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Tour Diaries – Sabaton / Hulkoff II – Part 1

Posted in Travels, Uncategorized on January 31, 2023 by Sara Hammerzmith

And so it was time. Finally time to get back on the road again. It’s been just a bit under a year since the last Swedish tour of Sabaton, and for this run Hulkoff was coming along again. The first stop of the tour was in Övertorneå, pretty damn far up in the North.

So, travels started out pretty early in the morning – if I remember correctly I left my place around eight in the morning to head over to the airport. With being out of the touring habit for so long, I have lost track on how to do it and have not prepared ANTYHING in all honesty in order to make this tour go smoothly – like, sure I left well on time, but upon arriving at the airport I realized I hadn’t sorted any sort of preorder for the parkings, so I just went ahead and took the first best parking I found. Gladly enough, this is the parking I would usually have anyway so no issue really.

Off I went to meet up with my friend Isabelle whom I’d get to share this adventure with and we got on our plane, picked up the rental car she had arranged and started off the drive towards Övertorneå – which is located around two hours driving from Luleå. Oh yeah.. We had a bit of an incident on our way up. So, I get motion ill, or car sick if you like, very, very easily. And I forgot to take my pills, but I did not realize this until I started feeling a bit nauseous. I tried combatting it by stopping quickly on the road and driving with the window down – even taking a pill even though it technically was a bit too late….

And at one point I had to ask Isabelle to just pull over in the dead middle of a road and I went out… And it was a basic cascade. I haven’t done that in a long time, but I guess it was about time! Lesson learned. The worst part though? I didn’t get my very long hair out of the way, so I tried my best to clean it with snow.. I thought I was so fly until I borrowed Isabelles shower later only to realize I had just mushed it all in my hair and created a nice… cake… of that…

ANYWHO.

And let me tell you this – going up north – this much up north – it is like visiting a different country. It is legit the same country, but it is so incredibly different on the same time. The houses are quite more rustiqe than I’m used to home where I live, and most importantly – it is so incredibly silent. At least at the place where I lived – Willa Armas just outside of Övertorneå. Its a huge what seems to be family owned mansion of sorts with a huge kitchen and you stay in one of the bedrooms of the house. Baths are shared, and there is a sauna in the basement. The owners meet up with you and make sure you are most comfortable and help you out. They are extremely friendly – I can very warmly recommend this location for you. It is handy if you have a car already though, as it is outside the city.

Obviously, as we were arriving pretty late on the first night we went off to buy some dinner and have some before Isabelle brought me back to my hotel and the next day was about to commence. Got up WAY TOO LATE in what I would have liked myself, but obviously, if it is anything I learned about myself this past few months it is that I tend to always stay up way too late – I guess I can thank me discovering TikTok for that..

Anywho. Isabelle came to pick me up, bless her, and we headed off to the Arctic Circle – which was pretty damn interesting to see actually! A part of me is kind of all up in the air about it all – I have always wanted to travel up north but I never really had the chance properly til now – which means the world to me.

We headed back into the city to cook some more dinner before heading over to the show – but I’ll save that for another post!

// Sara

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Throwback: 70.000 Tons of Metal 2018, part 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To be continued…

// Sara

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Throwback: 70.000 Tons of Metal 2018 part 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I was going to be on 70.000 Tons of Metal. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

To be continued…

// Sara

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70.000 Tons of Metal: Day 2

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

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

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

Bloodbound

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

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

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

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

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

Leaves’ Eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Epica

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

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

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

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

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

// Sara

 

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70.000 Tons of Metal: Arrival and Heavy Metal Beach Party

Posted in The Great Tour 2020, Travels, Uncategorized on January 15, 2020 by Sara Hammerzmith

So! Early on enough, it was time for the BOAT again. This year, the boat was laid almost a month earlier than normal, but I guess that was all for the better in the end, considering the normal dates for the cruise would have been midst Sabaton tour, and that would.. THAT would be one for the ages of tour hopping, that is for sure.

