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Battle Beast @ Nöjesfabriken, Karlstad, Sweden 15/11-19

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , on November 16, 2019 by Sara Hammerzmith

Earlier this year, in May to be specific, I had just witnessed a Battle Beast show over the weekend, and was set to walk to my dentist in my Battle Beast hoodie. I rarely use it, beside shows of the aforementioned band, but this day I did. And as I walked to the dentist, I thought to myself “No one in this town knows what Battle Beast is”.

Imagine my surprise, when I around ten minutes later, are greeted with a screen that says “BATTLE BEAST RETURNS TO SWEDEN” and my first instinct winces, as I already have so much planned later this year, how would I ever fit this in?

And then I read it.

“Nöjesfabriken, Karlstad”.

Say what now? SAY WHAT NOW?

And here we are, six months later, and the band is indeed setting foot in MY City. This ever so rarely happens.

So, Toivo arrived at my place around 18 in the evening, and after a quick “romantic” dinner we headed off to Nöjesfabriken, where we met up his friend Martyna. There were a few people scattered about the place, but we sure as hell were one of the first people to arrive on the scene.

However, more and more people arrived much to my surprise and a line started to form so we simply joined them, a lot further back than we normally would be all things considering. But we saw a lot of coats. And coats means wardrobe. Meaning no issue to get to the front, after all. So, we made it to the front all was well, and before we knew it, band numero uno for the evening started.

Brymir

So, first band of the night was Brymir, another band to come out of the Finnish woodlands. Formed back in 2006 at a camp, they’ve been working hard to move forward and here they are.

Sadly, I hadn’t managed to get as much into them beforehand as I wished, but, I must admit – I REALLY enjoyed their show! I guess this is one of those bands that you simply have to see live to truly appreciate! They put on a really good show, despite there being close to no crowd at all.

So, after ca half an hour they left the stage and left it for CyHra to conquer.

CyHra

Today, was in fact, the release gig for “No Halos In Hell”, or at least as close to it as you could say as this was the day of the release for said album. The intro rolled, the band walked on stage and they opened with “Letter To Myself”, and while I was never THAT BIG of a CyHra fan, I simply love this song on so many levels.

Next song on the list was “Bye Bye Forever” from the new album, and this song is a killer. So fun, and really good! They continued on “No Halos In Hell” by going forth with “Dreams Gone Wrong”, “I am The One” and “Battle From Within” before going a bit back in time and doing “Karma”, a well-recieved song from their first album.

“Here to Save You” was next on the list before it was time for “Closure”, and then they jumped straight back to the new album to wrap up the set with “Man of Eternal Rain” and “Out of my Life”.

It was a very very nice show, and I enjoyed it a lot! I think that for every time I see this band I start liking them a little bit more. How great, huh? Fifth time’s the charm and all that right?

The band thanked for themselves and then left the stage. And then, the wait for Battle Beast started.

Battle Beast

And almost precisely 22.30, the intro started rolling and the band emerged one after one onto the stage. And the intro later emerged into “Unbroken”. What a song, what a band? The energy they radiate, and the presence on the stage, it’s perfection!

“Familiar Hell” followed suit real quickly and then right into “Straight to The Heart”. So far, the entire opening has been a series of adrenaline rushes together with a well-designed performance, and it didn’t slow down seeing “Black Ninja” was next on the list.

“Endless Summer” was next on the list, a serene breakdown before going even more down with “I Wish”. Beautiful moments.

The tempo was sped up again with “Raise Your Fists” and if that wasn’t tempo enough, “The Golden Horde” followed straight after. What a kick in the gut.

After this.. it was time to dance. This might, the times it happens, be my favorite moments on the entire Battle Beast shows. When you get to move the body, to the delicate tunes of “Touch In The Night” Laura, Daniel – you aren’t reading this but sure as hell I am thinking about you and looking at you when I hear this song.

“The Hero” was the next song on the list, before it was time to KICK. AS. HIGH. AS. POSSIBLE.

Which is impossible when you are front row, but we managed sort of. Anyone who has ever seen Battle Beast before knows that the song I’m talking about right now is “Bastard Son of Odin”, which was a cardio killer, as usual.

“Out of Control” followed suit and then they wrapped up the show with “Eden” before leaving the stage.

After some time, they returned, positioning themselves on the stage.. Noora kneeling down as the intro to “No More Hollywood Endings” started… beautiful performance. Noora really is a goddess, a queen. Her movements, and her attitude. It’s amazing. She’s a role model.

“King for a Day” was next on the list until they wrapped up their set with “Beyond the Burning Skies”.

Thank you, Battle Beast, again, for yet another amazing show. For being the band you are, and delivering beyond what one could ever imagine. Thank you.

After this, we collected ourselves before it was time for me to hit the next show… So – To be continued!

