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Sabaton Open Air – Day 2: Saturday 20/8 2016 pt.1

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags amberian dawn, equilibrium, sabaton open air on August 24, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

It was really the best feeling in the world at the moment when I woke up in the morning, in only my regular pyjamas and even feeling it being a little on the warm side. Never before have I felt this amazing feeling at a festival, and trust me, this has just given me a blooded tooth as we’d say in Sweden, to do this again and again and again. And how convenient, isn’t it, to already have the living place set up when you arrive? Oh yeah.

Started out originally with sitting down, trying to figure out the lyrics to “Hug You Hardcore” and chatting with some people before a wild Paula appeared outside my car door for some breakfast hang out. After a while she left and I started to drag myself out of bed, and with the help of Michelle and the very kind guy Lalla, I put up both mine and Jonathans tent before going back to make my car less messy and then, onwards to Falun Centralstation to pick up Jonathan.

It’s the craziest thing – I’ve known this guy for like, eight years, and this is the first time we’d ever meet. I was unsure if I’d find him, but once I arrived (late, of course, what else?) and I saw the blonde guy in a jeans jacket I knew it was him. And it was SO WEIRD. To see him, and hug him and talk to him in person, that the person you’ve talked to on the computer for the past eight years is actually a real person.

We got back in the car, talking about everything and nothing while getting back to the site. Went to campsite to drop things off and then continue to sit and talk and essentially, catch up. After a little while we got into the area to catch the first band of the day live.

Amberian Dawn

So, this band was one of the supporters of the Delain show I caught in Belgium last year, and I’ve been dying to see them again, so believe me when I said I was excited to finally see them again, and the convenience of them playing Lordis stage on top of it all.

They performed a good and enjoyable set, and I’m glad we managed to catch them!

Amberian

After this, we dodged for the front row, put up our Swedish flag and the long wait for Lordi began. We decided, since we had the flag up and everything, to take turns watching it when no band was playing the stage. So at first, I went off to get some food because I was basically dying from hunger, and after that, Jonathan took a stroll around the area to check it out while me and Michelle guarded the flag. Not too long after that it was time for me to leave to get in the very, VERY long queue for the Sabaton signing session…

At first I stood there, 15 minutes prior to start and being angry with myself for not taking “The Last Stand” book with me so I would have had something to read. My phone was running out of battery and dumped by the Swedish Caroleans so I literally had no entertainment and I get bored and restless so easily. I thought of asking Jonathan to go pick up the book for me, but we solved it in a better way – Jonathan kept me company the whole line, and also wound up getting signatures as well!

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We queued for almost two hours for this session. That is seriously the longest I’ve ever waited in a SIGNING line. I’m sure someone out there was waited longer, not to mention the people who were in the front, but yeah, it got a bit heavy because of the burning sun. And to make it even worse, the Swedish Military Defence had their little obstacle course with them, and I stood there with my Boda Borg veins pumping me wanting to go through it. But, at least we got to see Helle do it! That was fun.

We got to the signing, got our signatures and then went off to the car to drop them off and to pick up the stuff Jonathan had planned to bring to the meet and greet with Lordi. Because yes, that’s right folks! He did win it, after all! So happy.

After this, we decided to get dinner and watch Sorcerer from afar before Equilibrium, in order to not take any stupid risks. We were a bit unsure sitting up there, because unless we heard something wrong they said something like “We won’t wait 27 years til next time” and we were like WHAT THE? But then again, they only had like one album out so… Well, it gave us a brainteaser.

After we were done with dinner we went down to Bandit Stage again and joined Paula, Helle, Ted and his friend at the front for Equilibrium.

Equilibrium

So, I have a lot of friend who likes this band, so I got a bit excited of finally seeing them myself, and I really, REALLY enjoyed their show! I have to pick up some albums with them, that’s for sure!

It was also a big show for Jonathan – he experienced being crushed by a moshpit for the first time, and he also witnessed his very very first Wall of Death in person, up and close! It was monumental. The boys in the band put on a really, really good show, like I already said, I really enjoyed it. Thank you!

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And after Equilibrium, we reclaimed our spots at the front row and the long wait began.

