Archive for the Uncategorized Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Wacken Open Air: Saturday (Part 4)

Posted in Concerts, Uncategorized with tags , on August 5, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So Saturday, as I mentioned earlier, was quite the busy day for me. I’m not sure if there were particularly any more bands that specific day than any other, but most of the bands played right after each other, leaving no time to do other things once Powerwolf started later in the evening.

But first things first, pretty much the reason I got here started early in the day: Twilight Force.

Twilight Force

Ok so, I know, or have learned by now that bands are probably and usually a lot bigger than I expect them to be, at all times, but this was ridiculous. The tent was PACKED. Which made me really happy to see. And then, the intro started rolling and they opened their set with “Battle of Arcane Might”. They were well recieved by the audience. They continued on strongly with “To The Stars” and then “Riders of the Dawn”.

Funny note: During “Riders of the Dawn” Thomas and I fake galloped, and his step counter hit its daily goal, simply from going to this show. Now that’s what I call a work out!

“Enchanted Dragon of Wisdow” was the next song on the list, quickly followed by “Powerwind” before the paradenumber that is “Flight of the Sapphire Dragon” was ripped of until they closed the show with “Gates of Glory” and “The Power of the Ancient Force”.

While the show was really good, I couldn’t help but to notice that they didn’t seem very tight. It sounded a bit off, but I wasn’t sure if it was just untight, or if they do other versions live.

After the show, we went back to the camp to chill out and relax a bit, and I was getting myself ready for the signing session as the time went by. Got there pretty good on time, there was a small line already gathered up for the Twilight Force signing, but not too bad. The band came and started to sign eventually we got to me, and the “problem” – not a problem but I don’t know how else to put it, is that I got some of the die hard fans in front of me in the line, which cause a huge stop. Not for me personally, but I spent a good ten awkward minutes with Lynd becasue the line could not proceed because they had to greet and talk to literally every single member. It got so awkward Lynd even struck up an awkward conversation where he confirmed they were a bit rusty.

Finally the plug undid and I could proceed and get out – and for those of you who think I’m so rude who just “want to get out of there” – Powerwolf was about to start their show soon after this, and I wanted to drop off my vinyl and put on make up before the show. And, I made it.

So, Jonathan joined me up and we went back to the festgrounds and got positions for Powerwolf. Far in the back, like, real in the back. But better than nothing, right? And you kind of have to choose your positions after where the mud is, in all honesty.

Powerwolf

“Lupus Daemonis” started echoing through the speakers as the band (I assume, couldn’t really you know, see) walked on stage and then fired off the show with “Blessed & Possessed”. The crowd for the show today was huge, which I kind of hoped you’d understand by us being far in the back. We were in the infield still, but really far away. It was an ocean of people. And then I think about the little clubs Powerwolf plays in Sweden… It’s so interesting how different it is.

“Army of the Night” was next on the list and to be honest… I would go through the entire list song by song, but the thing is – it is the same. The same that it has been all of the “Blessed and Possessed” tour, with perhaps losing a song or two here and there depending on if it’s a club or a festival gig. What I really miss is “Lupus Dei” at the end, which they haven’t seem to have had at all this festival tour. Interesting.

Aside that, the band performed a good set and the audience had a good vibe. A well enjoyable show!

Alice Cooper

Right after Powerwolf, I walked over the other stageto witness Alice Cooper. It felt really, really weird I will admit to not have seen him at Gröna Lund as I usually do, but what can I do about it now? Nothing.

For a lot of people happy surprise, he actually opened with “Brutal Planet”. I was really happy to see this. The place was really packed, I’ll also let you know. Somewhere in the start, Jörgen came from nowhere and picked up, as he, Sandra and Johan were standing right outside infield, and wanted to ask if I should join them instead, which I did. Because it didn’t really matter, the band was tiny anyway.

The setlist was good – it was a lot and a bunch of the good old classics that are used to and expect to hear, but also a few that for me where a bit unusual – such as “Woman of Mass Distraction”, “Halo of Flies” and “The World Needs Guts”. It was good to see him perform one new song as well – “Paranoiac Personality”.  Aside that, as I said – the same old, same old. “Frankenstein” and the monster, the beheading, all of the old tricks. I did miss “Billion Dollar Babies” though.