// Sara

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

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , on November 18, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

(So long overdue it isn’t even funny)

So, we got up quite late in the morning, the due arrival time for our two companions was later in the day, so we took the opportunity to sleep in a bit. We headed in toward town, as I wanted to do some light shopping and for lunch, we shared a big pizza at Pizza Hut and even managed to pick up a lotion for Sjorven! What a day.

We made it back to the apartment just in time for Laura and Niki’s arrival, and seriously, what a beautiful get together. Cars from all over Europe gathered, and we even managed to squeeze in Niki’s big one in the drive way. Which was ironic, as her car was the car we had to use.

Once inside, we treated Niki and Laura to some of our left overs from yesterday as we all started to get ready. Which included Sjorven trying on one of Niki’s corsets. Because why not?

Once we were all ready, we headed off to the venue and gladly, it wasn’t too much of a line, I’d expect more from Germany on a Saturday – but I guess not! The venue was right next to a food store, so once we secured spots, Sjorven and I headed into the store to get refreshments and candies for after the show, and I’ll be damned. I turn around when Sjorven goes after some drinks, and there’s Battle Beast! They even waved to me – I suppose this is because of the hoodie, but I’ll be damned!

We got our stuff loaded into Niki’s car and then we went back to wait. Soon enough, they opened the doors and we were let in… to another door. Oh well. Gladly, this bought us some time to go to the bathroom, and finally they let us in. Very much on the side, but still front. Happiness! And so, we waited, and then, Silver Dust began.

Silver Dust

I was quite excited to see Silver Dust tonight, they were part of the reason I flew out to Germany in the first place –  I really liked them on the last tour, so I was excited. And it got even better, as I got to see a proper show with actresses and theatrics. They performed a good set, and they got good response from the audience.

After this, we waited and soon enough, Battle Beast began.

Battle Beast

They came out and kicked us right in the face (almost literally because no fence) with “Straight to the Heart” before launching straight into “Bringer of Pain” and then “Familiar Hell”. It was good to be back “down on the continent” where fans are more respectful and crowds are crazier. I don’t feel so alone for once. I love it.

“Into the Heart of Danger” followed suit, and then “We Will Fight”. Noora was energetic as usual, and drove you over like a tank before they continued with “Let it Roar” and then into “Black Ninja”. The crowd had such a good feeling to it, loving every second.

They slowed it down a moment with “Far From Heaven” before getting into a more serious setting on “Lost in Wars”. This song is seriously so magical. “Iron Hand”, mighty “Iron Hand”  before the powerpack that is “Bastard Son of Odin”.

“Touch in the night” was following, and it was magical to once again experience this sexy and absolutely amazing song together with my Laura. She’s the one who makes this song, really. The band rounded up the show with “Out of Control” before leaving the stage, but returning quickly.

“King for a Day” and “Beyond the burning skies” were the encores even for this night, and the band thanked for the night and then left the stage.

We stopped by the merch to say hello to Silver Dust and pick up small items before heading back to the hotel.

We had a small afterparty, and then crashed in bed preparing for tomorrow mornings take off.

It was a great show, once again, with a great band and great company. Thank you!

// Sara

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Battle Beast @ Folkets Park, Huskvarna 3/11 – 17

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

So, back in the saddle and on it again. Or more like, back in my wonderful absolutely amazing little tourcar, and heading down toward Huskvarna. This is a city and a venue I’ve never been in before, but after driving to Sweden Rock so many times, I actually almost found my way to Jönköping by default. How amazing isn’t that huh?

The drive was quite uneventful to be honest, a lot of headbanging and just cruising to my destionation, which was a MAX hamburger restaurant in Jönköping. I had gotten a lot of those discount coupons, and for once, they arrived at the time when I was actually IN NEED of them – like actually going to use them. How amazeballs isn’t that?

After a quick food and make up break,  I headed off all the way to Huskvarna. You know, those all long five minutes it takes to travel from the specific restaurant in question to the venue.

Once at the venue, I was lucky enough to get a parking spot right at the venue and from there I was just very very confused. It has like a gazillion buildings, or well, three, so I had to send Jonathan photos of everything like “where do I go from here” and eventually I found the little house, where I found some people working that told me that that specific building was the venue, and that the doors open in two hours. So now we wait.

Jonathan and his friend showed up rather quickly, and we hung around for a bit. They went in to check out the merch, some more friends joined in and we had a jolly good time before the doors opened. Once the doors opened, we ran, well, more walked in and took our spots in the front row of this tiny little venue.

It is like one of those vintage dance halls in facts, round in shape and all in wood. I loved it. Time passed quickly, and Rexoria stepped on stage.

Rexoria

Rexoria is a local band from the area, Jönköping to be more exact, and they delivered a pretty good set. You could kind of tell they were from the area as they had quite som fans in the crowd. I enjoyed their set a lot, and on top of that they played a new song from their upcoming album.

