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70.000 Tons of Metal: Day 2 – February 2nd, 2018

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags 70000 tons of metal on February 2, 2018 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, around 11 or so in the morning I got up. Getting these kind of interrupted sleep really suck, but it is what you make it, right? And I had to get up – the first show of the day was set to start at 13, and I need to get going.

I got ready in my cabin before heading up to Windjammer for breakfast. I forgot my earplugs at my cabin, so of course, I had to run down to pick them up, BUT, fear not as I made it back just in time for Alestorm to start.

Alestorm

They walked on stage just in time, opening up with “Keelhauled”. Am I the only one where who don’t exaclty love this song as an opening song? Regardless, they opened with good energy and the crowd had a good vibe to it as well.

They followed up with “Alestorm” and then the big partythrower “Drink” which is ALWAYS one big party, no matter where or when you see them. “The Sunk’n Norwegian” and “No Grave But The Sea” followed suit, and oooh how good this song is. And most certainly so live! “Bar ünd Imbiss” followed suit, before it was time for what is always the biggest party of an Alestorm show – “Hangover”. And I can now officially say, that I have seen Alestorm sing the lines “I’m on a ship” while being on an actual ship. BEAT THAT MOTHERFUCKERS.

“Captain Morgans Revenge” or the vengance of the Duck. The Night or well song, of the Living Duckies. It was very windy up on pool deck, and the gigantic duck had made it’s way toward the stage quite a few times. But in the spoken segment of the song, it made it’s final launch, hitting Gareth and knocking out Peter’s drumset. Chris stopped for a while to just assure us this was a serious metal show, before they continued on as if it never happened. So for once, Alestorm was attacked by their own duck.

They wrapped up their set with “Fucked with an Anchor” which gives you a sing along like no other, and Chris crowdsurfing his way to the hot tub. Because that is a normal thing here. With that said, Alestorm was over and done. Thank you!

We headed down to the cabins once again because quite frankly… this heat is not to mess with. Like, seriously. Quick break, change and awkward encounters with Korpiklaani later, we found ourselves back on pooldeck at the front line for Korpiklaani. At this point Sjorven had gotten his merch ticket, which was number 729 or something like that. I had 1247. Gee.

Korpiklaani

Sun was high. The heat was a pleasure and pain all at once, and the party was a fact. Kopriklaani belted out their entire selection of party songs which had the entire pooldeck dancing jumping and singing along (well…), even the hot tubs.

I would go into detail, but I’m afraid I can’t – since it was all just one big party party!

Once the show was over, we headed off to eat and have some wardrobe change. It’s Sabaton tonight, so camo pants and military boots on. And then we simply headed back toward the pool deck, again, like, all our shows are on pool deck here. We claimed our spots. Or well, Sjorven kept our spots. I had to go to a Battle Beast signing session. And to check on the numbers.

The signing session went quick and uneventful, this is the second time or so I’ve tried to have this “Bringer of Pain” cover signed so that was very nice. I checked the numbers too – they were at like 400. Since 7 in the morning. So I guess it was safe to say our number wouldn’t come up during Sabaton.

After Cannibal Corpse, which I only saw like the last few moments of, I claimed back my spot at the front and eagerly waited for Sabaton to begin.

Sabaton

And just as we waited for it.. it echoed out. “In The Army Now”. You know, the first few tones and beats of the song, when your inital shot of adrenaline straight through… And bliss. Once they reached “The March To War” and you feel your adrenaline pumping like nothing else, just to merge out in… “Ghost Divison”. Oh well. It’s still a complete outlet and outburst of all the emotions of excitment and what not that got built up during the previous five minutes.

“The Art of War” (God how much I love this song) followed suit very quickly, and then “Far from the Fame”. So pretty much same old, same old, but who really cares when it’s Sabaton? Especially considering that the oldie, but goldie, “40:1”. I really missed this song in the setlist, and over all, I miss this sound in Sabaton!

“Sparta” minus the spartans was next, another oldie but goldie from my favorite Sabaton album in the shape of “The Cliffs of Galipoli” made an appearance again, before launching into “Saboteurs”.

“The Last Stand” was next on the list, and I still love this song so much… I seriously love it to bits. And then came the next surprise. A real old, but gold, like for real, was next “Into the Fire”. And Jesus. I had no idea how much I missed this song until I heard it! Damn.