And on top of that, I really appriciate the Lemmy tribute they do. I love it when musicians recognize each other this way.

It was a good show – what else to expect from the man himself if you think about it, perhaps band should look to him and take notes.

After this, it was time for my only small break. I was heading over to Wackinger Village to catch Serenity, but some idiotic person had thought it was gonna be fun to switch the road signs out, so it took longer than it would need to find my way there – and before people flame – I used the break time to look through the shopping part toward Beergarden, so this is why I got lost, otherwise I would probably have wound up in Wackinger right away.

Serenity

So, of course, because of some idiot person, I missed out on my favorite song with Serentiy – but at least I only missed one song. They played a really nice set – short naturally, and was interrupted a lot due to having the same play time as Amon Amarth – we would hear Serenity, but feel the beats from Amon Amarth. George even joked about that they could use Amon Amarths drummer instead of their own.

They had a woman with them on stage to do some duets, but sadly they didn’t do “The Perfect Woman” which I was hoping a bit for as they had her with them, but you can’t get everything, right?

After Serenity, I headed back toward the infields and picked up pizza and drink to have a late night dinner while watching Avantasia

Avantasia

What I really like about Avantasia is the setting and how it works. I know it’s a metal opera, which makes it so enjoyable both simply to watch the way I did with a drink and a pizza, but also as someone who’s into it, as I did, well partially tonight but also on Tuska.

The setlist is somewhat similar as to what they have had the past year – not surprising seeing it’s the same tour, but I thought it would be a little special because you know Wacken. I wasn’t even at the Infield for this one, but holy damn. If I thought there was an ocean of people for Powerwolf, there sure as hell was one now.

The set was really enjoyable though. It was the perfect ending for the festival and the evening, and even though it may only be the third time I’m seeing Avantasia, they have never failed to entertain me so far. I hope I get to see them again some time.

After this, I left the Wacken grounds behind, quite early in the evening for once, and started packing up my camp as I heard the rain smatter on the tent outside. Tomorrow started the journey home, and I wasn’t exactly looking forward to it, I must admit.

// Sara

 

 

Leave a comment »

Wacken Open Air: Friday (Part 3)

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized on August 4, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

Friday! Today I did have a few bands I wanted to see – some of these even being one major reason I went here in the first place.

But, first there is something else to talk about. I got up in the morning, went and got my daily breakfast and everything, and I get a notification of my Wacken app about this one band I had favorited, but I figured I wouldn’t see until Thomas blurts out “Anyone wanna go see Evil Scarecrow”? and I was like “YES!” so, essentially, off we went.

And I am very, very very thankful and happy that we did.

Evil Scarecrow

As someone who knows nothing about this band and knew nothing about them prior to this show, we were quite taken aback with this band. The aliens. Link. The robots and not to mention – “CRABULON”.

A big crab robot that made the crowd go from one side to the other while doing crab claws. This stuck. Quite a lot with me and Thomas. So much that “Crabulon” is in fact our official song now. And this show… well what can I say? It was amazing. It blew our minds, especially since it wasn’t just fun, it was really good musically too!

After Evil Scarecrow, we headed off to some CD stores in order to pick up Kissin’ Dynamites album. Since I had decided so last minute, I had no way of actually obtaining the CD prior to going here. I had hoped to find the vinyl or a vinyl, but I had to settle with the CD. No harm done really.

He headed off to the campgrounds, and I went back to Headbangers Stage to see one of the bands that brought me to this fest in the first place.

Kissin’ Dynamite

Right on time they opened their set with “Highlight Zone”, and I was stunned to see the stage being packed. Not that I don’t think of them as a big band, just that they were put on one of the smaller stages, making me assume they were perhaps not THAT recognized, but they sure were. Happy to see! And the reception for them from the crowd was really good, on top of that.