Anyway. Off we went. First off to the airport by the shuttle who came when it came, kind of thing, then a loong line to check in, and then finally – finally – on the plane. I love flying Norwegians Dreamliner. Like, we literally traveled from Paris specifically because I wanted the Dreamliner. It’s kind of… haha, I don’t know, obsessive, but I got the obsessive devotion I guess for that (bonus points to anyone who gets that reference, by the way). We had a nice flight. Tried to sleep a bit and I think I did as I made my way through “Toy Story 4” as well as half of “Endgame”. I still haven’t seen “Infinity Wars”, sue me.

And then, we arrived in the states, again, good old Florida. What I didn’t expect this time… Was the long process of the bordercontroll. We supposed it was since we arrived earlier than usual, but we spent a good 2,5 hours in there. I’ve never spent THAT long in a bordercontrol before. But oh well, we survived. Then awaited another long wait for the shuttle to the hotel, and.. finally there.

It was late. I was excited we were gonna arrive early this year, so we could do something. But by the time we were checked in, it was closing in on 21. So we just hit up some fancy restaurant and then went home to go to bed. After all, tomorrow was the day for the beach party so.

But. A disturbing thing was noticed. I had left my little bag of emergency stuff. Like, toothbrush, toothpaste, ALL MY MEDICATION… decided that I liked the dreamliner of Norwegian so much it didn’t even want to leave the plane. Because, it’s not like I needed the meds right? Before people worry too much, it was “only” painkillers and motion illness pills. But I get easy motion ill, so yeah. Great. Great start.

The next day, we went up relatively early, got to the bus station.. earlier than I though. Greyhound apparently lists BOARDING TIME, and not departure time. So we came 40 mins. Beore Boarding time. I wanted to smash my head against a wall. It’s like, not even the first time I go by Greyhound. How have I not learned this?

The busride was relatively uneventful. Gladly, I didn’t get motion ill like I thought I would. From the busstation we made it down to the Clevelander where we could reunite with our heavy metal family, have a nice meal and then the massive groupshot on the beach.

After the photo though, we departed the party and took to the shopping streets of Miami to enjoy our day a little bit more. A little bit of shopping was done, a pair of sunglasses, shorts and leggings. So, not a lot but a little. And a lot of Pokemon.

Busride home was also pretty uneventful, except that we had the most charming busdriver ever. She was amazing. I wish Flixbuses, or Europes, drivers were like her.

Once back, we packed everything up and got to bed. Tomorrow, we embark!

// Sara

 

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Burst

Posted in The Great Tour 2020, Travels, Uncategorized on January 4, 2020 by Sara Hammerzmith

And with that, The Great Tour has begun.

This has been long in the making, and a few hiccups here and there has shaped this tour a bit different from what was originally planned, but improvise, adapt, overcome, am I right?

As I’m writing this I’m currently on a bus toward Paris. Two days ago I landed in Belgium as a first pitstop and getting stuff organized.

The flight here was relatively uneventful to be honest. I checked in my two bags (a month and a half long tour, together with a festival in the carribbean requires a bit of a closet) and had a snack before take off. Slept through most of the flight, and then arrived.

Headed home to Antwerpen where I had a few couple of calm days, mostly consisting of me repacking stuff. Stuff necessary for the tour here in Europe aren’t necessary in the US and so on. Looked like something exploded in the apartment.

Today has been slow and stressful, both of it. I had all the day to pack, but exceeding weightlimits is what I do best, but after a few ifs and buts I got it done. I made sure to take everything downstairs and noticed my bag can even slide of the carpeted stairs. PROFIT!

Then.. Going to Antwerp Central Station seemed to be a bit of a difficulty though. For some reasons we ended up on several detours, but gladly made the train in time.

What awaits in Paris, is one good nights rest and Sushi!

// Sara

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Sabaton Cruise X – The Battle Ship: Part 3

Posted in Travels, Uncategorized with tags on December 13, 2019 by Sara Hammerzmith

So we were.. Or more like I was, woken up early in the morning by the ship starting to dock. I’m an incredibly sensitive sleeper, and how on earth I survive festivals I honestly do not know, perhaps I’m just so worn out from an entire day?

