mini golf. USually we START our cruise with this, but apparently we end it with it. Then took in some more Vitamin D and securing great spots for the Bellyflop Contest with was amazing as usual. It’s such a funny concept, you know?

After this we just kept roaming around the boat. Skipped out on a lot of shows to partly pack, but also to just roam around the boat. Play in the pools, swim around, take in the sun and as the sun was setting we played some ping pong at one of the tables. Once sundown, we headed into the arcade for some last minute gaming before getting into costume and watching a few Cruachan songs before making our way up to pool deck for Epica’s “Design Your Universe” set.

Epica

Pretty obviously, since this is a “Design Your Universe” set, they started off the show with the intro of “Samadhi” before unleashing straight into “Resign to Surrender”. It was an extremely windy show, and I honestly salute Simone for going through with this show in the stiletto heels she was wearing. Kudos to her. I could barely stand up straight in my flats!

“Unleashed” was next on the setlist tightly followed by one of my own personal favorites, “Martyr of the Free World”, and right into “Our Destiny”. This show was really something else, and while I understand it might be cut a little short due to stage time, it was magical getting to witness this.

“Kingdom of Heaven” came up next on the list and the wind had no mercy on any of us today, damn. Some times you know. “Burn to a Cinder” followed up and then they wrapped the whole set up with ” Tides of Time” and “Design Your Universe”.

Obviously as you can tell on this setlist, it was a bit cut, BUT, nonetheless was it an amazing show. Thank you so much!

After this we did a pitstop in the Theater to catch most of Haggards second set inbetween Epica and Kissin’ Dynamite which was our next band, and it was just as magical this time as it was before.

And then, from the Theater down to the Ice Rink for Dynamites second set.

Kissin’ Dynamite

So, just as Bloodbound, Kissin’ Dynamite stuck to the same setlist as they had had previously on the cruise,  which wasn’t a particularly bad one. They opened pretty damn strong with “I’ve Got The Fire” and headed straight into “Somebody’s Gotta Do It”.

This time around, for their show in the Rink, a whole lot more people had shown up. That wasn’t much of a surprise if you ask me, considering this venue is firstly a whole lot better, and secondly, perhaps, or hopefully, people had finally gotten their eyes up on how amazing they are.

“Love Me, Hate Me” followed suit before “Sex is War” and “Waging War”. I’m honestly not sure how much point there is to get into detail as it’s the exact same set, but it was amazing nonetheless. The feeling in the venue was vibrating, and Hannes is such a vibrant front man. He makes the room light up as he walks in, you know? That kind of front man.

After the show, we headed up to Pooldeck to listen to Skippers speech, which didn’t really include more than a destination for next year. Jamaica, apparently. How great, huh?

After this, we headed back down toward the Theater, found ourselves some nice seats and let Carach Angren be the last show we saw on the cruise before hitting our cabin and drifting off to sleep, getting ready for getting off the ship…

// Sara

 

 

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70.000 Tons of Metal: Day 3

Posted in 70000 tons of metal, Concerts, Music, The Great Tour 2020, Uncategorized with tags on January 21, 2020 by Sara Hammerzmith

Ah Mexico!

It really was a crime comitted upon all of us cruisegoers to not have Alestorm perform on this years cruise considering out point of destination. We got up around 9 and then headed to the Windjammer for some breakfast before it was time to pack up our beachbag and hit Mexico, ready for a day at the beach.

But, upon walking ashore… It started raining. Of. Fucking. Course. Had brilliant weather in both Cockburn Town and Haiti, so why should I have it in Cozumel? Of course not, am I right?

Well, we started our day off with hitting pretty much every single tourist shop there was in the city before grabbing a cab out to one of the beach resorts. The rain stopped, and we figured that it might break up. Which it did, we had a nice couple of hours at the beach before taking a cab over to a museum of Mexican arts and culture and a Mini-Mexico kind of thing! Similar to Mini-Europa in Brussels.

Since I’m a Scaredy Squirrel and also want to wash my hair in time, we went on board the boat again about an hour before call time, and we felt pretty finished anyway so. Got washed up, and then hit the Ice Rink to catch a few songs of Ereb Altor, you know that band I missed out on earlier before heading to the Theater to see Leaves’ Eyes.