I did sadly not keep track of the setlist, and the setlists I find online I know are wrong, so I can’t give you a detailed set update sadly (I will improve!) but the show was really good – They had even gotten a dancer for “She Came, She Saw”, which I thought was pretty cool. It was so unusual to see as I have for most parts left the sleaze scene behind, but it was a nice touch, really.

The band delivered very well and it was a well enjoyable show.

After the show, I headed off to the signing session to get my copy of “Generation Goodbye” signed, which went fast, easy and smooth. Don’t get me wrong – it’s fun to meet the bands but when it comes to signing sessions I prefer to make them quick, so as many as possible can make it through.

After this, I went back to the campgrounds for a little while to hang out in the camp – I think I’ve mentioned it before, but seriously, this camp is dope. The people – amazing. Later on, Thomas and I headed off to Wackinger Village to catch Skalmöld

Skalmöld

I must admit I missed out on a bit of the start, as I had to get something to eat. We had met up with Jörgen in the village who had gotten himself a meatstick, I myself was craving crepes so, said and done. After that, we watched the band.

I’ve seen this band once before as supportband for Epica earlier this year, and they put on a good show and set actually. I don’t know much about them, sadly, but I enjoyed this set as much as the last one really.

After Skalmöld I had a big decision to make. To go see Marilyn Manson, or see Turbonegro. I’m equally as small of a fan for either, but I remember really enjoying the past two Manson shows I saw, one of them being as recent as 2015, and Turbonegro I didn’t even remember the two shows I saw – so I decided to see Marilyn Manson.

Marilyn Manson

And what can I say other than for future notice to myself – if Marilyn Manson ever place the same spot as a another band I like a little, I will always go for the other band. Going to Marilyn Manson was the biggest mistake of my life.

I do not possess his most recent album, and perhaps this is why I didn’t get that show – I’ll give him that much of credit, but for the first time in my life I’ve found myself leave the audience ground and sit down in a nearby house because it was so utterly boring. I saw the lights from Turbonegros stage, but I reckoned I wouldn’t really make it there in time anyway, so I remained put at what has gone down in history as the most boring concert I have ever seen in my entire life.

Manson was doing fine – Like, he was singing fine and the band was doing good, but damn I could not take this. I should have gone for Turbonegro. Because that would at least have been fun. Oh damn.

Kryptos

After Manson, I headed back to the tent to catch another interesting band of mine – Kryptos. You might remember that I wrote about them earlier this year when they released their new album, and I was glad to see them on the bill for Wacken. But that playtime – 2.25 – 03.00. That is the latest I have ever watched a band played, and had it been like any other band I would have skipped. But not this one. Because who the hell knows when they will come back.

For being such a late night, there were a group of brave metalheads there, a big group actually. Kryptos is a very classic heavy metal band, which made this a very… Like, I can’t put my finger on the feeling. It’s the same feeling I had as when listening to their album – you are sent back to the 80’s, in a basement with your friends, beer and a taperecorder just partying. And I like that.

The crowd was good too – large moshpits, and people just being into it. I’m really glad. And I’m so glad I got to see this band perform live.

After their show, I FINALLY headed back to the camp to get my well deserved sleep. Tomorrow, Saturday, was going to be a heavy day for me.

// Sara

 

Leave a comment »

Wacken Open Air: Thursday (Part 2)

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

Alrighty! Time for the first official day of the festival, at least for me anyway. It was in fact only one band on the billing I cared to see – which is Accept. So I spent most of the day exploring the area and in the camp. How exciting huh? And it actually was.

For the first time in a very long time, I had a good camp. A camp where you woke up with a smile on your face every day, and you know you’d be sore from all the laughing that was taken place. After all, to begin with, it’s me and Thomas together in one spot. And the rest of the crew – Jörgen, Jonathan, Johan, Mina, René, Anja, Martin, Nicolai, Maria and Sandra made it even better. Because that’s what camps are for, right?

Funny thing. Maria and I went to go shower and pick up food for her. The showers at Wacken are for free, and they are WARM. Unlike the pay-per-shower at Sweden Rock which is cold. Right after we got out, towels on our heads and everything, we felt a few drips come down so we decided to go inside the food tent in order to put on our ponchos.