So, a little before ship boards I wake Misa up, I jump in the shower, wake the boys up and we all start getting ready to disembark.

A little later than originally planned (due to me forgetting my passport, among other things) we finally get off the boat and set foot in Tallinn. Toivo joined his friends on whatever journey they went on, whereas the three of us – Me, Ivan and Misa sought out a nice café to have some sweet breakfast.

And oh boy was it sweet! Being used to Swedish customs, we ordered a double sandwich each (Misa and I) and a coffe each as well. But the sandwiches were huge! Had we known, we would have taken a single one. And it was so pretty as well!

After this, we started out walk towards the Old Town, as we figured our time in Tallinn was rather limited and we wanted to make the most out of the little time we had. On our way there we first passed by Lush as Misa loves it A LOT, and I had to debate if I wanted to get the bag or not. After this, we reached the Old Town where we walked around for a while, checking out various tourists shops before we ended up on a medieval torture museum which was really interesting!

Sadly, I had to cut my visit rather short as I had to visit the restroom (Which they did not provide there) but found my way easily. After this, we met up again in another tourist shop where we got some gadgets before continuing our walk through the scenic area.

Took a walk around the Christmasmarket before making our way back to port, stopping by at Lush to indeed get the bag. I always get a little anxious when it comes to boats. I don’t like being there just before boarding call, because they sure won’t wait. We stopped by a supermarket to buy some goodies and then took a well needed rest in our cabin.

We talked for hours and hours, swung by the merchandise to pick up some patches and posters, played some more magic and then started getting ready for tonights show. Today Sabaton was on first, which created a bit of a stressmoment.

Gladly, we found some decent spots, and the wait for the band began…

To be Continued…

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U-Rock @ Umeå, 20/7 -19 Part 1

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags , , , on July 20, 2019 by Sara Hammerzmith

Alright people.

You all know I’m dumb. Like, real, fucking, dumb. It’s completely normal for me to be like “Hey, Sabaton plays there, I oughta go!” so I riled up my tourbestie Toivo by whispering that also Raubtier was playing, and with ifs and buts and like last minute decisions, we now found ourselves en route to Umeå.

From where I live, it’s a bit over 900 kilometers, and even further for Toivo. We had a drive time of eight hours – seeing that I first drove an hour to pick Toivo up along the way. So for me, a bit over nine hours, for Toivo around eleven. At this moment, while it isn’t the furthest I’ve ever gone for the band, it sure as hell is the longest we have ever driven for a band.

So… I left for Örebro to meet up with Toivo, and despite being the biggest time optimist, I actually made it there just a little time after his train arrived, and most of this was due to traffic and perhaps his train being a little early, which, by the way, never happens in Sweden. Upon arrival we dumped his stuff in the car and headed into the city to pick up some dinner and then head onto the road.

It was a long drive. But, it was indeed a fun one. We worked our way up through the country, about halfway before we found a nice little resting spot close to a diner with pretty much everything you could possibly need. And a few weird fish and snail signs. At this moment, it was around 2am, and we figured it was a good time to go to bed.

We planned to wake up at 9.30 to coninute our journey, but around 8.30 we woke up and pretty much realized that fuck this, we are dying in this basic sauna and kicked the doors open to the car and got up. Toivo cooked us some noodles for breakfast, and trust me, we had the most scenic view to have our breakfast too. Turns out there is a giant lake next to this place with a walking trail. Loving every second.

But, alas, we had to continue our road upwards and so we did. With new energy and a lot of excitement, we continued upwards and hilarity ensued. Various new songs such as “Umeå” in the vein of Alestorm’s “Mexico” and “Highway to Umeå” was written and a lot of other things.

Just 30 minutes after our initial plan of arrival we roll into the parking lot of the Festival, seeing the most confusing parkingsigns ever and catching up with some of Toivos friends who had arrived for the festival as well.

So, upon arrival we got ready the last bits and then got into line. There was already a bit of a line, but it wasn’t too long. So we weren’t worried. We met a few nice guys who stood behind us and we mostly talked about the difference between Norrland you know, our part of Sweden.

We took the chairs at first, and about half an hour before doors opened we ran back to the car with the chairs, or well, one of us did. And.. a little late the doors opened. But first they had the VIP people entering, and gladly for us, the VIP people were mostly older people or families who simply wanted some seats, and after some running and franticness, we made it to the front row of the stage where we’d spend the rest of our day.

And with that, it was time for the first band of the day

Pretty Maids

So, Pretty Maids is a band I’ve never listened much to ever. A band I never really fell for. I’ve seen them at least once before as far as I can remember, but despite that, they put on a fun show and it was enjoyable. At least the show.

Less can be said about the crowd. I had a mid 50’s man behind me, and despite it being like, 30 people there, he still felt the need to push around and rub up against me. Little did I know, this was only the beginning.

But, with this said, the band left the stage, and in just an hour, it was time for our own personal highlight, or the first one at least.

Raubtier

Okay so this doesn’t start well. The crowd starts getting closer, which isn’t so weird since this is BASICALLY, almost, kind of, a local band, or local heroes. So a big crowd. Here is the problem.

Behind us we get Alexander 22, who is as much of an it-guy as you can be coming from a town like Umeå who partied a little too much on the moonshine, but being “cool” by liking a band like Raubtier. Him and his gang. We already know from the start this is going to be an issue, so when the band opened with “Det Finns Bara Krig” (There is only war, fittingly enough) we might have exaggerated our headbanging a little bit just to establish dominance.

Actually. Just wanna mention one thing. The intro they used for their show is a song called “Be Mig” by folkband Nordman. Which is… Where do I begin about this? Nordman has been a favorite band of mine since I was a child. And “Be Mig” Specifically, has been my favorite song of them, also since I was a child. So that one, went straight to the heart.

So, anyway, that’s how they started and they very quickly followed up with “Från min Kalla Död Hand”. I am not sure if I’ll even keep translating the band names, but anyway. Third song on the list got out as a tribute for everyone from the nordic region of Sweden, “Bothnia Blod” and then straight jumping into “Vittring”, which is one of my personal feel good songs. But because of Alexander and his gang, there was a mild disruption to everything. And it was about to get worse.

“Achtung Panzer” was about to come up, and for some reason, Alexander felt very very entitled to this particular song, and to the front row spot, so he, without a single doubt in mind, leapt for us, and said “I HAVE TO GET FORWARD”. But Toivo, being a long term Raubiter fan and pretty much doing this drive for them, and me, being a rabies infected Sabaton fangirl who will kill anyone, told him to fuck off and kicked him back.  So that was that. The song though, was amazing.

The band was. They really delivered. Next song on the list, was the new single “Ovtjarka” which made Toivo extremely happy. For some reason Alexander didn’t react much, proved my point about his state.

“Dieseldöden” followed suite before it was time to calm things down for a moment with “Polarvargen”. For several reasons this song is difficult for me, and I’ll not deny I teared up the direct moment I tried to sing along, but in a weird way I guess I was happy they played it? Does that even make sense?

“Besten” followed up, and then it was time for “Sveriges Elit” – And Toivo – it was Hulkoff who said it, that I was Sweden’s elite. They wrapped the set up with “Dobermann” for now, and swiftly left the stage only to return moments later to fire off “Världsherravälde”, “Kamphund” and lastly “Låt Napalmen Regna”. Well, there was no napalm rain, but it sure as hell was burning hot during the day. But not by the stage though..

With that said, Raubtier left the stage for the next band to take over. I think this might have been my second time seeing them, and I thought the show was really really good. I am really looking forward to seeing them later this year.

Toivo tried for a long time getting the setlist, and after some ifs and buts he got one. And funnily enough.. Some time later they threw out another one. So both of us now had one. Great huh?

To be continued

// Sara

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Metalfest Open Air 2019 – Day 2: Saturday

Posted in Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags , , , on July 1, 2019 by Sara Hammerzmith

Do you want to know something?

This is the first time, obviously, that I’ve been here at Metalfest. But at this point, there is already one thing I truly love about this festival. Their stage times. First band starts somewhere around 11 in the morning, and the last band ends at 23 at night. Which means that, technically, you are already in bed by midnight if you so want. How amazing isn’t that? Especially for us elderly people who can’t be out partying all night.

I really, really, appreciate a long nights sleep. So plus points, more than plus points, to the festival for that. So, got up relatively early as per usual, ate my breakfast, died in the heat again. Eat, sleep, repeat, right?

After a few ifs and buts, when it got a bit cloudy on the sky, I pulled myself together and applied my Beast in Black make up. When playing around with outfits and make up, I always take inspiration from the latest album or some song. So my make up for Beast in Black is simply a green smoked eye with some gold dust here and there. Done! I was also premiering my new Mala Noche top, but none of you who reads this gives a fuck about that, right?

Anyway. I made my way back into the venue close to Elvenkings show as an old aquaintance plays in the band, and I figured it’d be good to see him on stage again. I arrived somewhere half through their set, so it wouldn’t be fair of me to try to judge them on that, but the few songs I saw was really good!

One of the major reasons we had gone in this early was to see Gus G. I want to say that I’ve seen him before but it is possible I’m mixing him up with some other guitarist.

Gus G

So, the show started like clock work – they are very good at keeping the times at this one. The show was great – it was a nice mixture of his instrumental stuff as well as his stuff with vocals, and the crowd was loving it. I sense a bit more dedication amongst the crowds outside of Sweden – but this isn’t the first time I say that, is it?

The show came to an end, and we then began waiting for the Beast in Black.

Beast in Black

The time has come! And it was here! Beast in Black entered the stage and opened with “Cry Out for a Hero”, and the crowd went mad! “Unlimited Sin” was next song down the line, one of my personal favorites off the new album – in fact – “From Hell With Love” as an album is just pure excellency.

“Beast in Black” and “The Fifth Angel” was next on the list, and wow. The reception. It was absolutely crowded, and I can’t help but wonder if they shouldn’t have been given a different time slot? “True Believer” and “Heart of Steel” was ripped off next, and Yannis energy – it never, ever hits wrong. He, as well as the band, delivered beyond control.

The sun was burning all of us alive, with a temperature closer to 30 than 20, and in a way I pitied, and everyone else I guess, the poor men on stage clad in complete leather uniforms form top to toes, but I guess at least they aren’t Lordi.

“Born Again” was next on the list, I guess we all wish we were after this heat, before heading into the headbang fest of the show with “Repentless”. Single “Die By The Blade” hit next, and then one of our most raging favorites – “Crazy, Mad, Insane”. Szilvi and I tend to go loose on this like cray cray.

“Sweet True Lies” followed, and then my own favorite of the whole album, the titletrack, “From Hell With Love”. I cannot get over this song. Like, ever. And then, “Blind and Frozen” before wrapping up the entire set with “The End of the World”.

That was an amazing show as usual. They really know how to deliver, don’t they?

We had managed to score pretty good seats being here so early, so we decided to simply remain put so we would have these awesome spots for Amon Amarth later tonight. So, we got to lazy watch the rest of the bands, first one being Stratovarius.

Stratovarius

I will admit upfront that I don’t know a whole lot about Stratovarius as I have never really fallen for the. But it was really great to see them live, at least once, and they put on a great show!

Cradle of Filth

I’ll admit that this is really not my type of music. I’ve tried several times to give them a listen so to speak but failed miserably. But still, they put on a show and I’ll give them some credit for that!

And at last, it was finally time for the band we’d been waiting for – Amon Amarth.

Amon Amarth

I have heard about this band so much. And it feels like every single metalhead male in the universe owns an Amon Amarth hoodie, making me question how commercial they have really gotten. Doesn’t affect their music though, just an observation.

Well, the show was incredibly impressive. I would I guess, expect a band of this caliber to have this kind of stage show, but I was really impressed and blown away, and they just made their way into my library this way! I really loved the creature during “Twilight of the Thunder God”. Intimidating, but oh so cool.

And with that, the second day of the festival was over and we all headed back to bed.

// Sara

 

 

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Metalfest Open Air 2019 – Day 1: Friday, Part 1

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags , , , on June 18, 2019 by Sara Hammerzmith

So! The festival has officially begun! Or at least it’s about to, and that is excitement! Got up relatively early, I guess, for being a festival day and having some breakfast and chilling. Toivo had chosen campspots with morning shade, which was great, but as soon as the shade was gone it was the kind of heat that’ll seriously burn you alive. So I spent pretty much half my morning laying outside my little tent with a wet towel over me, trying to you know, not die.

First band of the day for me today was Majesty. I want to say that it’s so long since I last saw them, but I’m probably lying. Last I saw them was two years ago when they supported Battle Beast on their Bringer of Pain tour – at least as far as I can remember. So I was pretty excited actually, to see them again. I had dusted off the old albums I owned, and heck yes. I will admit defeat and tell you that I did not bring my camera to this fest. I wasn’t sure regarding the rules, and figured it was safest to leave it at home.

Majesty

So, they started off strongly with “Die Like Kings”. The crowd wasn’t huge – but still more than I perhaps would have expected. Good to see! “Hail to the Majesty” was followed next, and the energy on stage was amazing! At first, I’ll admit I didnt recognize the singer and turned to Szilvi durng the show like “Is it the same guy?” and she just nodded and said he cut his hair. Imagine, so little can change so much!

My own personal favorite, “Rebels of our Time” was third of the list, and hearing this magical song again.. Seriously. Majesty may never really have been a favorite band of mine, but this song has truly been a favorite of mine.

“Hellforces” was next on the list before it was time for a live premiere of a new song – “Wasteland Outlaw”. This is a song from their upcoming album, and I liked it sooo much! And the energy and response from the crowd was amazing!

“Thunder Rider” from the album with the same name was next, a big favorite I can tell, and yet another new song, “We are Legends” got its premiere today – how awesome isn’t that, to be honest?

At last, they wrapped up the set with “Metal Law” and left the stage. The show was so great, despite the heat and sun killing us, and I’m so glad I got to see them again after all this time! Thank you!

After this, we remained in our spots because in only 20 minutes, Kissin’ Dynamite would be gracing the stage.

Kissin’ Dynamite

Finally! While it wasn’t THAT long ago since I last saw them – only about seven or eight months, it still felt good seeing them again. I guess at a certain point all time feels long, no matter how long it actually is, right?

They opened the show with “I’ve Got The Fire”, which also happens to be the opening track on the most recent album “Ecstasy”. The crowd had grown quite a bit since last band, not surprisingly. The vibe and energy on the stage was amazing, as they continued with “Sombody’s Gotta Do It” from the same album.

“Love Me, Hate Me” followed suit before it was time for an oldie but goldie, if I may use that term. “DNA”, one of my personal favorites was fired off. Still, with an amazing chemistry on stage.

“Sex is War” and “Waging War” followed suit – not sure what to make of this selection right after each other, at least not namewise, but still, the show was so good at this point.

Hannes got up to be on the throne places on stage, full on with the cape and crown, and “I Will Be King” was performed. Always the biggest party, if you ask me.

The set was wrapped up with “You’re Not Alone” and “Flying Colors” before leaving the stage for the next band. Very average setlist, but I guess it is what to be expected of a festival gig. It was still beyond enjoyable!

After Kissin’ Dynamite, I headed out to the camp to rest a bit. This kind of heat isn’t kind on me, and I felt I wanted to lay down, eat something small and just take it easy. Something that I did, which I am pretty proud of haha, is that I invented my own little sofa, or chair.

I put my suitcase behind my matress, and thus could sit up, while resting. Loved it.

I got back toward the venue somewhere before or during Amorphis. I took company with Szilvi and Marci, and ate a small panncake to simply get SOMETHING in my system. We made our way all the way, or halfway, up the amphitheater to get some nice spots for Powerwolf, but also the next band – HammerFall.

To be continued

// Sara

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