Some swedish pride for me, “Carolus Rex” followed by “Attero Dominatus”. This song is such a rush, you know? One of my absolute favorites “Uprising”, which I just cannot get enough of. “Primo Victoria next and then “Swedish Pagans” was last – but today it’s okay. People were not being oboxnious about this song on this cruise. So this is totally okay.

And just as on Sabaton Cruise, they wrapped it up with “My Heart Will Go On”. Because why the hell not, right?

Right after this, we jumped into the pool for a midnight swim before getting an ice cream and hanging out a bit before going to bed. You see, it was one of those nights again. Alarm was set to 4.30, because Battle Beast was going on stage at 4.45.

Battle Beast

So. 4.30 huh. I dragged myself out of bed. In my pyjamas. Once at pool deck, we noticed the hot tubs behind the stages were near empty, and while I’d normally never do this – it was 4.45. It was windy. It was cold. I was dead. I got into that damn hot tub.

For playing so later, or shall I say early? They had quite the crowd coming together. And they performed a fantastic set. It was the same set they had played throughout the European tour (no surprise) so no bigger surprises, but it was a very well enjoyable show.

But I’d be lying if I said I couldn’t wait to get back in bed, because you see, tomorrow, or today, depending on how you see it, was the day we went off the boat at the Turks Islands.

// Sara

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70.000 Tons of Metal: Day 1 – February 1st, 2018

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags 70000 tons on February 1, 2018 by Sara Hammerzmith

So the D-Day is here! The day it was finally time to board the boat, to get on with the show to finally do what we came here to do. We got up early in the morning to have breakfast – and the first persons we spot in the morning are Alestorm. Apparently, we have shared the hotel with them, and presumingly a lot of other bands. It’s interesting to see, I loved the hotel, but perhaps not the most luxuary you’d find.

We got ourselves and Uber and got over to the docks, where there were already a lot of people and bands and baggagetrolleys in one big fantastic mix. After waiting in line forever twice – first I had to leave to go to the bathrooms because I had no idea how long it would be until I found one, and it was real bad, and then again, but finally, after some time, all was well – we had our photo taken and then got onboard the boat. The first thing we did was to find our respective rooms to drop off our handluggage before hitting up the dining room, or Windjammer. Complete free buffet, and I could barely even believe it – I had to ask several people if all of this was really free, haha, what a change.

Once eaten, I got back to my room to get changed and ready for the first night or day or whatever, and once ready I got up on deck and spent some time watching the boat leave the port. While lying there, the first person to come and talk to me was Alestorm and crew – because apparently this is completely normal.

At 17 it was time to head down to the Alhambra theater, got myself some nice seats because I was feeling a bit tired and time to witness the first show on the boat, for us that is, Leaves’ Eyes

Leaves’ Eyes

A little bit late, the intro started rolling, and the band started off the show with “Sign of the Dragonhead”, very strongly and very very well recieved from the crowd! Despite being one of the first bands on the boat (or perhaps because they were?) they had a rather big turn out – which I loved to see! They followed up very quickly with “Across The Sea”, which, in my opinion, fits very well considering that we are, literally, going across the sea toward the Grand Turks.

“Edge of Steel” and “Jomsborg” followed suit, and you know, this is my first time ever seeing Leaves’ Eyes, so this was so magical to get to see. “My Destiny” and “Swords in Rock” followed, and the crowd was just great. I was not sure what to expect from a crowd at a place like this, but it was damn good.

“Hell to the Heavens” was next, wrapping up the set with “Sacred Vow”, “Blazing Waters” and lastly “Haraldskvaedi”. The band thanked for the show and left the stage.

It was an amazing show – and the best start ever, if you ask me.

Once the show was over, I was meant to head over to see Triosphere in the Pyramide lounge, only to find out that they had to cancel the show because of medical reasons. Well that sucked, but it’s no major issue, if you think about it.

Later on, we made our way back to the Alhambra and the seats to witness the mighty Rhapsody, which put on a great show. I’m glad I got to see them one last time before they call it quits as far as this goes.

After this, exploration of the ship was on the agenda until it was time to get some rest – we were bound to get up at 3am to watch Amberian Dawn. That’s a first, isn’t it?