And just as we got in, the rainstorm from hell broke lose. It was an absolute disaster, and despite standing long inside the food court, we still could feel some of it. We waited out the rain, got food for Maria and then headed back to the camp only to find that one of our partytents had given up and died. But apparently it had been quite the fight to keep it up.

It cleared up, gladly, so we could sit down and enjoy ourselves before we headed inside to catch a bit of Status Quo. After Status Quo, I went over to Accept to catch them.

Accept

As you know, Accept is a band I only very recently started to grow fond of, thanks to the Sabaton tour. I was really excited to see them, and the response from the audience was massive. I was actually far, far in the back because you know, PEOPLE! But it was amazing to see them nonetheless.

What I had missed out on though, was the use of the orchestra. I guess I should check these things out better in the future, but it was quite interesting to see them perform with an orchestra on stage, and “Princess of the Dawn” just became even better with the orchestra.

The show lasted for two hours, and it was two well enjoyable hours. Thank you Accept, for a great evening!

After Accept I headed off to the merchandise to pick up some rainboots. The mud had really done the work with my militaryboots, and I simply gave up. So I got myself a nice pair of Wacken rain boots. Handy, huh?

Got back to the camp and hung out for a little while before I crashed in bed. It had been an exhausting day, despite the little activity.

TO BE CONTINUED

// Sara

Leave a comment »

Wacken Open Air: The Journey (Part 1)

Posted in Travels, Uncategorized on August 2, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So. Very, very last minute I did actually decide on Wacken after all – as you probably already knew. So, Tuesday evening it was time for to take the, well, train down to Gothenburg to jump on the Festivalbus, which was supposed to leave from my town but yeah, it’s the Festivalbus so it never does.

I was going to Wacken with a large group of people, well, in my eyes anyway, and Thomas and Maria being the primary people I knew, I had been set up to travel down with two friends of theirs – Sandra and Johan. Upon arrival I also met the secret guest of honor Jørgen who was set to travel with us as well.

Train arrived, it was one of those tiny and old school trains with a complaining steward, off to a great start ey? But that aside the trainride was amazing. Getting to know three new friends as we rolled toward Gothenburg, and it went by so fast! At one moment we were like “Wait, is it only like 30 minutes left?” Time goes by when you have fun, you know.

Once arrived, we met up with some other people also going on the bus, picked up some late night dinner and went off to where the bus was to leave. Sadly, and somewhat annoyingly, it wasn’t leaving from Nils Ericsson terminalen as it usually does, but oh well. We walked to Göteborgs Operan where we were met by a double deck bus that had already arrived, and we chose the second deck of course! In the back, like the cool kids we are. Or something.

The journey to Wacken isn’t very long. It’s two ferries, and a nine hour ride from Gothenburg, so sleep wasn’t… well, it wasn’t generous. Especially since we had an.. interesting tourguide who woke us up every hour to make sure we had beer. Well. Ok.

Once arrived… we started with collecting our luggage and walk toward the entrance. I saw Thomas and Maria coming to greet us, but they stopped flat and with surprise as they saw our mystery guest! They were soooo happy to see him! We teamed up with Jonathan from Graspop as well, collected our tickets and made our way through the enormous camping toward J, where we were staying. And despite the long walk, I think we got a real good spot.

I was introduced to the rest of the crew, we put up our tents and then sat down to enjoy a nice drink. We chatted, caught up with each other and just enjoyed finally arriving to Wacken – and this is how entire Wednesday went down for me. I went to look at the merch and discovering the food, checking out the place.

It was good to be here.

// Sara

Leave a comment »

Last Dance

Posted in Uncategorized on August 1, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

Skogsröjet, you are the love of my life. You are the best festival in the world. You are the biggest smallest coziest festival in the world. My favorite time of the year, is to go down to Röjmyre. I always find myself chanting the name as soon as the name of your village appears on roadsigns. I love you so much, that the final road trip I did with my old car was down to the festival area of yours.