After this, the wait began and sooner rather than later, Dynazty took the stage.

Dynazty

They opened up ever as energetically with “Run Amok”, and the response from the audience was pretty good if you ask me. They followed rather quickly with “The Northern End”, which, as you know, is my personal favorite song of them. I could seriously travel all over just to see them play this song. Over and over again.

Just as previously “Raise Your Hands” followed suit and then “Roar of the Underdog”. The energy and mood seemed to be quite a little better today if I may say so, as “Incarnation” roared out of the speakers. I love this song no less as I did a few days ago – perfect for live.

Artistic break followed by “The Human Paradox”, “Titanic Mass” and then wrapping the set up with “Startlight” ended the, for me, last show with Dynazty for this tour. I can’t believe it’s already over. I wish and hope they start touring a little more soon. I can’t get enough of this band.

And once they were done, they started shifting the gear, which was a little bit smaller today, which isn’t so weird – smaller venue you know. What I really hated this time, was the douchebag who showed up about when Dynazty was done, and started pressing in, almost squeezing Susanna out of her spot. COME IN TIME PEOPLE. The people in the front has usually waited hours, so leave them be!

Battle Beast

In estimated time, they came on stage and opened strongly, probably stronger than in Stockholm, with “Straight To The Heart” and then launching us into “Bringer of Pain”.

And there was a very, very good vibe in the audience, already from the start, and it got even better for “Familiar Hell”. Stockholm got nothing on these Jönköping-people.

“Into the Heart of Danger” was the next song, then followed by “We Will Fight” which seemed to be quite the crowdpleaser, before we lost pretty much all of the control we might have had in “Let it Roar”. The audience was a bit.. well, drunk I guess. A lot of annoying people, but I guess you just have to live with that right?

“Black Ninja” was next song to be ripped off, and seriously, this song live is nothing but amazement. There’s nothing quite like just stopping for a moment and the absolutely losing it in a deep headbanging beat. There’s a few bands who has songs like that, but there’s nothing quite like it.

Beautiful little moment in “Far From Heaven” before returning to seriousness in “Lost in Wars”. This song has come to grow so much on me, the more I hear it. Not only live, also just at home really.

And you know… you know how some bands, when you hear that one note or tone, it’s like everything inside you simply explode? That is the case for me when the keynotes of “Iron Hand”, after toying around with some Abba, echoes through the speakers, and you could tell and feel on the audience that I was not the only one… holy hell what a song it is!

“Bastard Son of Odin” was next on the list, and it is very true that for once in a while, they actually don’t speak bullshit when they say this is the song about us. Real vikings. And then…

So, as I might have mentioned in my previous post, Robert was set to host the afterparty with Battle Beast after the Stockholm, and in Huskvarna it was my turn. I even had to say my name in the mic and everything, which is very much a first for me. This was of course the intro for “Touch in the Night”, which STILL, is not the same without Laura there… but soon enough I’ll be seeing them with her!

They wrapped up the set with “Out of Control” and it was good to be at a place with people who did go out of control. I was a bit, hm, how do I put it. Not amused perhaps? Upon noticing how I’d been levitating more and more to the right. I started out in the middle in front of Noora, and now I was more and more on the right. Oh well.

The band returned to the stage with “King for a Day” before ending the entire set with “Beyond the Burning Skies” The band thanked for the evening and left the stage.

Jonathan managed to catch a drumstick as well as a setlist, and he was kind enough to give me the setlist. Which was so sweet of him, he didn’t have to do that.

After the show, we got ourselves some refreshments, headed to the merchbooth and then hung around the venue for some time simply to hang out, getting to know each other and for Toivo to get all the signatures from the bandmembers.

Once we “disbanded” I headed back to the same MAX restaurant in Jönköping for some travel food before embarking on the three hour drive home.

This show was pure amazement. Thank you Battle Beast, Dynazty, Rexoria, Jonathan, Toivo, August and Susanna for an amazing evening! Until next time!

// Sara

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Battle Beast @ Klubben, Stockholm, Sweden 1/11 – 17

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , , on November 1, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

At 12.18 it departued, my train toward the capital. If that sentence had been written in “The Hunger Games” it would have had a completely different meaning and cause than what my train has. For a change, I was going with the train rather than the bus, and enjoying the spacious seats they have.

Once in Stockholm,  I checked into my hotel and got ready for the evening. For the occasion, I was meeting up with Robert, an old friend I hadn’t seen in some time. We headed off to the closest Subway and had a sweet dinner before heading to the venue.

Once there, it wasn’t much of a line – and I saw a lot of coats. For those of you readers who are not from Sweden – up here it is mandatory, at least at most concert venues, to leave your jacket in the wardrobe, they will literally not let you pass without dropping off a jacket, and this is why you will never see me queue with a jacket. Because having to put away your coat in the closet is exactly what lost half this little tiny line in front of us their front row spots. But no issue for me and Robert, since – we did not take our jackets with us.

And you know, it’s not bad I’d say to end up in the frontrow arriving maybe only 15 minutes or so before the doors open. It wasn’t a whole lot of people there in the end, about the front row and maybe 10+ more as Dynazty entered the stage.

Dynazty

They started off the show, as energetic as you’d expect from a band who’s a bit rusty, with “Run Amok” and the interest from the audience was pretty…. yeah, cold. That is really the best word to describe it.

They continued very quickly with my personal favorite song, “The Northern End” and seriously… I could go to every single Battle Beast show in this tour only to see this song be played every night. I seriously hope Dynazty starts touring with Amaranthe.. please…

After this, they went back in time for “Raise Your Hands” before launching into “Roar of the Underdog” and then continuing on with “Incarnation”. I honestly love this song live, It’s so perfect for live – heavy, interactive, and has some melody to it. Amazing. “Unholy Deterrent” followed suit, before band took an “artistic break” and then returning with “The Human Paradox”. Another song that I love beyond.

They wrapped up the entire set with “Titanic Mass” and “Starlight” before leaving the stage.

Well, that sure as hell was worth it. It’s a real special feeling you know, when you get to see a band you see so damn rarely. Right at the end, I dodged for the bathrooms just for safety, and since I dogded so quickly – you know, I’ve been doing it for some time. Getting back in was not too hard either, despite it starting to fill up with people.

Right in time, Battle Beast’s intro started to echo and the show started off.

Battle Beast

Battle Beast started off as energetic and powerful as always with “Straight to the Heart” and my insides pretty much exploded. Not my organs, but inner emotions and any sort of self control just went out the window. Jesus Christ, this band knows how to deliver energy. Also, Noora and I had a little moment here. Which was amazing. There’s nothing quite like being the die hard fan at the front.

“Bringer of Pain” was next song on the list, and then thrown right into “Familiar Hell”. The reception was better than for Dynazty, I’ll give you that, but I felt they were still warming up a bit. Or at least in my opinion they could have done better.

“Into the Heart of Danger” was next on the list, and seriously, this song is so amazing live. It’s just… I don’t even know how to describe it properly, but it’s a perfect setting. “We will Fight” was next on the list, followed by the powerpackage that is “Let it Roar” and then into the epic “Black Ninja”. It’s just a whole segment and package of headbanging and jumping, a complete discharge of energy.

Gladly, we got to “relax” a little as “Far From Heaven” was next on the list, then followed by the extremely beautiful, yet powerful, “Lost in Wars”.

The epic tunes of “Iron Hand” echoed through the hall, and you know, there is something truly majestic about this specific song, don’t you think? It’s like, as soon as the intro starts, it’s like everything just levitates.

And again, as last time I saw them, this time speaking about viking warriors, they were not in the wrong by stating it considering that we ARE truly the bastard sons and daughters of Odin. I guess the next song doesn’t need more introduction than that. Again, a complete discharge of energy.

That is pretty much what this band does to you. The band is beyond energetic as it is, and it just rubs off on you. We feed off of each other. Time to slow it down a little to dance to “Touch in the Night” before, for real this time, losing all sense of self-control we all might have had for “Out of Control”.

Anecdote. At the point of one of these songs, Noora simply said that “It’s okay to take your shirt off you know” and naturally, Robert did. And they pointed out that he was a big contestant to have the afterparty at his place because of this.

The band left the stage, the crowed cheered as per usual, and they returned to wrap up the whole set with “King for a Day” and “Beyond the Burning Skies”. One last time to get rid of all that last pieces of energy you had lying around in you.

The band thanked for the evening and left the stage. And we were left completely dehydrated and dead. We remained at the venue for a long time, just to catch out breath and take a moment to get back to reality.

We left the venue, and I got back to my hotel, and Robert went his own way. Thank you Battle Beast, for this incredibly amazing evening.

// Sara

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Battle Beast @ Hard Rock Café, Oslo, Norway 14/9 -17

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , on September 14, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, I’m back on the road again I guess you could say. It’s a small tour, but I guess it’s a good way to start off. As I’m heading off to Spain tomorrow, I felt it was a good stop over to do in Oslo to catch Battle Beast on their first ever Norwegian show. How amazing isn’t that?

I had spent a few days with my friend Hansi before, and fairly early we headed into Oslo from his place. We went by some recordstores and dined out before getting ready and heading off to the show.

Hard Rock Café is a pretty small venue, needless to say. We arrived when the doors open – I like to be on  time, especially today seeing there were NO supportband whatsoever, making it even more risky to be late. I want to see the whole show, that’s just as it.s

Battle Beast were supposed to enter the stage ca 21, but didn’t end up entering until almost half past. Hum. Either way, they entered the stage and with flawless energy they opened their set with “Straight To The Heart”, and then launched into “Bringer of Pain”.