TO BE CONTINUED

// Sara

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Sabaton Open Air – Day 1: Friday 19/8 2016

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags bloodbound, brothers of metal, hysterica, sabaton open air on August 22, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

Interestingly enough, the car was actually not as broken as we originally thought it was. It turns out, what my father originally thought was like, an engine problem was really just one of the front wheels almost coming off. Lucky me this didn’t occur halfway to Falun! Despite this, I still decided to leave fairly early on Friday morning anyway, and I actually for once managed to get going in a fair good amount of time.

On my way up to Falun I took the opportunity to listen through “The Last Stand” in preparation for tomorrow. And holy shit let me tell you this – when “Diary of an Unknown Soldier” started I was simply just enjoying it… until I heard the background arrangements, and recognized them from “The Lost Battalion”. As you all know about me, I love big and epic arrangements. And these orchestral arrangements they have with their songs – also with “Nightwitches”, I just… What happened is that I first started breathing very heavily. Heavy panting, perhaps. And then I just stopped breathing and when “The Lost Battalion” started… it was like something in me just exploded. It’s just… I can’t even really explain it. But every little inch of my body just exploded, because of the build from the previous song. Perhaps I’m the only person in this world who can feel this, who lets the song just eat you up and spit you out… So essentially, I had to pull over to calm myself down before an accident happened.

Then, I continued onwards to Falun. And it isn’t much to say. I passed Borlänge and Kupolen, and I revived some memories from the Peace&Love festivals I used to attend, and you always went to Kupolen to charge your phone. And always this classic line “It’s so good to back home here in Borlänge” – aka the time I found out Sabaton was a Swedish band.

Once I was in Falun and at Lugnet, where I by the way just to stay when I went to Peace&Love – so it was a bit of coming home, actually – everything went pretty fast. Not sure if you guys knew this, but my combicar is actually now a festivalvan, so everything was already done, so I got the wristbands, went to the car and got changed, and then into the festival area. Headed directly for the merch stand to pick up a Hysterica album for the signing session, then the festival shirt – you know, Lordi’s name is on it after all – and then onto the next merchstand to pick up Sabaton’s new album. Yes, I have indeed preordered the Tank edition, but I really really love these books they made, and I really want THAT version of the CD so… it had to be done.

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I sat down on a hill casually watching a band while opening the CD and going through it. Seriously, I LOVE These little books. After some time has passed, I headed over to the signing area to meet with Hysterica. The first thing that happens when I get up to them is the bassplayer saying “OH NICE! A GIRL!” and I told her “Yeah, likewise!” referring to the lack of female (full female) bands on festivals. It was nice meeting them!

Brothers of Metal

While waiting for the signing session to begin, Brothers of Metal had just started to play on the stage, and I did quite frankly like the music that was coming out, so I decided to check them out. I really like the show they put on, they were extremely entertaining and I do look forward to see them again some other time. And their cover of “Swedish Pagans” was to die for, really.

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After this, I headed back to my little car or van or whatever you want to call it to chill out a little bit. I called Paula over to hang out a bit before going back to the area to catch Hysterica.

Hysterica

So, this is a band I haven’t been all too familiar with for too long – I’ve known of their existance, but never checked them out too much, until it was set I was going to this festival, and started to check out bands, and that is the story of how I fell in love with them.

They put on a real good show, I enjoyed it like hell. I think it’s so fun, the singer looks so cute and innocent, but she’s a real metal beast, it was such a contrast to see her on stage. Supercool.

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After this, again, headed back to the car and did some real nice hanging out with Paula and Michelle, talking about everything and nothing, listening to Lordi’s new single “Hug You Hardcore” that was accidently released. It’s suuuuch a good song! I can’t get over it.

We moved on to continuing the, party? in the common room of the cabins where we also got to catch up with Martine, Joran and Ted, and for me – to meet Helle for the first time. Of course, as the rude people we are we forced them to do the Vegemite challenge. I’m starting to finally get together all the people I want to have tried it, and then, videocompilation!

Hours went by and soon it was time to head back to the area for the last band of the day – Bloodbound

Bloodbound

Like seriously, you guys know about my love for this band. And when they walked on stage and started off the show with “Iron Throne”… You know, sometimes I forget about this band, and how fantastic they really are. Like you know… when you just hear the intro for “Moria” or for “Stormborn” and everything you cease to exist. It’s just you and Bloodbound, on this quest towards whatever we are doing. You feel yourself getting lost in this temporary world that is Bloodbound.