But this year… I have to say good bye. The line up was too weak, even though you have Amaranthe, it was not convincing enough, despite how much I love you, I have to let you go. At least for this year. Wacken’s line up was too good to deny, and when some amazing friends I haven’t seen in a long time begs you to come, no matter how much I love Nils Molin and you, it can’t be resisted.

So I’m sorry Skogsröjet. Today I embark on my journey toward Wacken Open Air, but I will see you and Rejmyre next year. I’m sorry, and I love you.

// Sara

Leave a comment »

July in Music

Posted in Music, Uncategorized on August 1, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, let’s go for July in Music, shall we? This one is actually a bit different.

5. Sabaton

Sabaton has been dethroned, and we find them down on fifth place. But of course, still going strong!

4. Lordi

Lordi is found on fourth place, which isn’t too big of a surprise in all honesty.

3. Art Nation

The golden boys and girl in Art Nation are staying in the top on third place – and I sense that both Lordi and Art Nation are staying in the top because of Vicious Rock Festival.

2. Eläkeläiset

So this is a funny on. Eläkeläiset is a partyband from Finland which makes covers of songs in the style of humppa. On their most recent release they got both Battle Beast and Lordi featured – and this is why it’s ticking up.

1. Ed Sheeran

My current obsession with “Galway Girl” and “Castle on the Hill” has brought Ed Sheeran to the top of the list for July, which isn’t so weird. “Divide” has gone warm here at home like insane. So no surprise, to be honest.

So, that was artists and bands, lets move on to top albums.

5. Liberation – Art Nation

No wonder in all honesty – I’m completely stuck on “Liberation” as far as Art Nation goes at the very moment. I love “Revolution”, but it’s something with the new material that you simply get stuck on.

4. The Last Stand – Sabaton

It seems that it’s always the most recent releases that gets the most plays. But this is also one killer album, so it’s not exactly weird, if you ask me.

 

3. Bringer of Pain – Battle Beast

Despite not making the top 5 of artists, Battle Beast still hold on with their amazing newest release. Always the new one?

2. Monstereophonic – Lordi

I guess it is somewhat the same as with Art Nation – you love the old material, but for a certain period of time you just get stuck on the new one. We had this thesis, that it’s for rehearsalreasons. To learn the new material. Oh well. It’s a killer album.

1. Divide – Ed Sheeran

No surprise – if Ed Sheeran is my most played artists, it’s not odd that his album also counts up as the most played album of the month. It’s a killer album.

And lastly, the top five songs.

1. Kamferdrops – Jag trodde änglarna fanns
2. Ed Sheeran – Galway Girl
3. Eläkeläiset – Humppapeto
4. AS IT IS – Dial Tones
5. Eläkeläiset – Humppamuoti

Leave a comment »

Vicious Rock Festival, Trollhättan 8/7-17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , on July 8, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

On it again. It appears, there’s barely any rest for me what so ever when it comes to festivals. And honestly though, why would it be? And especially so when Lordi’s on the bill. We got to Trollhättan the day before in order to get there in time, get settled and basically get to relax. Sjorven was coming from Belgium, so it was either the day before or waay too late. It was a nice evening of dinner and catching up, and getting ready for the day to come. Oh by the way. I think I have officially had the smallest hotelroom yet. It was basically just a bed! Haha!

We were actually a bit lazy, which I always tend to be when I’m attending something where only one or two bands excite me. We got up fairly late, went to MAX for a change (at least for me) and had lunch / dinner before walking down to the area. Time optimist as I am, we of course did not get there an hour before Art Nation started, rather ten minutes. But hey – at least we weren’t late! That must count for something, no?

Art Nation

Art Nation bravely went on stage for the approximately 20 people that were in front of the stage. They opened, much like on Sweden Rock with “One Nation”, and quickly followed up with “Alive”.  The newest single “The Real Me” was next, and I was happy to see they did, despite the thin crowd, have quite a few fans, that knew the songs and such. I like that.

“Need You to Understand” and “Kiss Up & Kick Down” followed suite, and the band… Was doing good. You know, considering the circumstances. I can imagine it’s hard to really get anywhere when the crowd is… fairly small.