The house was near sold out, or perhaps even got sold out, which was a really nice thing to see. I wasn’t sure what to expect – for the first they aren’t really that big, but I’ve come to realize bands are usually bigger than you think they are.

“Familiar Hell” was next song on the list, and while there seemed to be a big bunch of Battle Beast fans, the crowd was somewhat what I expected it to be, mainly drunk norwegians. Or perhaps I should say, drunk rude norwegians. I was sorely reminded yesterday as to why I don’t like attending shows here in the North. The fucking people.

Or actually, the majority of them I guess are fine. But there’s always that one disgusting asshole, and they always target me. Remember Powerwolf? That got so bad Roel Van Helden threw the guy out? Yeah, we had something like that this time too, but a 40+ old woman who were so drunk she kept smashing me into Hansi, who on the other hand was already backed up against the bar. Despite it being A LOT of space in front of us, she was always going to lean back. Always squeeze in. After a while I got so fucking tired, that I went in infront of her, and were so fucking close to smash the phone out of her hand. Bah. People like her, and her alone, ruins experiences for people so much.

“We Will Fight” was next on the list, before they continued on with “Let it Roar”. This is one of the few times you will see me standing glued with a phone, as I was trying out this cute little live feature, which worked well.

“Black Ninja” was next on the list, and this was well received by the crowd, gladly! The beautiful “Far From Heaven” was next, followed then by “Lost in Wars”. This song has grown so much on me lately, becoming better and better.

The heavy powerpackage that is “Iron Hand” was next, and can we just stop one moment and appreciate this band, and mostly so Noora? What an incredible front woman she is. A complete powerpackage. I could just watch her perform all day, all night.

Noora asked us if we wanted to dance with them, which only means one thing: “Touch in the Night”. And I’ll tell you this – I have never in my life missed my dearest Laura as much as now. Last time I saw Battle Beast we were together, and “Touch in the Night” is kind of our song. Sure, the song was also the themesong of both Powerwolf trip in 2015 AND United States this year, but it’s nothing like how it has become mine and Laura’s song. And I stood there almost looking around to see if I could just find her somewhere… It was empty without her. BUT, Battle Beast performed it well.

Vikings. Unlike the other shows I’ve seen with Battle Beast on this tour, this time, when they asked if there were any vikings in the crowd, it actually makes sense. Of course – this won’t even be hard for you to figure out, “Bastard Son of Odin” was next on the list. “Out of Control” was next, “King for a Day”, and finally, we could see the crowd waking up a bit, before they wrapped up the entire set with “Beyond Burning Skies”.

The band thanked for the show, and then they left the stage. Notice that this is a show without the encore thing going on, which is really cool, I don’t mind to be honest.

The show was great. Like, Battle Beast is one of those bands that you can see live how many times you want, but they will still blow you away everytime. I can’t wait to see them again later this year, will be amazing.

On our way out I ran into Helle, a girl I originally met at Sabaton Open Air last year, and got to catch up a bit with her, which was nice. It was unexpected, but now I know.

We picked up some food, made our way back to the hotel and crashed in bed. Tomorrow I’m off again, to Spain this time and Serious Black and 3 Hell Rock Fest.

// Sara

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Graspop Metal Meeting Day 1: Friday

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , on June 16, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, first day of Graspop! It was a cloudy day, but I was hopeful. I got up somewhat early today – Battle Beast was scheduled to start already at 13, which is, well, not super-early, but early enough. Got ready, headed out of the tent off I went to the festival grounds.

Battle Beast

I arrived at the stage a little before the show began, in order to get a good spot. Which was somewhat impossible, seeing the front row had been claimed by Rammstein fans. Oh well, shit happens I guess? Second row works fine – especially since it wasn’t any pressure or so. A lot of people, though.

Right on time the band entered the stage and opened with “Straight to the Heart”, and quickly followed it up with “Bringer of Pain”. The band was good, Noora is insane, but the crowd… Perhaps it’s because of my location, but you could tell the people around me wasn’t exactly there for Battle Beast, to put it that way.

“Familiar Hell” was next on the list, and then “Black Ninja”. The last one is a song that has started to grown on me quite a lot lately, and I was very happy that they did “Lost in Wars”, following this. For “Bastard Son of Odin” I was pointed out as one of the very few ACTUAL sons, well, daughters, of Odin in a crowd full of… whatever they are. They wrapped the set up with “King for a Day” and “Beyond the Burning Skies”.

It was a good show – a good start on the festival, if you will. However, I really, REALLY miss “Touch in the Night”. It’s mine and Laura’s song, and even though she wasn’t there, I miss it.

Right after the last song, I hurried of REAL quickly to the Jupiler stage to catch AS IT IS.

AS IT IS

AS IT IS did in fact start while Battle Beast was still playing sadly, so I missed out the start. But I just can’t leave Battle Beast, you know?

By the time I got there, they were already at “Concrete” in their setlist, so that became the first song for me as far as AS IT IS goes. “Cheap Shots & Setbacks” was next on the list, and the band was very energetic. “No Way Out” was next, followed by “Soap”.

The crowd for AS IT IS wasn’t superbig, but the crowd that attended gave off good vibes. Sometimes you know, a smaller crowd is better than a bigger one. “Austen” followed suit, and then “Can’t Save Myself”. And then… You know.

There are two songs I really like with this band – “Pretty Little Distance” and “Dial Tones”. I’m not going to go in on further details as to why, I just do. I was convinced that “Pretty Little Distance” was going to be the opening song, but on the same time, I had no clue – I have never seen this band before, I don’t know their habits. So imagine how happy I was when they announced no other song than “Pretty Little Distance” was the next song.

“Hey Rachel” was next on the list, until they wrapped up the set with “Dial Tones” and I was in pretty much a euphoric state. It was such a good show – such a rush to watch.

After AS IT IS, I headed back to the mainstages to attend Battle Beast’s signingsession… which was cancelled. I did instead get the oppurtunity to hang out a bit with Cyril, which was awesome.

As this happened, I walked around the grounds for some time, hoping to make it to Epicas signingsession… which didn’t happen. What the hell. Oh well, I went back to the camp to rest and deal with some things before I headed back to the festivalgrounds to see Epica.

Epica

So Epica – I arrived a bit late, just before they started, so I was walking to their stage as “Eidola” was echoing through the air, and as I arrived, “Edge of the Blade” started echoing out. It was quickly followed by “The Phantasmic Parade”.

Epica had a big crowd for the day – bigger than I remember them having the last time I saw them play at Graspop, so that was good to see. “The Essance of Silence” was next, followed by “Ascension”. Despite the big turn up, I actually have to admit that the feeling in the crowd wasn’t… really that great. I’ll admit that I was standing pretty far away from the stage, so perhaps it was better closer, but it didn’t seem like it sadly.

My personal favorite “Unchain Utopia” was next in the set, followed by “Cry for the Moon”, and then.. “Sancta Terra”. Which was… at first somewhat unsuccesful when the keyboard wouldn’t really work. And.. I’m not sure if it was technical problems, or simply a bad day, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard Epica be this untight. Like… I rarely feel like I’ve experienced bad gigs, but this was not exactly a gig I’d tell the grandkids about, so to put it.

“Beyond the Matrix” and “Consign to Oblivion” wrapped up this, relatively short set of Epica, and despite all the issues – I thank them. I did actually miss seeing them.

Europe

Right after Epica, I headed off to the other mainstage to witness Europe, a band I haven’t seen in ages. It was a really nice show, but it got even better when I managed to meet up with Ida and Adam from Camp Ellen again. Europe delivered a real good set, I was happy to see them.

After this, we headed back to the camp grounds of Camp Ellen and hung out, associating with each other and just… chilling before we headed back to the festival grounds to catch Rammstein.

Rammstein

So, I’ve always been fond of Rammstein, but never considered myself a fan. But I really looked forward to see them – and what a show it was! I enjoyed every single minute of it, even though I have to admit I was going for “Trink Capri Sonne” rather than “Hier Kommt Die Sonne”. Yes. I went there. But really, amazing show. Would see again.

After the show, we headed back to the camp and to bed, preparing for next days endaevours.

// Sara

 

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March in Music

Posted in Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , on April 6, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

A little delay, here comes the report of how I listened to music in March. First off, most played bands.

5. Amaranthe

This still doesn’t strike me as a chock, since they are the bands with the most songs total in my on-the-go iPod, even thought it doesn’t feel like I listen to them that much. But apparently, I do!

4. Sabaton

Not a big shocker. I did honestly think they’d be higher seeing I’ve seen quite a few shows with them this month, but I guess not. Still going strong in the top though. I blame my sudden love for “Blood of Bannockburn” for this.

3. Battle Beast

Ah here they are! An excellent release in “Bringer of Pain” and a show that was better than most sends the group up to a higher place. I swear to God, “Bastard Son of Odin” is really MY song. Seriously.

2. Epica

Epica delivered some great shows in Helsinki and Stockholm, and “The Holographic Principle” is such an awesome album.

1. Twilight Force

Well, I guess this answers why Sabaton has been so low this month – it’s the introduction of Twilight Force. I feel so stupid, because I’ve rapidly grown to like them a lot, and well, it feels stupid – this is all honesty, as I have so many friends who are already into them, and here I come a little late. Well, at least I never spoke shit about them. So, with that said, I’m not surprised they are on top!

Lets move onto albums.

5. Bringer of Pain

No surprise! The new little masterpiece by Finlands now, in my eyes, most promising bands. I’m certain my love for “Bastard Son of Odin” is pushing this a little bit higher, but aside that – this is one killer album.

4. The Power of the Ancient Force

Well, considering Twilight Force is amongst the bands in my top artists, it’s not a big surprise their albums would make it onto the list. “The Power of the Ancient Force” is their debut album, and I really like it.

3. As I Lay Me Down (Single)

This is awesome. So, you know how I love Wiktoria? This is the single for that very song, and it has made the third place on most played album. And very well so, the song is just that fucking amazing.

2. Heroes of Mighty Magic

Another one of Twilight Force’s albums, I think this one might be a tad more epic than the previous, but it’s too soon for me to say too much already to be honest. Check back in a month or two, haha.

1 . The Holographic Principle

This album is absolute killer, and not to mention, “Beyond the Matrix”. Seriously, I just love that song so much. This album has quickly climbed to be one of my favorites, but if it’s just a new crush or forever, is yet to see.

And lastly, songs. Last.FM really shows you top ten songs, but I’ll cut it down to five.

3. Touch in the Night – Battle Beast

Battle Beasts flagship is you like, and also my personal favorite. This song has so many memories to it, I can barely count anymore how many trips has this song as their “song of the trip”.

3. Bastard Son of Odin – Battle Beast

Another one of Battle Beast’s, another favorite, but a different album. Seriously, this is my personal bootcamp song.

3. The Real Me – Art Nation

So, you probably noticed how there’s three 3’s, and this is because all of these songs had the same amount of plays.  Art Nation’s first single of the upcoming album, and I just love it that much. I can’t get over it. At all.

2. Emergency – H.E.A.T

Oldie but goldie! This song has rapidly risen, and it’s just… When you have so much music around, it’s easy to forget what you have, and then all of a sudden you just rediscover it and realize how much you love it. I’m so happy H.E.A.T is making new music again finally, I cannot wait.

1 . As I Lay Me Down – Wiktoria

Well, no surprise. I’ve been obsessed with this song ever since I first saw her in Melodifestivalen, and I cannot stop listening to this. Honestly. Beyond amazing. I’m eager to check out more of her stuff later.

So. That was that recap. I always find it somewhat facinating to see what songs you do actually listen to, and which you don’t.

// Sara

 

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Battle Beast @ Petit Bain, Paris, France 25/3 -17

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

So, I went to bed at what, 1 am? And then up again at 3.30. Oh what I wouldn’t do for the bands I love. Up I went, caught the airportbus to well, the airport (what did you expect?) and got on my early flight to Paris. The flight was already at 6 – because this is what happens when you decide things last minute. You sort of simply have to take what is given. And unless I wanted to go into deep bankruptcy, I had to go for the 6am flight which had a stopover in Copenhagen. But you know, why not?

Once in Paris, I first headed off to Notre Dame to solve some Pokemon Go things – 7 days streak with lucky eggs, don’t mind if I do! Once done, I chased down every single H&M that was nearby in an attempt to get a hold of some items that of course had sold out in Sweden (at least in my size) and I was lucky enough to score it in the second or third store I went to. Off to McDonalds, because who has time to be classy? To pick up some lunch and then off to my hotel. My hotel was located right next to Bercy Village, the little garden, so it was a pleasureable walk, to say the least! Got checked in, had a quick shower (because Sabaton show happened) and got ready for the show.

Off I went to the venue and met up with Laura and Cyril – have missed them so much! It was really good seeing them again. And then we have the bastard Cyril who were at the 700000 tons of Metal cruise. What is that all about. Seriously, lucky bastard! We spent some time catching up and later they opened the doors. We didn’t make it to the front row, but we got some decent spots a bit in the back. And you know, I really don’t mind too much. Front row is nice, but there’s nothing like the space you have in the back.

And, pretty early to our surprise, GYZE went on stage.

GYZE

Gyze is a metalband from Japan, and it was refreshing to see some bands from outside of Europe for a change. They delivered a very energetic set, I really enjoyed it – but I do question the decision to play mostly songs from a still unreleased album. Like, why?

After they left the stage, the gear was switched and Majesty got on.

Majesty

I was happy to see that Majesty had quite the following in the crowd – people were really singing along and getting into it! They, much as Gyze, delivered an amazing and energetic set, getting yourself really pumped for what was about to come.

In the middle of Majesty Sophie finally arrived! She has a new job that disabled her to join us from the start, but finally. And I was so happy to see my little babydoll again. Ireland was too long ago, or well, it feels like it, so it was so good seeing her again! And then, the wait was over – Battle Beast started.

Battle Beast

So, they walked on stage and kicked the show off with “Straight to the Heart”, which is such an ass-kicker, like, it really gets you going! They followed suit with the ever so headbangfriendly “Bringer of Pain”. The audience response was incredible, and it got even better when the first single of the album – “Familiar Hell” started.