So, at 3 am we were ready… I was cozed up in my pajamas, in one of those very comfortable seats in the Alhambra waiting for the show to start… which was delayed. Almost an hour.

Amberian Dawn

But finally they started. It wasn’t a too big crowd, but I guess it is what it is. The band put on a great show, but I’m afraid I can’t give too much details as yours truly… due to the late hour and delay… found herself… Nodding away a few times. Falling asleep through some songs. Which happens.

But what I saw, was great. And good thing all the bands play twice, right?

After this – off to bed, for the “night”. A good first day, I’d say!

// Sara

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Sabaton Cruise part 2

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags brothers of metal, sabaton cruise on December 19, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So after that long night I, first at most, woke up at 7 when we laid dock in Turku, and then back to sleep. Was a little hard to sleep seeing the sun was high up and we had a window without any curtains to close it, but then again – why complain when you got the creme de la creme? At 10 or so we both gave up on trying to sleep – Sofia was up since long to check out the tax free and like zombies, we got out of bed and made it to the breakfast area.

After this, headed back to the cabin to pack up as much as possible and get ready for the day. As I mentioned, the other band was Brothers of Metal, and as I made my way down to the venue there were barely any people there, so I claimed myself a spot at the front while Szilvi and Sofia headed off to Sabaton’s signing session.

Sebastian came by again, and he joined me at the front and after some very long wait, Brothers of Metal finally got on stage.

Brothers of Metal

So they got on stage, and they opened up with “The Death of God of Light” and well… the audience wasn’t exactly packed, but it was a good deal of people still. I don’t remember the exact setlist as of now sadly – but pretty much every song from the album was played along with “Swedish Pagans”.

With that said, the band put on a really good show so I was very very pleased with seeing them. I do wish they evolved more show wise, but I think that is something that will come with time rather than anything, don’t you think? We were at a time a little… like, they kept saying it would be the last song and they kept doing another song, and that went on for a while, haha!

After the show was done, Sofia went off to see a friend and Szilvi and I walked around the tax free and then wrapping up the last of the packing and, well, saying good bye to the boat in a way, if that makes sense?

We got ready to get off the boat, and another looong wait occured before we could finally disembark. Once off the boat, we got a taxi back to the city and sat down at a McDonalds for one last dinner / night snack / whatever. My bus was leaving at 22.35, Szilvi’s plane early in the morning and Sofia had a hotelnight.

Szilvi walked me to the busstop where we had a heartfelt good bye for now, and hopefully I’ll see not just her but also Sofia soon again. Got on my bus and made my way home.

The Sabaton cruise, was good. I was a little disappointed, but mostly because of my own expectations – I thought it would be a little more bands, and we also hyped Beast in Black for being the second band so it was all our own fault in a way I guess. But aside that, it was a real pleasant stay.

// Sara

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Sabaton Cruise, part one

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags sabaton, sabaton cruise, the last tour on December 18, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

And so the day come! Finally time to board the beautiful ship and get going. But before that, we treated ourselves a nice and relaxing lunch at Espresso House before locking up our bags at the city station and then taking an hour or two to walk the city.

We had lunch someplace before taking a taxi out to the terminal where we met up with my friends Toivo, Jesse and Susanna. I met T and S while on Battle Beast tour, and Jesse we were standing next to on Sabaton Open Air. Not only was it nice to meet up with them, but we noticed we for some scary reason managed to have all the cabins next to each other – ours were wall in wall with Jesse’s, and Toivo and Susanna’s was across the hall from him.

After some waiting, we finally got to board… well sort of. One part of it. Then we had to wait even more. And THEN get to board. And then we had to wait at the door for our cabins. A lot of waiting, to be honest.

But finally, at last, we got to the cabin and it was the most beautiful. Well, sort of anyway, it was real cozy and real sweet. First thing we did was put on some music – while boarding we had discovered the other band playing was Brothers of Metal, so I cranked up “Prophecy of Ragnarök” while we got ourselves ready for the evening. The evening was serving us two shows by Sabaton, and some pause entertainment by Bombshell Belles.

After getting ready, we decided to roam the boat rather than get good spots for the shows and found quite some nice spots on the ship. I’ve never been on a cruise like this, so it was real nice in all honesty. I really enjoyed the view.

Time was closing in on the show, so we headed down to the arena bar and got… well okayish spots. We decided to be more in the “back” but this venue was very small and well, not made for metalshows, but still. We met up with Sebastian, a guy I had met on Sabaton Open Air who is a friend of Sjorven, so he joined us for the show. It got tightened up and the wait for the show to start felt like forever… until it finally started.

Sabaton

So, after “In The Army Now”, the “Primo Victoria” film started rolling, and they opened the show up with “Primo Victoria”. Well, I shouldn’t complain right? I mean, it’s not “Ghost Division” right? It was quickly followed by “Sparta”, which is well a little early for my personal taste but I don’t mind! It was a good vibe in the audience, despite all the drunkies.

A song I’ve missed a lot in the past, “Cliffs of Galipolli”, which was soooo long overdue, like, it isn’t even funny how overdue this is! But finally, finally it was back! It was a real good vibe in the crowd, but what else is to be expected from a Sabaton show after all?

Another long, not as long, but still long lost friend was found in “Attero Dominatus” which was the next on the list, tightly followed by “Saboteurs”, another song we haven’t heard in some time, if even at all.

The churchbells appeared, and my personal favorite from the last album – the title track “The Last Stand” was the next song on the list to appear, and you know, emotions explodes, adrenaline pumping – there is nothing quite like this.

“Far From The Fame” was next on the list – followed by “White Death” which I thought was really fun – I’m not sure if I heard it much before. “Carolus Rex” was ripped off before they wrapped up with my personal favorite all times “The Art of War”.

And by that, the first set of the evening was all set and done. As soon as they left the stage, people started to disappear which was so nice, as we decided to claim a table with chairs for ourselves for the next set – it got a bit intense with the great vibe, but we wanted a bit more calmer setting. Yes, I am indeed getting old.

Szilvi went out to get some air, but Sebastian, Susanna and me remained behind, watching the spot and just hanging out, later joined by her returning. Sofia had managed to get to the front row through the moshpit, so we didn’t really see much of her until after the show – and in the mean time we were entertained by The Bombshell Belles, 50’s kind of singing group, think The Lounge Kittens, real good.

And after some time, Sabaton finally entered the stage again with “The Final Solution”.

“Lejonet Från Norden” followed this beautiful song, only to throw us into “Panzerkampf”, which is also a song I have missed. I saw Sabaton a lot during the festival seasons, but it doesn’t change much in my opinion, I still miss the songs.

“Blood of Bannockburn” was next, then followed by “En Livstid i Krig.”

So, something that is really annoying is the constant chanting of “Swedish Pagans”. We heard the damn chant so much from before even boarding and up until now. And before every song, Sabaton said they’d play it but started another song, just like they did now when the “Winged Hussars” arrived instead. Which was amazing, I love this song so much.

“Nightwitches” and it’s amazing intro was followed by this, and at this point no joke, my neck was pretty dead. What was I supposed to do you know.

“Shiroyama” followed suit, and then, finally for all the chanters, “Swedish Pagans” was finally set off before they wrapped up the entire set with “To Hell and Back”.

After this, we hung around some more in the venue before getting back to the room for some freshen up and then spending the night at the bar, playing a baloon game and drinking til 6am in the morning when we finally made our way back to our cabin to “sleep” some… Good night, that is for sure!

// Sara

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

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags battle beast, bochum, matrix, silver dust 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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Stone Sour @ Annexet, Stockholm, Sweden 16/11 – 17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags annexet, stone sour, the pretty reckless 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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Alice Cooper @ First Direct Arena, Leeds, United Kingdom 11/11 -17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags alice cooper, leeds 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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Battle Beast @ Folkets Park, Huskvarna 3/11 – 17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags battle beast, bringer of pain, dynazty, rexoria 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 battle beast, bringer of pain, dynazty, fryshust, titanic mass 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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Twilight Force @ Biebob, Vosselaar, Belgium 19/10 -17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags biebob, twilight force, vosselaar on October 19, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, up in the early morning… well, around 9. The practical thing about packing before you go to bed is that you don’t have to give a shit about that when you get up in the morning. And for someone like me, who isn’t really a morning person, this is golden.

So, off I went at 10, went to the trainstation to lock up my bags and then I hit the shopping streets. What I was looking for in fact, were soles for my shoes. Something in them has broken, and because of that, they give me blisters UNDERNEATH my foot, and it just got worse and worse. So I walked up and down the shopping street without finding anything reasonable. I hit H&M quickly to pick up some small items before ACTUALLY heading off to Turnhout. I was going to stay at a hostel there, which is just like a busride from Vosselaar.

It was a pretty nice trainride. One straight ride until I ended up in the little town on Turnhout. I did the same walk here – trying to find somewhere until I, at last, ended up in a pharmacy and got one of those pricier gelsoles. Hopefully, this would solve it!

It got close to check in time, so I headed off to my hostel and was greeted by the owner. It’s a cute little restaurant and hostel with only four rooms, the most precious ever! It’s called Resto BnB in Turnhout. Very central, too.

Once there, I placed the gelsoles in my shoes and my god. That was HEAVEN. I could walk, without feeling anything – actually, it was more painful walking without the shoes than with them! With that said, I rested a bit before starting to get ready for the show, and then took my little walk down to the bus.

Of course, this scared the hell out of me. Sounds weird to say perhaps for little me, but really. Going on a bus, in a foreign city without anywhere really to know when to get off or so – and even worse, the bus was ahead of my maps. Aaah.

But gladly, I managed to figure it out, and even better so, there was a fellow metalhead on the bus which I could take following with. So, I got off the stop and started making my way to Biebob. Once here, it wasn’t too hard to find. Actually, just walk straight.

I arrived about an hour or so before doors were being opened, so a small line had started to form. Which wasn’t weird. However, I was completely alone. All the people I knew of going there had gotten stuck in various forms of traffic, so I stood there, in my loneliness, until a woman started talking to me. Appears she had been working at Graspop Metal Meeting for many years, and was very excited for the show tonight. Oh the people you meet.

The doors opened at 19 as expected, and as I got inside, I found Alexandre at the front, unexpected but on the same time not surprised, so I went over to him and remained by his side. I noticed a few of the people from Sabaton Open Air, Ivan and Piggy, was also there, and said hi to them, but since Alex had front row in the middle kind of spots, I simply remained.

After some wait, that was longer than I expected it to be, Twilight Force entered the stage.

Twilight Force

The intro started echoing in the speakers, Blackwald marching on stage first followed by the rest, and they kicked off the set with “Battle of Arcane Might”. I was very glad and happy to see that there was quite a lot of Twilight Force supporters in the crowd, despite them being “only” the supportband. It was an energetic start, and Tommy delivered!

“To The Stars” was next on the setlist, followed by “Riders of the Dawn”. “Flight of the Sapphire Dragon” was next song on the setlist – and it was about this time that Sjorven and Stephen FINALLY arrived. So at last, all my friends were gathered. And right at the climax of this amazing piece of a song… the electricity died. Like, literally, in the most critical moment… power shortage. Oh well, that happens, right? Awkward moments are coming in.

Once the power was back, after a bit of fizzling, they moved on to “There and Back Again”, and then the normal duel between singer, in this case Tommy, and Blackwald emerged.

This was an interesting moment. As Tommy was getting his crowd to cheer, he yelled out “for the unborn children of Sara Kohler”. And I just stood there like “what on earth did he just say?”, because quite frankly – I have never in my life, and I mean never – interacted with any of the people from Twilight Force, or Tommy more than the signing sessions. Which made it all a bit weird and funny.

I have no idea what side actually won, but “Gates of Glory” emerged before they wrapped up the whole set with “The Power of the Ancient Force”. The band thanked for the show, and left the stage. While I want to congratulate Tommy on his amazing performance, I want to ask what the hell was wrong with the sound? I could barely hear ANYTHING, let alone even try to engage in the show. Some times it was better, but other times it was like, is there even a band here? I can see them, but I can’t hear them? I don’t get it.

After Twilight Force, we made our way out of the pit as well, we were dying from the heat, and truth to be told, I was going there primarily for Twilight Force, so we figured being a bit in the back wouldn’t hurt us. The others went outside, and I stayed sitting down listening to Dragonforce played until I went out myself to catch some air. It’s not like me, I know.

The rest of the show Stephen, Sjorven and I spent by the bar, casually watching the mainband play before it was time for us to get going. We went to eat at some street kitchen, and then Sjorven dropped me off at my hotel and went home again. And same procedure as every time – I start packing and getting ready for the next day.

// Sara

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