“Paralyzed” and “Don’t Wait for Salvation” was next, followed by “Start a Fire” until they finally wrapped up with “All In” and “Ghost Town”.

Given the circumstances, it was a very very good show. I still think some of the member might have to get a bit more comfortable in their own skin, but I reckon that comes with time.

After that, we planned to stay in front of the stage for the rest of the day, but pretty soon we figured that, yeah, we are not going to have to do that, so we wandered about the little place that was the festival area, checking out the practically non-existing merch and shopping booths. We did get some patches, though!

We lazily watched Chris Holmes and whatever band was really playing, and it wasn’t until after that (meaning it was just Sator and then Lordi) we claimed our spots at the barrier. And then the wait began… and then… You know.

Lordi

Sjorven is a first timer. He’s never ever seen Lordi before, not even being NEAR seeing Lordi before. So he’s a first timer. So I told him – you know it will start when “God of Thunder” starts. Much like “In The Army” with Sabaton. So imagine my confusion, when what started echoing from the speakers was in fact “SCGVIII: The Opening Scene”. I got dumbfounded and I was just like “what”. Wasn’t exactly prepared.

After Mana and NALLE (!) had gone on stage, Skeletor came out and “Let’s Go Slaugther He-Man” was set off. The crowd was pretty thick actually – I liked that. A lot. But sadly… Yeah. It is like it with Lordi, let me leave it at that. “The Riff” was next on the list, followed by, already as the third song, the song I was the most exicted about for the evening – “Demonarchy”.

Never in my life did I think I’d get to witness “Demonarchy” live, at least not like this. At least not this soon. I knew they spoke of some, potential, probable special show, but aside that, we all thought and felt that as far as the “Demonarchy” side goes, we are all screwed. But apparently not. And it was absolutely dreamy live. I love this song so much, do you understand? OX’s bassolo together with “Bite it Like a Bulldog” was next on the list, and then “It Snows In Hell / Children of the Night”. Upside down never gets old. Well at least not for me. I was a bit worried the guards wouldn’t let me do it, but we always manage to persuade them. One way or another.

“Hug You Hardcore” was next on the list, and then a bloody return of “Sincerely With Love”. Like, I really did not miss this song, and I remember I just turned to Sjorven shaking my head like “why is this back?” Oh well. If they like it! And then, the second surprise for the night.

“Sick Flick”.

I’m pretty sure this song was the most wished for song ever since like, “Icon of Dominance”, and finally they are doing! And it was absolutely amazing. “Nailed by the Hammer of Frankenstein” was next, this song I DID miss on the other hand, so good one. The set was then wrapped up by the big three, if you like – “Blood Red Sandman”, “Hard Rock Hallelujah” and “Devil is a Loser”. And of course, encores in the shape of “Who’s Your Daddy” and “Would you Love a Monsterman?”.

The monsters thanked for the evening, and walked off the stage. The show was really good, like really good. Hello, “Demonarchy”? And it was good to see Nalle in action. I guess you could say I “missed out” on him last time around, and even if I miss Hella, (where the hell is the women?!) it was really good to see him.

Thank you!

After the show, we lazily watched Niefelheim before buying popcorn and walking back home to the hotel.

Thank you, Lordi, again for a great show. I love you always. Thanks to Art Nation and Sjorven as well for the festival!

// Sara

1 Comment »

The Final Journey

Posted in Uncategorized on July 3, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So today was an interesting day. I’m changing cars, and because of this, I took BXW out on one last road trip before handing him over to my parents for new endavours. It was bittersweet as hell, since I really, truly, love this car. How much haven’t he and I got through?

As our final destination and roadtrip, I chose Rejmyre as destination. Mostly because this is the festival we didn’t make it to this year, as well as it being not too far away. So, with that said, I gathered all my favorite roadtrip CD’s and headed off.

The weather was interesting, but also perfect. Raining, sun, raining, sun – making sure we got everything out of it. I saw a lot of rainbows and at last… I made it to Rejmyre. And it was weird, I must admit to see the place without the festival going on, but I had a pleasant feeling going back there. The best festival on the planet, I’m telling you.