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Aside that, because I could go on about that forever, it was a very good show. The boys delivered a tight and energetic set, and was the perfect wrap up for the first day of Sabaton Open Air.

Right after this, I crawled back into my little car getting ready for the next day. First and foremost, it was Lordi, and secondly, Sabaton and last but not in anyway least – the first time I’d ever get to meet Jonathan.

// Sara

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REVIEW: Kissin’ Dynamite – Generation Goodbye

Posted in CDs, Music, Uncategorized with tags afm, generation goodbye, in cooperation with, kissin dynamite, records on August 15, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

It’s been two years since the success of “Megalomania” and a lot has changed since – the most noteworthy being the break with their management. Since then the band has dealt with everything themselves – promotion as well as organizing, and now lastly, producing their album completely on their own, letting them control everything and get exactly the sound they want. “Generation Goodbye” is a eleven songs long album that, according to guitarist Ande, “represents a feeling of longing, break up and a new start”. With this information in hand, it’s safe to say that the album is probable the most honest and genuine album they have produced so far.

I have two things to say about this album: Musically, it’s a roller coaster ride from start to finish. It starts off initiating, the music almost preparing you for dystopia with bombastic choruses telling you “Here we are, here we stand”, giving you this doomsday feeling, before being sped up and taking off with “Hashtag Your Life”, then slowing down in the powerballad “If Clocks Were Running Backwards” before going up the rails again only to unleash in “She Came, She Saw”, only to be slowed down again for “Masterpiece”, taking off and then dying out in the serene, but bombastic “Utopia”, draining you on the little mental energy you have left.

Lyrically, however, it’s a clear battlefield. The lyrics goes from, practically criticizing society in songs like “Generation Goodbye” and “Hashtag Your Life” to heartbreaking songs about lost love in “If Clocks Were Running Backwards”. There are songs about being a warrior in your own private battlefield – your life – in songs like “Somebody to Hate”, as well as a few partyhymns.

My personal favorite song on this album is “She came, She saw”. A seductive piece of music who sends you into the deepest corner of the filthiest stripclub you can find, being conquered of the feeling of wanting something you can’t have. The music is stirring up emotions in you, leading you in on this seductive path leaving you drained in the climax of the chorus.

It’s a pretty solid album – but it’s not necessarily better, nor worse, than the previous one. Aside some heavier lyric material, it’s not a lot of surprises. While most of the songs are very good – and they are really good – it sadly leaves the “bad” songs a bit more mediocre, leaving the album a little bit scattered for my opinion. And I’m not sure how I feel about them repeating the same trick in almost every song -It’s leaving it a little bit predictable, you know?

Overall, it’s a good album. It’s a very enjoyable album, the different songs keeping it interested while listening to it in a whole go. And like I said – the good songs are really, REALLY good, which make it worth it! I’d recommend it, most certainly if you are into 80’s kind of rock.

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(Label: AFM Records)

CDON I Amazon I Ginza

// Sara

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Universal Death Squad, Give it Away, The Glory and the Scum

Posted in Music, Uncategorized on July 29, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

Ahh guys!

These past two days has been a song-releasing inferno, and it’s probably a lot more than the three songs I’ll be talking about, but, since these three songs happens to be each from bands I hold very dearly, I’ll write a bit about them all in this entry.

EPICA – Universal Deathsquad

Maybe it’s because it’s new, maybe it’s because I’m excited maybe it’s because I’m in love with the artwork of this whole era – but I seriously love it. I sort of feel it’s got everything to it – the heaviness, the melodic parts, the technological parts, all the different harmonies… Ah. Whatever it does, it does make me excited for the new album! Cannot wait.

DELAIN – The Glory and the Scum (Spotify)

Well, sadly, I cannot link you to a video for this one, but seriously, I LOVE IT. I really, really, really love it. I can’t even put my fingers on what it is exactly I love so much… it’s just the way it’s written, and the lyrics… they made it again, you know? I can’t wait, I can’t I can seriously NOT WAIT for the album to come! Jesus Christ.