For those of you who may be uninformed – Petit Bain is in fact, a boat. Which means that when the crowd is jumping, the boat is in motion. You can really feel how the floor is moving. Scary, but incredible. I love the feeling – and this is exactly what happened in “Familiar Hell”.

“Into the Heart of Danger” was next on the list – and to demonstrate exactly how much on fire this audience was – they decided to start a moshpit to this. Which was a first, according to Noora. “We Will Fight” and “Let it Roar” followed suit, before it was time for a big fan favorite – “Black Ninja”. And I loved the performance – or how to express it. The smoke machines releasing and hiding Noora in the smoke – I love small tricks like this.

A more serene moment appeared as “Far From Heaven” was performed, followed by the pretty heavy “Lost in Wars”. Quite the important song these days, don’t you think? “Iron Hand” was next before Noora challenged us to dance, and you know, this is no problem for me as they ripped off “Touch in the Night”. Ah. What a song. I love it.

“Bastard Son of Odin” followed – and as you guys know, this is my personal favorite, and the good thing about being in France is the fact that I am literally the only Bastard son of Odin in the house – step aside all frenchies. The lion from the North is here. “Enter the Metal World” was next, before they wrapped the set up with “Out of Control”.

The band came back on stage, and started off with, well, saying they were going to do a Manowar cover, but instead wound up doing “Last Christmas” by Wham – and don’t mind if they do! I love it. The song, I mean. The incident was funny too.

“King for a Day” was next before they wrapped up the set completely with “Beyond the Burning Skies”. The band thanked for themselves and left the stage.

It was a really good show. Like, if there is any band who knows how to deliver and how to put on a good show – this is the one. The energy from the band really translates to the audience who responds so well to it. This is just beyond.

After the show, I hit up the merch real quickly to pick up Battle Beast’s “Steel” album and one of Majesty’s – I sort of had to wing it as I forgot to look up which one to get, but I think I got it good!

After the show we hung around a bit to catch up with each other, and Laura and I found ourselves having quite the heart to heart in the Paris night before parting ways. Once back at the hotel, I took a warm shower, packed, and went to bed.

This has been an intense weekend. Like, I can’t even describe. And this is just the beginning. I apologize for the lack of images – poor lightning isn’t my friend.

// Sara

 

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Battle Beast – Bringer of Pain

Posted in CDs, Music, Uncategorized with tags , on March 10, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So! Finally I’m getting around to write about Battle Beast’s newest album, “Bringer of Pain” which was released quite some time ago by now, almost a month actually. Time really, really flies, doesn’t it? But as you guys know, I have been a bit occupied but now it’s time!

So, “Bringer of Pain” is the fourth album in line for Finnish band Battle Beast, and they are coming back stronger than ever, at least if you ask me. And not to mention, very versatile.

It starts off with a melodic, yet pretty heavy song in “Straight to the Heart”, very classic Battle Beast I’d say, and then launching into a pure heavy metal song in the titletrack. And this is exactly how the album moves about – it goes from being more melodic and synth based in songs as “King for a Day”, which is a bit like an anthem, “Familiar Hell” and “Bastard Son of Odin”, and then heavier songs such as “Lost in Wars”, “The Eclipse” and “God of War”. Of course, a ballad can be found in “Far From Heaven”.

The order the song has been put on the albums are great – I don’t know if it’s coincidence, or if it’s well planned, but they mixed it up perfectly with having pretty much every second song, making the album go up and down all through it.

Then we have the odd song out. “Dancing with the Beast”. Brings your thoughts back to “Unholy Saviours” “Touch in the Night”, but even more in the pop spectra than the aforementioned. It’s lacking any sort of metal element to it, which I find interesting. I love it. I love the dreamy kind of intro to it, and the beat all in all. The songwriting on this album is superb, and it’s fun to see the others contribute to the writing as well.

The album as a whole is very solid – I’m really liking the diversity. How you have songs literally from pure pop to heavy power metal stuff, keeping the album interesting all through the album in my opinion.It’s a bit hard for me to find the words to describe exactly how much I love this album, but let’s just say it makes me want do dance with the beast. I haven’t been able to stop listen to this album since it came out, well done Battle Beast!

Favorite song: Bastard Son of Odin
Least Favorite song: Rock Trash (I don’t dislike it, but I have to choose)
Dance-friendliness: 7 /13
Headbang-friendliness: 8 / 13
Crowd-friendliness: 9/13

// Sara

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

Posted in Concerts, Music, Travels, Uncategorized with tags , , , , 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.

160402serenityclmtfrdlcdmai

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.

160402battlebeastclmtfrdlcdmai

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.

160402powerwolf2clmtfrdlcdmai

“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.

160402powerwolf3clmtfrdlcdmai

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”.

160402powerwolf4clmtfrdlcdmai

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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