 

I wasn’t sure how to make it home though, as I on the long forest road noticed I didn’t have much gas left. Gladly, I found a small gasstation and could fill it up accordingly.

Around 22.30 at night we arrived home to the tunes of Accept’s “The Final Journey” as I, for the last time, exchange BXW to 236. So, the end of an era, and the birth of a new one. I’m sure 236 will do an equally good job, at least I so hope.

// Sara

 

Leave a comment »

Attero Dominatus – Sabaton the love story.

Posted in Music, Uncategorized with tags on June 29, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith
Ten years ago, on this exact day, June 29, after further inspection, my life changed forever. This marks the exact day I became a Sabaton fan. The location was Borlänge, more to be exact – The Peace & Love festival. Jocke spoke of how it was ironic a festival called “Peace” was inviting Sweden’s only band who sung about war to play, and this was also the day I figured out they were Swedish, by the way.
While this may not have been the first time I experienced Sabaton live, it was the day I became a fan.
A few weeks later I found “Attero Dominatus” in a supermarket, and on that path – From that album, onwards to Monsters of Mora it all went down. My first show as a Sabaton fan, and it became a night to remember. Peace & Love 2008 – where I denied every single sign of Sabaton actually playing.
Over the years I’ve watched this band grow. A band I once saw in smaller clubs, as supportband for bands like Lordi and HammerFall, to now witnessing them headline festivals like Sweden Rock and Graspop Metal Meeting. Witnessing the very first Rockstad: Falun back in 2008.
Metallsvenskan 2009. What a moment. Watching Sabaton play football against other bands, and then wrapping up with a nice show… These moments, you know?
Last year I saw Sabaton be included in Eurovision Song Contests montage of Swedish music exports, and I will not deny that tears were shed. This is a band that means so truly much to me, I cannot even put into words how much I love this band, or how PROUD I am of them. PROUD to see them grow like this, and I feel blessed to have been a part of the journey.
This is a band I’d walk through fire for. This is a band I’ve traveled down to the very south of Malmö to watch, jump on a last minute plane to Luleå up in the North – I’ve seen them in and out of Sweden, and I’d walk a 1000 miles, ten times over for this band.
So far, I’ve seen this band 24 times. And trust me, there’s going to be many, many, many more. This band has become one of the most important things in my life, almost like the air I breathe.
Sabaton, I love you. Since June 29th 2007, and I’ll be always yours.
// Sara

Leave a comment »

Tons of Rock, Halden, Norway 24/6 – 17: Part 2

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , on June 25, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

After she left, I headed up toward the hill again to watch the sunset and wait for Amaranthe to start. Linn and My surprisingly joined me after a while, before it was time for me to head down to the tent again.

Amaranthe

The tent was PACKED. Like, I know Amaranthe has had a lot of success, but this was crazy. I wasn’t really expecting to have the Delain kind of treatment, but perhaps Amaranthe should be on the mainstage the next time? I think so.

Right on time the intro started echoing in the speakers and they opened with “Maximize”. And of course, from the instant, my eyes are glued to Nils. I promise, I’m not a crazed fangirl, it’s just that, it’s so odd to see him perform on stage. You know he’s my favorite singer ever, so knowing I’ll be seeing him on a regular basis now is a weird thought.

“Boomerang” followed suite, and the band seemed to have a pretty good night! The energy from the crowd was… okay. I guess. I mean, I’ve seen better. Perhaps I should stop comparing nordic crowds to French or German, as they are always much more my cup of tea, but still. Better than at Delain, I guess that is something?

“Hunger” followed suit, and I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned it, but this went from being a song I really did not like with them, to one of my favorites. It’s something special about all of a sudden realizing that yeah, it’s not so good on the album, but then you realize what kind of a headbanging song it is, and you instantly fall in love.

“1.000.000 Lightyears” and “Fury” was the next songs on the list, and “Fury” you know… you can’t get enough from that song. Really. “On The Rocks” followed, my personal favorite off “Maximalism”, “The Nexus” was ripped off before it was time for some sing along or karaoke, or whatever you wanna call it with Elize for “Amaranthine”.