Leaves’ Eyes

Again, sadly, not a huge turnout but that can again have several reasons, but yeah, more space for me am I right? Again, the folk intro started and “Sign of the Dragonhead” set off this show as well, and again moved on with “Serkland” and “Across The Sea”, which still is like the best song for this cruise (since we don’t have Alestorm).

They then continued with “Edge of Steel” and there is something I always kind of felt that I don’t really.. Haven’t adressed before. How needy sometimes Alexander can be. He always, constantly, asks for the audience to clap their hands and it’s like ok, that is amazing, but all the time? Throughout the entire songs? Nein.

“Edge of Steel” followed suit, and then.. Elina left the stage and reappeared with an outfit best described as something similar to the Black Swan, and it was time for them to play “Black Butterfly”… And that was such a beautiful moment! And with her dressed up like that. Wow. What a moment.

Just as I thought, just like two years ago, “Jomsborg” is assigned to the Theater show, and I really love this song though so I don’t mind at all! “Swords in Rock” followed suit and then again wrapping it all up with “Beowulf” and “Blazing Waters”. We also participated in a real nice rowpit for this one. Amazing.

Another amazing show amazingly executed, if I may use those kind of words, and thank you for this time, Leaves’ Eyes!

After this, we took to the cabin to rest, wandered about the ship and caught a few songs of Michael Schenker Fest before making our way down to the Ice Rink to catch another set of Bloodbounds!

Bloodbound

So, I don’t know exactly how much detail I’ll go into it here, as it was exactly the same setlist as previous, but I’ll talk about it overall at least!

The band came onto the stage to the intro and opened strongly once again, with “Battle in the Sky” as the opening song, straight into “In The Name of Metal”. The show was really good this time around. It had been flawless last time around, but something in the energy was just mindblowing here. Maybe it’s because of the slightly smaller venue gave everything a more intimate feeling and crowd felt bigger giving it an over all better feeling, I do not know for sure. But damn, what a good set it was. Absolutely amazing! Thank you, once again, Bloodbound! And yes, this time I stuck around to see “Nosferatu” which as normal was the closing song.

Thank you for this cruise, Bloodbound. You were truly amazing, both times!

After this show, we headed straight to bed, so we could get up in time to attend Trollfest’s 3am show. That’s the thing with this boat you know. You gotta kind of sleep when you can.

So, 2.45 the clock rang, and off we were to the show. Gladly for us, the Ice Rink is just around the corner from our stateroom. Just making everything so much easier, you know?

And… When the singer entered the stage with a balloon crown I realized righ away. He’s setting the bar for this years dress up extremely high. Higher than anyone. And it was another party and fun set, and this time instead of one long congaline, we had as many as possible. Still a survivor of that!

After their maniac, back to bed and prepare for the last day.

// Sara

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70.000 Tons of Metal: Day 2

Posted in 70000 tons of metal, Concerts, Music, The Great Tour 2020, Travels, Uncategorized with tags , , , on January 19, 2020 by Sara Hammerzmith

So it was upon us! The second day of the cruise was upon us, and it started pretty early with a merch sleepover. Thankfully, it was all worth it as we got all the merch we wanted.. How great, huh? And then, Trollfest already starting at 10. But you gotta go hard, not at all, am I right?

They put on a real fun show, and I’m officially a survivor of the worlds longest congaline! Or at least this cruise longest congaline. After the show, we decided to go grab something to eat and work out a little bit before getting ready for the highlight for us on this cruise, or at least the first thing for us: Bloodbound

Bloodbound

They opened up strongly (as always, am I right?) with “Battle in the Sky” and then quickly continued on with “In The Name of Metal”. Amazing as always. I have a feeling I dont see this band even half as often as I hope to. After having a little chat with the audience we continued on with “The Warlocks Trail” which is a song they live premiered on Sabaton Open Air last year, and I’m SO. SO. SO. happy that they continue to have this song in their live roster! It’s fucking amazing, and probably even the best song on the album, despite what I might have said before, and the crowd seemed to love it as much as I did.

“Stand and Fight” was next song on the list, tightly followed by a common crowdpleaser in “Moria”. I love the fact that they’ve “chaged” the lyrics to “Show me the HORNS of Moria” instead of Roads. Loving it.

For whatever reasons, Daniel Sjögren couldn’t attend for this show, so instead former Follow The Cipher drummer Karl Löfgren filled his shoes, which is kind of half ironic considering Daniel is the new drummer in Follow The Cipher (as well as Bloodbound).  He was doing an AMAZING job filling in, don’t believe anything else!

“Dragons are Forever” was the next song they ripped off before diving into the epicness that is the titletrack of the latest album, “Rise of the Dragon Empire”. And what a RAGE this song is live? It’s the absolute bomb. More of this please!

At this point, sadly, I had to leave as Leaves’ Eyes were starting the same time Bloodbound was set to end, and them being on the Pooldeck, which is you know, 8 floors up from where Bloodbound played, it’d be quite the run. But, I made it just as the intro started rolling.

Leaves’ Eyes

The epic nordic folk kind of intro rolled as the band then headed straight into “Sign of the Dragonhead”. It was quite a small turnout, but I’m guessing this could have to do with the Liv drama, or early in the day, or Bloodbound. Either of the ones, but I don’t exactly complain, more place for me to be honest!

They continued on with the new single “Serkland” which I’m assuming will be on the upcoming album before continuing on the previous path with “Across The Sea” which simply just is the perfect song for this cruise, am I right or what?

And also, can we talk about how perfect Elina Siirala is? Seriously. It’s such a shame for her that this bands suffers so from the drama, she doesn’t deserve that because she is AMAZING.

“Swords in Rock” was the next song on the list, before staying on the same album and doing “Edge of Steel”. A part of me had hoped Simone would join them, but that was hoping for too much I guess.

And.. You know it’s funny. Besides the addition of “Serkland” I can swear this must be pretty much the same setlist they had when they played the boat two years ago as I could even predict them playing “Riders of the Wind” on the pool deck, much like they did then. But I don’t mind, that song is just a party.

“Hell to the Heavens” followed afterwards, before wrapping up with “Beowulf” and “Blazing Waters”. Another amazing set was made by this amazing line up, and I am so happy that I got to see them again. So far, highlight.

After Leaves’ Eyes we headed down toward the Playmakers sportsbar again to attend some signing sessions. I was really lucky actually, all of the bands not only me but both of us wanted to attend happened to be on the same time, or at least closely related. Lucky, huh?

So, we went down for the first signing, which was Epica. It was a bit of a line when we arrived, but much to my surprised they worked very quickly through the line, and after a mere 20 minutes it was my turn actually. Was relatively uneventful, except from the bandmembers complimenting my collection of festivalbracelets as well as Mark greeting me by name which he knew from reading my stateroom card which happened to be placed in a very visible way.

Right after this, we started lining up for Bloodbound, and it was just like, one person ahead of us, so no problems. Ivan had a clinic he wanted to attend, so he was a bit stressed. But it turned out to be no issue, as the signing moves along quickly. So, quickly grabbing the autographs of Bloodbound and Edenbridge before hitting up pool deck.

A lot of running back and forth yeah. Haggard was a band I had gotten a little hooked on when listening for the bands before the cruise, so I figured I’d grab a few songs with them before Leaves’ Eyes signing at 17.

They experiences some issues and were late with the soundcheck and had to redo the first song twice, but such things happen you know? The little timeI did watch them though, was pure magic. I remember especially the moment when they played “Awakening the Centuries”. THAT, was NOTHING but pure magic. I was really sad that I had to leave relatively early to attend the signing of Leaves’ Eyes, but it is what happens.

So imagine how disappointed I am… to see that the band, or more to be exact, Alexander, arrives late. First and foremost, there was barely any line. There was technically no one before me but I let someone pass because I’m shy as hell. And then Alexander was like 10-15 minutes late. Which means that I could have easily seen all of Haggard, and still had my signed vinyl in a reasonable time. Goddamnit.

But that aside, it was nice meeting the band and getting the signatures! After this, back to the cabin for a quick clothing change, you know, it’s getting late and colder, and then off to the Theater for Epica’s first set.

Epica

We made it there pretty good on time, not too early and not too late. Perfect timing, if you like. The intro rolled and they started off with “Sensorium”. I can tell that is has been what at least feels like ages since I saw them, and I guess more importantly since I saw them in this kind of intimate setting.

The band delievered as they always do, and the crowd was just as much on fire as the band continued on with “The Obsessive Devotion” which is really, and excuse me for overusing the word, but the bomb. “Storm the Sorrow” was next before it was time for the ever beautiful “Cry for the Moon”, and it’s about this time I realize how much I missed seeing this band live.

“In All Conscience” was next on the list, before Coen came upfront and started off “Sancta Terra” with his amazing keyintro, and seriously, nothing but perfection.

My personal favorite off “The Holographic Principle” ” Beyond the Matrix” followed and then they wrapped it all up with “Consign to Oblivion”, with a wall of death and everything.

Another amazing show by this amazing band, left us tired enough to drift away to sleep, preparing for the adventures in Mexico… But.. with a little stop in the night, as I just HAD to witness the biggest pillowfight to Origin. Which was epic. I tell you.

// Sara

 

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70.000 Tons of Metal: Day 1

Posted in 70000 tons of metal, Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags on January 16, 2020 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, embarkation day! Yay! Finally time for this. It’s my third time doing the cruise, so this was not exactly any news to me. Since we, for once, arrived pretty early in the day, the line wasn’t humongous. So we made it on the cruise relatively early, and just hung around outside the dining room playing some games waiting for our stateroom to open. I wasn’t superkeen on going eating with all of our luggage, but just a little after 13, finally the staterooms were opened and we could ditch our bags and EAT.

I was hungry as hell. And as you might have known from previous years, this is not only 70.000 Tons of Metal, this is also 70.000 Tons of Food. Being back in Windjammer and the buffet again was a blessing. I know Windjammer isn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea, however, considering what my tourdiet normally consists of, when not luxurying it up with sushi, Windjammer is heaven.

After passing by Windjammer we hit our cabin for a short while before I started showing Ivan around the ship. This being my third time on the Independence, it has made me relatively sure of where most things are.

And then, we retreated to the Alhambra, now known as Royal Theatre, for the first show of the cruise, which was Archon Angel.

Archon Angel

Archon Angel is one of those new supergroups, and I’ll admit it was rather Ivan who wanted to see them more than me, but it could never hurt right? And surely it couldn’t as they wrapped up their set by playing some of my personal Savatage favorites. This cruise is off to one great start, huh?

Straight after this, we headed over to where Edenbridge were at, however, Pyramide Lounge, now Star Lounge isn’t exactly ideal for shows… Sounded great, but didn’t see shit.

After listening to a bit of Edenbridge we roamed about the boat again, checking out views, taking something to eat, resting a little bit before heading over quickly to the Star Lounge again to aquire front row spots for Kissin’ Dynamite. They were, obviously, one of my must see bands this year so naturally it was important to be front in order to see shit.

Kissin’ Dynamite

They opened with “I’ve Got The Fire”, which wasn’t a superbig surprise seeing them on Metalfest earlier last year, but still a great opener. They followed up rather quickly with “Somebody’s gotta do it” and later on “Love Me, Hate Me”.

Remembering all the hate they got when they were announced, I was a bit surprised by the amazing turn out they got! The place was packed. “Sex is War” was next on the list before it was time for “Waging War”.

Hannes left the stage, and returned with his amazing outfit and it was time to fire off “I Will Be King”. I still think this is so funny – I was never big on the “Money, Sex and Power” album, yet I think this song is the bomb and all the rage, at least live.

Latest single “You’re Not Alone” together with “Flying Colours” wrapped up their first set on the boat, and it was probably some of the greatest things I’ve witnessed, so far. I loved it. Hannes even jumped out for a little crowdsurf, like I said before – it’s a lawless land.

After this, I left Ivan at the barricade as he wanted to see the next couple of bands, and me myself went back to the cabin to rest. I don’t know if I’m getting older or if it’s the jetlag or all the traveling, but I was finished for sure. And I fell dead asleep.

My idea was to get up to watch Cruachan at 3 and later Ereb Altor at 3.45, but Yeah… I woke up when the clock was 4.30. Way to go, right? But after this, I actually got in the merchline… Becasue, nothing like 70.000 Tons of Merch Sleepover!

And with that, day 1 is a wrap!

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