SUMO CYCO – Give it Away (Red Hot Chili Peppers cover)

Ah. Very typical Sumo Cyco style, and seriously, all I can really say is that I’m getting really, REALLY pumped for their next album. “Lost in Cyco City” was pretty much perfection in an album, and I just want more. How is this band not signed yet? I don’t really get it at all. I love it.

Ahh. This is going to be a heavy autumn, mark my words… So much new and good music being released! And not to talk about next years tour schedule… Rest in peace, my bankaccount!

// Sara

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Sweden Rock: The Aftermaths

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags amaranthe, lordi, Sweden Rock on June 26, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

Wow. So I’ve fallen out of shape of blogging quite a lot. It’s been three weeks now. I’m quite frankly sorry for that, and I don’t really have a good excuse for any of it. I’ll just hope I’ll be able to pick it up a notch starting from here.

So basically, this is going to be a short and quick little blog about Sweden Rock. It’s been a few weeks since the fest really, and I… haven’t had any inspiration to write anything, so this will become what it will become really.

Todays fest has been… a big mixture of emotions, I guess you could say. It’s been by far the weirdest festival I’ve ever been to on many levels and because of everything that happened, but it’s also been euphoric.

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I’ve been up earlier than I have ever been on Sweden Rock because of Epica and Lordi’s early play times, I’ve always been up longer than ever because of Avantasia. I have never in my life spent so much time on the campgrounds as I did on Sweden Rock this year, and for the first of possibly ever I got to practice my intense engineering skills when rebuilding a dying party tent about ten times before letting it die.

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We’ve for the first time ever been down to the beach in Norje and chased each other around with seaweed. It’s been a time for new friendship and old, it’s been the time for mishaps such as missing out on Sabaton’s signing session (gladly, I was actually watching Lita Ford and then Foreigner, so at least I was doing something important!) or forgetting your camera in the camp for Epica, but I also got to meet Lita Ford which is… I can’t even put words to it. I’ve gotten to meet one of my biggest role models and heroes in life, and I don’t even know how to put words to it. Lita Ford, what a woman.

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I’ve seen so many good things. Amaranthe as the opener of the fest for me… I witnessed Queen together with good friends I only see when they tour with their band, I’ve seen Sabaton perform “The Lost Battalion” for the first time, I got to witness our fanclub’s logo as the backdrop for “Karolinens Bön”. I’ve screamed my heart out to songs like “I wanna know what love is” and “Jukebox Hero”. I’ve witnessed the epicness that is Avantasia – which also holds the discovery of the festival. I’ve witnessed my friend participate in championships in air-guitar, I’ve seen Twisted Sister say goodbye… I saw Sixx AM tear things apart… I’ve witnessed Finntroll… I don’t even know where to start or end anymore. Epica… I can’t even tell you, not even begin to tell you how much I love this band. Simone, what a godess. I also beat my own record – this year I came home with 22 albums and five vinyls, what a record!

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And Lordi… First and foremost, seeing Lordi again on Swedish soil was extremely…. odd. It was weird. As someone who’s seen them more abroad and made it a bit of a sport and see how many countries I can see them in, it was weird seeing them at home. And at Sweden Rock. I can honestly admit, I never thought I’d see Lordi at Sweden Rock. But here it was. And… what makes it even more special is the fact that they played “My Heaven is Your Hell”. That particular song was my first ever favorite Lordi song (before “Deadache” and “Hate at First Sight” came along.) And… it was… At first, I couldn’t even connect what song they were playing because I’ve only heard it once live before, but then… I just stood there. It was like the world disappeared under my feet.

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We’re here. At the best festival in the world. With the best band in the world. And they are playing the best song they ever made.

What could possibly be better?

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// Sara

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Like a Killer

Posted in Music, Uncategorized on May 2, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

You are all going to be so extremely tired of my talking about Sumo Cyco and their brilliance and awesomeness. But I guess this is what happens when you fall in love, again. And it’s always so fun, because it’s the same story as always – It always begin with a “I don’t like this… but it intrigues me”. I said the same about them all – Wig Wam, Lordi, Sabaton, HammerFall, Powerwolf, Steel Panther – they have all been through the “I don’t like it… BUT” phase.

Maybe I’m the one who’s uneducated but I’ve seriously heard nothing like Sumo before. They are… locked between genres. In a way. I don’t even know how to explain them, I’ll just leave you some of my personal favorites in this entry. Now, it’s fairly hard to choose a FEW favorites of such a killer debut album as “Lost in Cyco City” is.

I can’t even put my finger on what it is. Paula asked me on Skype yesterday, what it is I love so much about this band, and I managed to narrow it down to one thing – the rhythms. The ryhthyms in their music is just to die for. Perhaps it’s the dancer in me that talks but… Yeah. Well. All I can say is… I went to a Butcher Babies show, but I left a Sumo Cyco shows. Seriously. That is how good they are. Like I wrote, they were the reason I wound up going at all in the end, so… That should say a lot.

I have literally not been able to listen to anything beside these Canadians these past few days. Seriously. I’m addicted. Or turning Cyco. I don’t know. But I’ll probably be bothering you a lot with these guys and lady – just like I do with Dynazty, you know? I feel smitten.

// Sara

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Butcher Babies @ Fryshuset, Stockholm, Sweden 29/4 – 16

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags butcher babies, fryshuset, sumo cyco on April 29, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

I’m going to be completely honest, because first and foremost, you blogreaders deserve that, and secondly, I think I already told you what I’m about to say. I had forgotten about this gig. When I stood with my co-workers and made jokes about some clubs that are closed, I forgot that I for REAL had this day off, and not that I the club I was working had closed. And I couldn’t for the life of me remember at first WHY I had the day off before I remembered I was going to see my dear Butcher Babies again. I think, in all honesty, that my brain is still you know, mashed potatoes because of my upcoming job and because I have yet to land after Australia, but like, how is it even possible? Like, this is Butcher Babies premiere in Sweden, so it’s not just any gig!

I spent most of my journey to Stockholm listening through Sumo Cyco’s debut album. I’m going to be honest – I had doubts in my mind last night about going in the first place because of stress reasons, but upon hearing Sumo Cyco and falling in love more and more for every second I listened to, I figured I had to go.

Once in Stockholm, I got to the hotel, checked in, bought some food and watched Gossip Girl before it was time to get ready and make my way to the venue. Unlike other times, I’m actually staying at Vanadis this time, which is my second choice hotel after Hotel Micro. I had completely forgotten Vanadis actually includes breakfast, but I’m not so sure about the damn hill you need to walk…

Anyway. I got to the venue about 30 minutes after the doors had opened, praying that Sumo Cyco really DID begin at 19.30 so I wouldn’t wind up missing them. But no problems, really. Once there… well. There were close to NO people there. The front row was covered, and then maybe… five or six more people? I just stood there and gasped and were like “where are all the people…?” So I went back outside to hit the merch. I picked up Sumo Cyco’s debut album and a shirt from both bands.

Back inside the venue and eagerly waiting Sumo’s start… which they did right on time and opened with “Cry Murder”.

And seriously… Like… This is a band in my taste. I don’t quite know how to explain their music to you – it’s metal, but very influenced by either like… hip hop? Or world music rythms. It’s very very funky, very rythmic at times, and I’m IN LOVE with their charismatic singer. She’s all over the place. ALL OVER.

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Like literally. More often than not would she really run into the crowd to get it going, and during “Fighter” she got up on the guitarists shoulders and they both got around the venue.

Well, I… I’m sort of speechless. Despite being short, it was an amazing set. I’m not sure if they managed to pin all my favorite songs, or if the album is just that good, but I honestly couldn’t have had a better set with them, under these circumstances you know. Seriously, thank you Sumo Cyco, you guys alone made it worth coming out.

So, OH. By the way. After “Cry Murder” I found that Robert had just arrived, so I pulled him up next to me. I dumped my stuff on him before going to the bathroom, and by the time I came back he was gone. And I was like “what on Earth…” and then I noticed he’d just gotten us front row spots. Kaching! Thanks Robert.

Right on time, the lights went out and Butcher Babies hit off their show with “Blonde Girls All Look The Same” (haha Heidi, very funny, especially now that you’re blonde again). And… Well, first of all, by the time they entered, a few more people had found their way to the arena, I can’t give you an exact number but at least a 50 – 100 people where there by now. So that’s good – but there wasn’t any major pressure, which was good for us.

They continued the set with “The Butcher” followed by “Gravemaker” and well, gladly, the crowd was… I must admit a little cold, I guess there were some pits going on, but not a lot. BUT – After “Igniter”, when Heidi asks if there’s any crowdsurfers there for “Jesus Needs More Babies To His War Machine”… then shit got started. Crowdsurfers came from EVERYWHERE, and I’m not sure if you guys know how I feel about them but… They are fine, as long as I don’t have to get them on me. And it’s hard to avoid them at front row, you know?

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“Mr Slowdeath” was next on the list before one of the bigger hits of the night – “Monsters Ball”. I guess… I talked to a guy when I was at the merch, who didn’t really know either band, but “it’s metal so I’ll go”. And I got the feeling he wasn’t the only one, because everyone seemed to know this song. Which is all fine by me, but you know. You noticed the difference.

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As far as the band goes… Butcher Babies are Butcher Babies. Carla and Heidi as front women are absolutely amazing and charismatic, but… it was something that didn’t just catch it. I guess some of the things they said or so felt a bit forced. And you can sort of tell directly when that happens. But hey – everyone can have a bad day. Or perhaps I was too blown away by the woman on stage before them that it was hard to melt it in time for the Babies. BUT – despite this, they all had a good energy and a good vibe, despite the lack of audience response.

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One of my personal favorites followed – “Dead Man Walking”. Seriously, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this song and how happy I was that they actually played it. Damn. “Thrown Away” was next on the list before they walked off stage, and everything went green. And then we heard it. Those small notes. Robert and I just looked at each other in excitement.

“They’re Coming To Take Me Away”.

It’s really a cover, but damn they do it so good! Seriously… it was about to become one of the highlights of the show… until they brought up Henrik Englund from Amaranthe to sing it with them. That moment, having Henrik join them on stage made it THE highlight of the night. Oh my god, seeing him on stage again was one of the best things ever. It reminded me of how long it was since I saw Amaranthe. Good grief.

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“Magnolia Blvd” followed – and for those of you who know me for long, this is the song that got me into Butcher Babies in the first place, and it’s always a party when this song comes on. The song was followed by the Deathsurrond Medley, which consists of “The Deathsurround”, “Goliath” and “I Smell A Massacre”.

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They wrapped up the entire set with “Axe Wound”. They thanked for themselves, and left the stage.

Well… It was a good show. In all honesty, I feel they had a better energy at Graspop -but I really don’t blame them. But despite that, I did really enjoy the show, they put on an amazing show and I still love them. But you know… Sumo Cyco might have overshined them.

After the show, Robert headed for the meet & greet and I went back to the merch table to pick up on the other CD available with Sumo Cyco because, why the hell not? Met one of the bandmates and had the oppurtunity to tell him how much I loved the show.

After this, I left the venue and headed back to Vanadis. Seriously… Despite this night being a bit “outta sight, outta mind”, I’m so glad I finally went, so THANK YOU Sumo Cyco for with your music convincing me to go, because I enjoyed it so much. Thank you all, I hope to see you soon again.

// Sara

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Hör vad du säger men har glömt vad du sa

Posted in Music, Uncategorized on April 27, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, yeah, in lack of better things to write about I’ll write to you a bit about a song that I’ve more or less used as a drug these past couple of days to, well, basically get through the day.

“Hör vad du säger men har glömt vad du sa” (I hear what you are saying, but I forgot what you said) by swedish popstar Danny Saucedo.

First of all; I’m proud of myself for recognizing it was him on the radio. I sat to myself and was like “Hmm. Could it be Danny Saucedo perhaps?” And then it was! Golden star to me.

So basically, this is one of those songs who just hit it straight to the heart. Struck me like lightning the way “Stand by You” with Rachel Platten did a while ago. And it’s… sort of fun in a way. I don’t really relate that much to the lyrics – perhaps a line or two, but on the same time, I totally do. I guess it reminds me of the times with my people on the road, in a weird kind of way.

But most importantly – what I like about, and what caught me is the production and the way Danny sings the song. I’m extremely weak for good arrangements, and this song got it real good. So yes. It may not be the sort of music I usually tip about but really, give this song a listen or two. I’m glad I gave it a proper chance.

// Sara

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REVIEW: Dynazty – Titanic Mass

Posted in CDs, Music, Uncategorized with tags dynazty, spinefarm records, titanic mass on April 15, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

So it’s finally here you guys! Dynazty’s fifth album, second with the new sound. “Renatus” (2014) really ambushed me BIG TIME last time, seeing I was expecting their previous sound. But seriously, all for the better. “Renatus” was such an amazing album, that despite being a band I don’t follow all that closely, it still holds a position as the most played album.

So, you could say that once I saw “Titanic Mass” being in the making I started getting excited, and once I had seen the video for “The Human Paradox” I literally couldn’t contain myself in wait for this album. I mean, “The Northern End” is really one of the best songs in modern metal history, but this sounded extremely promising.

Today was the day when it finally came in the mail, I couldn’t wait to put in the player to hear. So, lets get to verdict, shall we?

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The album is opened by no other song than “The Human Paradox” which set the bar quite high, if you ask me with it’s big choruses and catchy melody lines, a bit of a slap in the face if you like. It continues onto in this tempo right into the second track of the album “Untamer of your Soul”, and seriously, what a rush this song is!

And most of the album goes in this vein – it’s a lot of “Renatus”, in the single “Roar of the Underdog” I’m certain you can literally hear some pieces from “Run Amok”. What I would want to say and add to this though, is that some of it’s material is a little bit heavier than the preceeder. The titletrack and “Keys To Paradise” are a few songs that proves it, but it still a whole lot of catchy melodies and epic choruses.

However, there’s one song on this album that my heart beats a little extra for.

“I Want To Live Forever”.

When taking notes I called it a battle song, because that’s how it started off, but it just blossomed into this epic sort of song that just builds up all through the verse and just explodes in the chorus. Have I mentioned in this post yet how much I love Nils Molins vocals? I’m pretty positive his voice alone are a major reason I love this band as much as I do.

But all this aside – this is a worthy follow up to “Renatus”. Quality songwriting, flawless performance from the bandmembers (can we just appriciate Egg’s capability of doing double bass with one foot?) and the mixing is just as flawless as the rest. I was not disappointed, that is for sure. Holy hell. I now have two of these amazing albums, with what could possibly be the most underrated band in Sweden today. Why aren’t they getting any more recognition?

Seriously, get out and get it!

CDON I Amazon I Ginza

// Sara

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Powerwolf @ La Cooperative de Mai, Clermont-Ferrand, France 2/4 -16

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags battle beast, clermont ferrand, la cooperativ de mai, powerwolf, serenity on April 2, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, the good thing about Clermont-Ferrand is that they realize that people traveling on trains might actually have luggage, and they served us with both elevators and escalators. Hallelujah! Day was saved, I guess. Or at least our arms. Sophie was a doll and helped me carry a suitcase, sweetheart.

So, once in Clermont-Ferrand we started looking for our friends and the apartment, and after walking for a little bit we bumped into our French friends who’d come to greet us! It was Marianne as front runner, and she had Nicolaus and Lea with her. So, we kept on walking for some time until we finally made it to the apartment.

Once there, we all started to get ready. Getting changed… And with that said, it was time for a few more people to do the Vegemite challenge. Marianne was first out and yeah, no, she didn’t like it. Next up was Lea, and she wasn’t a too big fan of it either, and then… last in line was the mother of it all – Sophie. She is the one who started this whole thing, and despite testing it before she figure she’d give it a try again. She did, and… it looked like she was gonna vomit. Madlen made the way to the toilet clear, but Sophie just dashed for the kitchen instead.

After this, make up time. For all of us really. Madlen has her usual make up, and since I have a weak heart for Roel, I figured I’d go for one of his versions. To co-operate it a little more, Marianne went for Attila and we gave Sophie Falk’s face. She didn’t really have much of a choice, but she didn’t seem to mind.

Once all done, we headed down to the usual place – McDonalds. We had some quick dinner and again, I always overbuy. I have a hard time estimating how hungry I really am. Sophie had waaay too much fun with her Falk make-up and kept taking photos with weird alterations to show us all.

Once done, we went to the venue. And the thing is… We see this big black crowd of people, and we all are like “is that the venue?” “But there are so many people!” and I don’t know, I just found myself wrapped up a bit of the clarity of the moment, but the confusion for us.

Directly, we found Daniel and Toni and went to say hi, and Madlen found some of her friends as well. So, basically, that’s what we did. We stood around in the line, catching up on ALL the things that had happened in the past, what, 14 hours? (sarcasm) and once the doors opened, we got inside. The interesting thing with this venue was the fact that they had different doors depending on where you’d bought your tickets. That’s a first.

So, we got inside the venue and we scored decent spots on the first and second row, together in a little group on Charles side of the stage (Amen’s, if you speak Lordi) and the wait began. And really, not too long after we got in, Serenity got on stage.

And again, FLAWLESS set! Seriously, these men keep winning me over the more I see them. Like I already wrote, flawless set and they were over way too soon. I can’t believe this is the last time I’m seeing them for now, I already started missing them as they went off stage.

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I think it was at this point I asked Nicolas to keep my spot for a moment while I went out and got two bottles of water – seriously, you are always in a need of this. And then, before we knew it, Battle Beast went on stage.

Just as yesterday, “Let it Roar” was the opening song and seriously, this band live is beyond amazing. “I Want the World… And Everything In It!” “Out on the Streets” were next in line, but honestly, what made this night just a tad bit better than yesterday must have been the company, you know? We were a fairly large group this time, which made it even better.

“Touch in the Night” as next on the list.. you know, like I stated above, just better. Just perfect. In fact, the whole set was just perfect. Everything about this night is just perfect, right in this moment. All good things comes to an end though, and before we knew it they wrapped up the set with “Out of Control” and walked off stage.

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You know, sometimes, when you’re anticipating a show, and the excitement builds up, and soon enough you can cut the excitement with a knife, because that’s how thick it is? You could say this is what was going on at La Cooperative De Mai between Powerwolf and Battle Beast. Exhaustion after an amazing set, but also excitement for Powerwolf, first gig for both Marianne and Sophie, so you know… bubble’s about to burst!

And then… Lights out, intro on and “Blessed and Possessed”. And this you know, this is the moment where the bubble bursts. When everything that was built up inside, inside of everyone at La Cooperative De Mai just explodes out and gets blended with the energy radiated from stage into one big mass of emotions.

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“Coleus Sanctus” was next on the list, followed by “Amen & Attack”. Seriously, can we just, appriciate how fantastic this band is? I’ve probably written this already about them and others, but seriously, is there anything more glorious in this world than the men and women in front of you on stage? “Sacred and Wild” and “Army of the Night” were the next on the list.

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I’m actually going to cut this a bit short, because I honestly don’t know what to say. It’s just… Everything was perfect. Best friends, best band on stage, and despite not knowing most of the people in the place, are all coming there, coming together for this. For the metal mass. And it’s in everything from howling in “Werewolves From Armenia” to the germans prank on the band, to half of the venue kneeling down for “Lupus Dei” (Thanks Madlen & co for including us in the ritual) even thought I must admit I thought the audience could have caught on a little better than they did, it’s like when people don’t sit down for “Spit it Out”. Like, come on, for the band!

Way too soon did the encores hit and the set was wrapped up with “Sanctified With Dynamite”, “Kreuzfeuer” and “All We Need is Blood”.

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I headed over to the merch to pick up some Battle Beast merchandise and then Serenity, and I believe it’s somewhere here that we all sort of lose track of each other. All I know is that Madlen went out, Soph and Marianne were originally with me, but once I made it to Serenity I found myself hanging out with Cyril and one of the leaders of Serenitys fanclub. It’s strange, isn’t it, how people move around and how easily you lose each other? I got my CD signed by Serenity and went out of the venue and spotted Daniel and Toni, and asked if they knew were Madlen were. By the time we found her, the French girls were back and finally we were the group again, haha.

The rest of the night were spent spending time with each other, joking around, talking a bit, basically just enjoying each others company (well..) one last time for this time around. But, as time passed on, it became time for everyone to go their separate ways and it became one of the most heartfelt good byes in a long time.

Thank you, everyone involved in this night – new friends and old friends, and of course – the bands. Thank you!

// Sara

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