“Call Out My Name”, “Digital World” and “That Song” was fired off as the set left for it’s finale and they wrapped up the entire thing with “Drop Dead Cynical”.

It wasn’t exactly the best show I’ve ever seen with them, but it is also far from the worst. Perhaps I have simply seen them too much. I don’t know. I wasn’t a huge fan of “Maximalism” either so maybe it’s just this entire era. Huh.

Right after the show, I headed off to the bathrooms and then over to Sabatons stage. For arriving like ten minutes before it was about to start,  I got some really good spots. Good visually, and I had a lot of space. My hair is a bit like a windmill, so, I kind of need it.

Sabaton

But, lets talk about something for a quick second here. The beauty of the stage I was seeing in front of me. I knew this was a special show – the Carolus Rex kind of special show, Swedish Empire and all of that, but I didn’t think so much about it until I got to the stage and saw it. The three crowns banner that clad Audie, the Swedish banners place here and there, and not to talk about the throne Carolus was about to sit upon later in the show. That’s when it REALLY hit me – this is going to special. And beyond epic.

And it started already at the intro. Instead of the usual “The March To War”, “Dominium Maris Baltici” served as the intro instead. It was a little… odd, because the intro was as quiet here as it is on the album, making it a little awkward. Probably some setting or so, but I guess I shouldn’t be complaining, considering that once Hannes and the rest of the boys were on stage – “Lejonet Från Norden” was the first song to be performed. All this time, I waited for this! For not having “Ghost Division” as the opener!

It was followed by Jocke talking a little bit, the only apparently he was allowed to talk during this special set, as they continued onwards with “Gott Mit Uns”. The energy from the crowd was pretty good. COULD be better, but hey, better than Graspop so I’m shutting up. “En Livstid i Krig” followed suit, and at this time at the show, it still felt like any other Sabaton show. It was first when the next song, “1648” started as it dawned upon me that no, this is not like any other Sabaton show.

“Karolinens Bön” was next, and as I had suspected a bit due to seeing the special show from Rockstad: Falun in a live stream, the caroleans marched onto the stage and took position during this song. Could this show get any better?

Sure it could, because in “Carolus Rex” Carolus himself comes on stage, we witness his coronation and he sits upon his throne. Like, very literally to the song, but oh my god. This is the Sabaton show of my dreams! “Ett Slag Färgat Rött” followed suit, and then “Poltava”.

After “Poltava”, the caroleans exited the stage and Carolus walked down toward the front in order to, well, look out over his land I guess. And that’s when it happened. A pyro shot off as a bullet that has been fired from a gun, and Carolus fell to the ground. “Konungens Likfärd” was the song the band played next, obviously, and the Caroleans came on stage and carried the fallen king out, “back to Sweden” so to put it.

Just as last time, “Ruina Imperii” was in fact not performed live, it simply served as an outro, and as back in Falun, the Caroleans fired off their weapons after the show, and then left the stage for good, for now.

I honestly thought the show was going to be over now, so mind my surprise when the WWII intro started on the screen, with the apropriate pyro and “Primo Victoria” started echoing. At least the crowd woke up a little bit by now, haha!

“Sparta” was next on the list, sadly not with all the theatrics, but if it’s festivals it is festivals I guess – “Swedish Pagans”, of course, because apparently you can never have a show with out this one – “Shiroyama”, “Winged Hussars” and “To Hell and Back” wrapped up the set before it was over.

Jocke asked the Caroleans back out on stage and introduced everyone, including “The Norwegian that shot him” haha. I love this band.

With that said, the show was over and everyone left the stage. And I was just standing there like, what the hell did I just witness. What did I just have the privilige to witness? I have no idea. I headed up toward the stage, and I was very very lucky to get a setlist from a very very kind crew member. I like setlists, but this setlist means so much to me because it was THIS show, you know?

After this, I headed out of the area, to fix the cashless card and pick up Linn, and then we went home right after.

Seriously, this day was so worth it. For Sabaton alone, but I also thank Delain and Amaranthe, Angelina, Linn and My for making it even better! Thank you all!

// Sara

 

Leave a comment »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »