Archive for powerwolf

Powerwolf @ Arenan, Stockholm, Sweden 16/11 – 19

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

Well. Me and Toivo got back home at three in the morning, but there is no rest for the wicked am I right? So at eight we both got up, had some breakfast and then Toivo set off to Malmö to catch Battle Beast again, but I hopped on a train to Stockholm to catch Powerwolf.

It’s been barely, or just over, a year since I last saw the Wolves in a concert, besides some festival appearances this summer, and not to mention, the fact they had Gloryhammer with them just made it all that much better. Excitement!

I arrived in Stockholm just around 13 and waited for Mårten to arrive as well and then we headed to Subway for some lunch before we went our separate ways to check into our hotels and for me, to take a nap. This week has been exhausting for many reasons, and the lack of sleep from the night before didn’t exactly help. After a nice nap I started getting ready. Two bands I love on the same evening meant outfit change mid set – I had a galaxy printed top for Gloryhammer and my usual dark outfit for Powerwolf.

Doors were set to be opened around 18.30, so I made my way down to the venue about half an hour before the doors opened, where Mårten was already waiting for me in the line. They opened the doors in time, and we made it in relatively quick actually.

They opened the doors down at Klubben, forcing us to run up those stairs again, which really ANNOYS ME. We checked out the merch real quick before making our way into the venue to check out the state of the barricade, and took the moment to say hello to Tim again, who was with us yesterday when seeing Battle Beast.

After that, we went out again to get some merch for Mårten and then get ready for Gloryhammer.

Gloryhammer

The intro consisting at first of “Delilah” to later go into “Into the Terrorvortex” started echoing in the venue before “The Diege of Dunkeld (In Hoots We Trust)” opened up the entire show. The venue was PACKED before this show even started, giving the boys quite the warm welcome!

“Gloryhammer” was next song on the list – as Misa says it – “In case you forget what band is on stage”, before the prince himself asks us what his name is. Which happens to be, “Angus McFife”. “The Land of Unicorns” followed suit very quickly before it was time for a little lesson.

A lesson in how to slay Goblins that is. With the hammer, Angus illustrates how it sounds like, and how it would sound like when slaying a Goblin, the same Goblin he earlier fought on stage. And of course, we are continuing on our tradition from Sabaton Open Air where Mårten holds the position as the Goblin, and thus I slay him as they start “Goblin King of the Darkstorm Galaxy”.

Angus picked out a fella in the crowd asking where he was from, only to get an answer that he’s from Sweden which wasn’t good enough. He sent the fella on a Quest to get a beer as they continued on with “Questlords of Inverness, Ride to the Galactic Fortress!”, Inverness being the place he wished the guy was from.

We are now getting introduced to the Hootsman, and just like that, we’re thrown into “The Hollywood Hootsman” just like this and then right into “Masters of the Galaxy”. Because I guess they are, right?

“Hootsforce” stood next on the list, which as far as we are concerned, means rage time! Oh yes. Angus starts talking about how he wants to set the world, no, the entire universe on fire and thus, “Universe on Fire” is the next song. They ever so strongly wrap up the show with “Unicorn Invasion of Dundee” before leaving the stage.

We went out for a quick bathroom break where I multitasked and got Powerwolf ready and then back into the venue.

I’m not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing.. But I felt that the crowd was thinning out slightly once Gloryhammer was done. Shame for Powerwolf, but.. good for me right? And then.. Lights out.

Powerwolf

“Lupus Daemonis” eachoed through the blacked out venue as the silhouettes of the band appeared on the drop covering the stage, and as it fell to the ground, “Fire and Forgive” opened the show. With a lot of force and energy, they took over this venue as they continued on with “Army of the Night”.

Attila got his incense and came down to talk to us about how we need iron, as well as incense to be strong warriors, and it was said and done. He proceeds to ask us, do we know the lyrics of Powerwolf? And I’ll never completely be able to let go of Metalfest earlier this year, when Attila kept fucking up the lyrics of the first few songs which lead Szilvi to say “We have to, because you don’t!” and that will more or less be a running joke from now.

But, as any experienced fan knows, “Amen and Attack” was next on the list.

When Attila comes down, he talks to us about how, how to kill vampires the most efficiently? We do it with the crocs. Sorry, cross. “Killers With The Cross” was next on the list, and seriously, could I love this song more than I already do? I guess I can!

Are there any girls in the arena? Well we are a few, perhaps not as many. But one thing is for sure, “Demons are a Girls Best Friend” was next, and I took the time to take up some dancing together with Mårten, in lack of better things to do. This song, the chants become so powerfull when echoing out like this.

Time for some singing lessons ala Attila Dorn as “Armata Strigoi” continues as the next song. The stage setting is pretty much the same as it was last year – the broken castle with the hidden wolves peaking out here and there. Beautiful setting. I love big productions, have I ever mentioned that?

Attila placed himself ontop the piedestal and started talking in German, meaning only one thing – “Stossgebet”. This song is just… perfection? Can I say it like that. And what a delivery of it! Amazing.

The piano was brought out and the lights got up as “Where the Wild Wolves have Gone” was next on the list. This has always been an emotional song as it is, but it has a bit extra meaning right now.

We are starting to again speak of erections, and naturally this is one of my absolute strongest memories of Powerwolf since it’s my first memory from the first time I ever saw them live back in 2014, and another great performance of “Resurrection by Erection” was fired off.

“Blessed and Possessed” was next before it was time to introduce an old new song in “Kiss of the Cobra King”. Excellent execution of this song, I must say!

Attila brought down the chalice, and “We Drink Your Blood” was next on the list until it was time to pray and get blessed with “Lupus Dei”. Beautiful moment.

The band left the stage, and surprisingly, a large amount of the crowd also left. I mean, why? But okay.

“Agnus Dei” echoed out in the blacked out arena as the band came back on stage and started off with “Sanctified with Dynamite”. “Coleus Sanctus” was next before the whole show was wrapped up with “Werewolves of Armenia”. The band thanked for themselves as “Wolves Against The World” played out of the speakers.

Thank you Powerwolf for yet again a wonderful show. I love you, forever.

// Sara

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Metalfest Open Air 2019 – Day 1: Friday, Part 2

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , on June 26, 2019 by Sara Hammerzmith

Here we go! I realized it was getting very very long, so here comes the second part of day one of Metalfest!

HammerFall

HammerFall. Old time heroes, a band I’ve loved for about 12 years now. While I’ll admit that the feelings go up and down, and that at this point I look at them more as a fond something, I still owe a lot to them. They were, give or take, my first metalband and that is not something you simply just take away, am I right?

So I was excited to sit here. And to finally see them again. Again, as with Kissin’ Dynamite, it isn’t that long since I actually saw them, but nonetheless.

Surprisingly, they opened the set with “Legion”. This is the first time I’ve heard it live in a very, very long time and it took me a bit by surprise. It was quickly followed up with “Hammer High”  The place was crowded, and it was an amazing crowd. The band start out energetically, and the crowd was with them from the start.

“Renegade” was next song on the list, oldie but Goldie I guess we can say, and then it was time for yet another – “Bloodbound”. This was quickly followed by my personal favorite – “Any Means Necessary”. It has been ten years since this album came out, and still I hold this song as my absolute favorite.

After this, it was time for the new single from the upcoming album, “(We Make) Sweden Rock” to premiere. I find it personally it a bit odd they’re premiering it here in Czech Republix when they play in Sweden just a week from now, but oh well I guess? I’m not a massive fan of the song, but it was well recieved by the audience!

“Hero’s Return” was next on the list, one other of those for me little unexpected songs to be honest, but it’s good to hear some new stuff, you know? “Riders of the Storm” was next on the list, another well executed song. I mean, these people are pros so what did I expect anyway?

“Hector’s Hymn” followed suit, and then they apparently had a live premiere of “The Sacred Vow”. It felt odd hearing this would be the first time ever played, and I want to call bullshit, but I can’t find any traces of it being played before, strangely enough, seeing this is the single. I stand corrected, I guess. Good hearing it live though!

“Last Man Standing” and “Let The Hammer Fall” wrapped up the set for now, and the band left the stage.

The intro of “Templars of Steel” started shallowly, and then more strongly, appear across the festival field, and the band returned to rip off this classic of a song. It really is, and have become more so, emotional to hear this song. I guess it comes down to what a song represented at a period in ones life, no?

“The Dragon Lies Bleeding” was next, and I’m so happy that this has come to be more of a permanent song in their list these days. Lastly, they wrapped it all up with “Hearts on Fire” before leaving the stage for Powerwolf to conquer.

Powerwolf

As clockwork, and also by fucking luck, Szilvi and Marci had left for the bathroom right after HammerFall and made it back JUST as the intro for Powerwolf started echoing. “Lupus Daemonis” was throwing and eerie feeling over the now dark and moist (it was raining) festival grounds, and as “Fire and Forgive” started, the frontdrop dropped, pyros set off, and the show was a fact.

An epic, powerful start was later followed up with “Army of the Night”. The venue, the poor little amphitheater, was full beyond capacity (if you ask me) at this point, and gave Powerwolf the most amazing reception.

Attila went across the stage, swining his incense and talking about what you need to beat down your opponnents. And anyone who has ever seen Powerwolf before knows damn well what this is – “Incense and Iron”. This one is such a crowdstarter, and the performance was yet again polished, and well executed.

Funnily enough, we noticed that Attila stumbled on the lyrics every now and then. And when “Amen and Attack” was coming, and he asked if we knew the lyrics of Powerwolf, Szi and I just looked at each other and said “Yes, because you don’t!” but, off we went with the song. Perfect, as usual.

The temp was taken down a notch as “Let There Be Night” was next song on the list. This song is seriously, one of the most perfect songs, to be performed at night time like this. The organ, the chants, it’s just. I’m sure I’ve fangirled enough over it before, but seriously.

“Demons are a Girl’s Best Friend” was next on the list, which caused a MASSIVE sing along, and then onto my personal favorite. My absolute personal favorite of “The Sacrament of Sin”, “Killers with the Crocs”. Seriously, I cannot get over how good this song is, and I can’t get over hearing it live.

Another singalong and audience favorite, “Armata Strigoi” was next on the list and continuing down the stroll of the preceeder of “The Sacrament of Sin” with “Blessed and Possessed”.

The stage got mellow and calmed down again, down to a piano, Falk and Attila only pulling through “Where the Wild Wolves have Gone”. Beautiful, serene and sweet. I will admit I’ve never been a too big fan of the song personally, but made like this? Beautiful.

From that, to the next, as “Resurrection by Erection” is next song on the list, followed by “Stossgebet”.

After this, they left the stage… And crew came out to light the stage on fire, the lights turned to red as “Agnus Dei” starts echoing over the eerie festival area, and “Sanctified with Dynamite” set off the encores for this time. Or as always, as you please I guess.

“Coleus Sanctus” was next song to be put out, before Falk and Attila had their usual battle with “Werewolves of Armenia”.

As one last thing, Attila asks us what we need, and what we drink, and for one last time, the bells chime, the “Kyrie Eleison” chants echo out and with that, the Holy Heavy Metal Mass came to an end.

And after this, we made our way back to the camp in the cold, dark and misty night… Getting ready for tomorrows adventures.

// Sara

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My month in Music

Posted in Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on February 27, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

So! It’s not really the end of the month just yet, but as I’m off to Helsinki tomorrow to watch the incredible Epica, I will have to give you this little update right now. Essentially, what I’ll be doing is collecting my data from LastFM and speak a little bit about the top six bands at the moment, that I’ve listened to the most this past month.

6. Danse dE Sade

So this is a new discovery – at least in a way. This band, together with Tower Guard, were the only of Lordi’s supportbands I did listen to one or two songs prior to the shows, but this band was the only one I remembered at the time (sorry Tower Guard).

Probably because as with most bands  I’ve grown to be fond of- they intrigued me. During our stay in L.A. we saw them twice – first supporting Lordi on their show at the Whisky, which was something I will never, ever forget. Honestly. What a band! What a show! We saw them two days later again at the Viper Room, and enjoyed it just as much this time around.

5. Art Nation

No surprise. Art Nation was a band I first thought “hey lets check them out” at Skogsröjet, and have now rapidly grown into being one of my favorite bands. I am beyond excited for their new album “Liberation”, as their previous one “Revolution” just as with H.E.A.T’s albums, is nothing but pure perfection. They recently released the new single “The Real Me” and I’m addicted to it.

4. Amaranthe

I don’t think I give this band enough credit toward myself on how much I enjoy their music. I must admit I was a little bit disappointed in “Maximalism” as it felt far away from what I’ve gotten to know as Amaranthe, and it felt sloppy – the lyrics weren’t what they once were, and as well as singing style. But then again, it’s hard to follow up a masterpiece like “MASSIVE ADDICTIVE”.

3. Lordi

They need no further introduction. I’m a little personally surprised they are behind Powerwolf, seeing we saw Lordi live this month (ok, we did see Powerwolf as well but) but it was only by three songs, so I can survive.

2. Powerwolf

Doesn’t surprise me too much. This is one of those bands whose album I’ll put on when I need something to listen to, be it in the background or just to enjoy myself. It’s something about the music with this band that drags you in – for every time you see this band, you fall more in love with them. It’s a dangerous thing.

1 . Crystal Viper

This is a bit of a surprise. Crystal Viper recently released a new album, the comeback album if you like just days ago, and it appears I liked it more than I thought seeing the numbers. They have twice the amount of plays compared to Powerwolf, would say something.

So. That sums up my month in music. It is interesting to see where your listening patterns actually are. Huh.

// Sara

 

 

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Epica @ Shepard’s Bush Empire, London, United Kingdom 3/2 – 17

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

So, finally finally, finally. The first concert of the year, and not to mention, the first concert in quite some time for me personally. Going without a show all of December and January has somewhat killed the spirit, but hey, that is what happens!

So, first we did in the morning really was to pack and prepare for our outbound journey come tomorrow, but once all was said and done we got on the train and headed off to London. First, we stopped by Kryolan’s bagsale to see if it was any interesting, and later on we met up with Robert and Madeline to have a nice pizza dinner.

After that, we did some halfhearted attempts to get to the venue, and later, gladly, we DID find it. And we made it just in time for Beyond The Black!

Beyond The Black

I had never heard Beyond the Black prior to the show, but I was really impressed! They delivered a good set, and I was happy to see how well the crowd was responding!

170203beyondtheblack02london

And next; Powerwolf

Powerwolf

So, one by one they came on stage to the tunes of “Lupus Daemonis” and later started off with “Blessed and Possessed”, quickly followed by “Army of the Night”. The band was really on fire, and so was the crowd. It was so good to see how many Powerwolf fans there actually was, considering that it was Epica’s gig, if you know what I mean?

“Amen and Attack” was next on the list, followed by “Coleus Sanctus” and “In The Name of God (Deus Vult)”. They had a new set design since last I saw them – rather than the church setting, it was a abandoned cemetary, to put it simply. Something similar to the cover of the tour edition of “Blessed and Possessed”. I loved it – gave it more of a crusade feeling, preaching the heavy metal mass and so on, you know?

170203powerwolf102london

“Sacred and Wild” followed by, and you could tell there was a lot of Powerwolf fans in the audience tonight, because as Attila was about to the do the little speech and moment for “Armata Strigoi”, the audience kept singing the entire thing already from the start. I love when you see bands get this kind of response.

“Dead Boys Don’t Cry” was next on the list before it was time for what is for me, the highlight of a Powerwolf show – “Let There Be Night”. Seriously, this song is pretty much pure perfection. The arrangements, the melodies, and not to mention – the dominating organ parts. That melodyline is to die for, and this song live is just another perfect setting. God.

170203powerwolf302london

“Resurrection by Erection” was next on the list, followed by “Werewolves of Armenia”. The crowd was really into it, and it made me so fucking happy to see. I wasn’t sure what the audience would be like, but this was perfect.

“Sanctified with Dynamite” was next before they wrapped the set up with “We Drink Your Blood”. While the set felt, in my opinion too short, it was though an amazing set. For every time I see this band, I fall more and more in love with them. Some bands simply have that effect on you, you know?

170203powerwolf202london

After the show, we went up to look at the merch, and relocated to the other side of the stage for some reason – probably space reasons, which turned out to be… both a good and a bad deal. Good deal because we had a lot better sight than previously, and the bad sides I’ll get to in a minute.

The holographic projectors were brought out, and “Eidola” started echoing in the room.

Epica

 

The kicked off the set with “Edge of the Blade” which serves quite a bit as a punch in the face, although I must admit I prefer “The Second Stone” as an opener, it was a good shot – and I loved the holographic projectors! They followed it up with “A Phantasmic Parade”, just as they have done on previous tour – following up with the second song of the album.

The audience… It was good. Like, at least toward the front. There were some moshing, and they were receiving them good, but not nearly as good as they had for Powerwolf. “Sensorium” was the next song, followed by the single “Universal Death Squad”, and then “Storm the Sorrow”. Much to my joy, “The Essence of Silence” was actually kept in the setlist, made me very very happy.

170203epica202london

“The Obsessive Devotion” followed up and the moshpit essentially exploded. It was good to see – last time I saw Epica on their own shows were in New Zealand and Australia, and I can’t really say there was a lot of moshing there. “Ascension” followed, which made me really happy actually – it’s nice to see the musicians “behind” Simone to claim the spotlight a bit.

“Dancing in a Hurricane” was next, and now I’m going to speak up about the bad sides. Because, we had a group of fans next to us who were die hard Powerwolf fans, that THROUGHOUT ALL OF FUCKING EPICA kept talking and talking and talking, and you’d think that in a concert venue, you wouldn’t be able to hear it so well, but they talked loudly to each other – throughout the show – leaving us not hearing what the people on stage had to say and sometimes, in slower songs, we couldn’t even hear them sing without having the annoying chippering in the background. And I guess we all kind of lost it when they started screaming for Powerwolf in between some song, not when Mark mentioned them, just randomly. It’s just so disgustingly disrespectful. I was so close to punch these people, but instead, I smacked them pretty hard with my hair. They did move, eventually.

My personal favorite, “Unchain Utopia” was next on the list before they wrapped it up with “Once upon a Nightmare” before they gave us their encores in the shape of “Sancta Terra”, my personal favorite off “The Holographic Principle” – “Beyond the Matrix” that were a real good crowdkiller. And seriously, this song. I loved it so much already on the album, but it’s ten times better live.

170203epica102london

They wrapped up the set with a proper wall of death and nice mosh and circle pits with “Consign to Oblivion” before they left the stage. It was a well good show, that is for sure! Although, the only minus is that Simone seemed to be a bit out of shape voice-vice, but she picked it up as the show went by which was good!

Thank you, to all three bands for making such a good night! Seriously, this was epic!

After the show, we headed straight out, meeting up with my dear Niki before hurrying home to get some rest before the big day tomorrow…

// Sara

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Powerwolf @ Frimis Salonger, Örebro, Sweden 21/10 – 16

Posted in Music, Uncategorized with tags , , on October 21, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, this day could not come sooner, if you ask me. I had had some strong PCD right after the Stockholm show, so this couldn’t come any sooner if you ask me. And conveniently enough, this round was in Örebro, a tad bit closer.

I had originally planned to go somewhere around 13, but being a bit of a timeoptimist or something, I wound up leaving at, I don’t know, 13.30? Something like that, BUT, what made it perfect was the fact that for some reason, the mail were early today. And I saw my mum coming in with a brown CDON envelope, and I just instantly started growling “Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga”, because, I don’t know if you know, but Lady Gaga’s new album “Joanne” was released today. Like, the album I didn’t think would ever come. And it was so perfect that it arrived in time, it left me with new tunes to listen to in the car on my way to Örebro.

So, I packed everything into the Festival Van as I call it – in other words, when the backseat + trunk has been turned into a small caravan with matress, storing units, iPod speakers and lamps for someone to live in, and headed off toward Örebro.

And firstly… hearing Lady G’s voice again, on new tunes, after all these years were pure heaven. And especially the song “Dancing in Circles”, like, holy fuck. What a tune. But, I’ll get back to “Joanne” in my review of the album, but, yeah, I had a lot of fun passing cars and “screaming” to them that it “WASN’T LOOOOOVE, IT WASN’T LOOOOVE IT WAS A PERFECT ILLUSIOOOONNNN”

So, pitstop at my favorite Örebro-ing Subway on Västhagagatan, I had a fine dinner and blasted some Civil War in the car while getting ready for the show, and then heading over to the venue.

When I had looked at pictures, it seemed like it was a lot of parking spots, but upon arrival (and of course I drove the wrong way at first) I noticed pretty much all of them were reserved. Gladly, Paula came to my rescue and told me there were some unmarked spots where the others had their cars, so finally I could park.

And then, I could finally go and say hi to the gang, and starting with Madlen whom I haven’t seen since Clermont-Ferrand. It was nice seeing her again! We took off rather quick again, for Paula and Ted to have some dinner and for me to use a restroom. But once back again, we could properly catch up.

When we saw a large crowd approaching, we decided to get in the line, just in case you know, and once they opened the doors we, calmly, walked in and claimed the front row positions. I did look forward to actually seeing this show from the front for once, and with my babygirl with me as well!

After a fairly long wait with catching up with long time no see friends and just generally hanging out, it was time for Civil War to begin.

Civil War

I can begin here to say that the stage was very small. Like, there was literally about 50 cm or so for Patrik to be on, Paula actually asked me “They are four in CW right?” and I’m like “Nope, five” and she was like “Oh dear…” But you know, small stages, the intimacy with the band, it’s quite amazing don’t you think?

They started off their set with “USS Monitor” and seriously, it was just a go right away. Expect for one thing. A little before Civil War had arrived, one of the most obnouxious people arrived. Some drunk guy who felt entitled to claim space he actually came too late to get. And when I called him out on it, he started getting aggressive. Oh. What a start. If it wasn’t enough, he kept going all through Civil War.

161021civilwar1frimisorebro

All that aside, it was an amazing set. I’m not sure if it was because I had been awaiting this day, or if it was because of the intimacy, but seriously, it was just sooo good. I can’t wait ’til this band go on tour again. Thank you, Civil War!

Gladly, right after this, the annoying guy and his entourage disappeared, and we could quickly reunite with our friends for the brief pause between the bands. Of course, this didn’t last for long becasue Mr Annoying were of course returning about five minutes before Powerwolf went on stage. Of course. What else.

And this is where it’s starting to get a bit heated. Like, very heated, between me and him. But it was just to shrug it off, because you can’t let someone like that ruin the show. Especially not when the lights finally went out and the intro started.

Powerwolf

And then you know… “BENEDICTUS…” It’s like you’re lost and everything disappears. Well, almost, except for Mr Annoying. But it didn’t really stop us at first. They continued on with “Coleus Sanctus” just as preciously, and in all honesty, the situation with the guy behind me started getting out of hand. They continued on with “Amen & Attack” and like I’ve told you so many times, this song is one of my absolute favorites live. And there was no exception for today. Except, you know.

It’s one thing to have a crowdpressure behind you, but this guy was just being a jerk about it. Trying to squeeze in between me and Paula, dryhumping me, touching me at a point… We called over the guards, and no less than three people put in complaints about the same guy, but the security simply said “this is what it is”. And this is the time I feel someone staring at me. And I soon catch the eyes of no one less than Roel.

With gestures, he’s asking me if I’m okay, telling me he also noticed the jerk behind me and that he’ll be watching me. How sweet isn’t that?

After still having no luck with the securities, and all three of us running real tired of his shit, I got Roel’s attention again, asking if I was ok, signaling I’m alive but this guy is just bullshit. He basically let me know he’s gonna handle it, and at first I was like… ok? Whatever, what can you do? All you can do is move on with the show.

So understand what an unreal moment it was for me, when the tourmanager of Powerwolf appeared, pointed the guy out and said to the guards “I want this guy removed from the venue”. Guards tried to argue a little, but the manager stood his ground, and a security guard came and evicted him from the area. I thanked Roel over and over again for this, and he let me know it was no problem.

And seriously. Can we just… I’ve never had anything like this happening before, and in all honesty, can we just appriciate this? For a moment? How they seem to really look after their fans to put up with bullshit?

Somewhere in the midst of this, songs as “Sacred and Wild”, “Army of the Night” and “Resurrection by Erection” was pulled off. From here, it’s a little bit of a blur because of the drama, but all was fine for “Armata Strigoi” although I felt like I wasn’t even there.

This was followed by “Dead boys don’t Cry” and “Let There Be Night”. And seriously, as you noticed, “Kreuzfeuer” is out of the setlist, but I love “Let There Be Night” almost as much, you know, it’s the feeling of this song when it’s played live… like you are lifted to higher levels or something. Right now I have no idea how to possible explain it.

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“Werewolves of Armenia” was next, followed by “In The Name of God”. They wrapped up the set with “We Drink Your Blood” and “Lupus Dei” before leaving the stage for a swift moment only to arrive again.

“Sanctified with Dynamite”, “Saturday Satan” and “All We Need is Blood” wrapped up an amazing set for the night.

Thank you Powerwolf for this amazing show, and thank you Roel and tourmanager for making it bearable. I said to Daniel after the show, that it’s something about this band – it’s just so addictive. For everytime you see them, you get the urge and need to see them even more.

We caught up with our friends for a quick picture, and then off to the merch where I got the chance to say hi to the guys in Civil War once more, and then later join my friends in the parkinglot for a last good bye.

Thank you, to everyone who was at the show for making it the best possible ever – Dani, Toni, Madlen, Paula, Ted, Robert, Powerwolf, Civil War and the unknown girl whom I fought the guy with – thank you all.

sovis

Oh. I got some delicious bruises from the annoying guy as well.

bruise1 bruise2

// Sara

 

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Powerwolf @ Klubben, Stockholm, Sweden 15/10 – 16

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on October 15, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

The day was here! Finally! Seriously, like I said earlier, this couldn’t have arrived earlier. After a few ifs and buts regarding wardrobe, I went with the “Usual” clothes I’ve started using for this band, and started to put on my makeup when Robert came home from work. We had some improvised lunch based on popcorns before we got on the road and went to pick up Sindra before heading to Globen.

Once there, we met up with Michelle and had some quick dinner at Subway and then heading back to Fryshuset. We arrived exactly on the moment the doors opened, so it was nice. It was really, at least for me, cold outside so I was thrilled that we’d be let in directly. Especially since I also really really needed to go to the bathroom. So, after that was done we got into the venue and.. well. Started waiting. In the midst of everything, I get a text from Dani asking if you can pay the doors with cards… well.. no. Lucky for him and his friend, I had just withdrawn a lot of money so it was easily resolved.

So, once it, it was a bit of, I guess, catching up time. Haven’t seen these two since Clermont-Ferrand earlier this year, which, in some cases are fairly recent, but still feel like ages away. And very soon, Civil War started.

Civil War

So, right on time the boys went on stage and started off their set with “USS Monitor”… and seriously. I’ve missed this band so much. And that start off… It’s a nuclear attack right on. Seriously, having that particular song as a start off is just the most perfect start of what is to evolve into a perfect set of the night. The performed probably the longest set I have ever seen with them, and what made me superhappy was “Gods and Generals”. It’s one of those songs that I at first didn’t really notice, but as time went by, I started appreciating it more and more. I hoped they’d play it live, and they did. Made me superhappy.

They wrapped up the set with “Rome is Falling” – and I’ll be honest. having Noch Ein Bier being my first show ever with Civil War, I have always since then been wondering “Will they do Rome is Falling?” not because I think they’d exclude it, but because that anticlimactic moment stuck with me.

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But, the show was amazing. It was so good, and I’m so happy to see them again. After this, I went out to get some water and then eagerly waiting for Powerwolf. Getting water seemed to be a task done hard, and I was back with the people just a little bit before Powerwolf began.

Powerwolf

So. Lights out. Intro rolling. Band walks on stage. And then… “BENEDICTUS…”

It’s like time is stopping. I’m not sure how many of you readers have ever been to a Powerwolf show, but what happens when they start, is that time stops. Everything around you just seizes to exist – it’s just you, the band, Attilas voice echoing through the venue, before you absolutely just lose it.

They followed up with “Coleus Sanctus” and then “Amen & Attack” – this song, like, I don’t think I’ve ever considered this one my personal favorite, however, it’s my absolute favorite song live. And a bit to my surprise, there was a moshpit starting. Or actually, it was already in “Blessed and Possessed”, but again. I remember when I saw Butcher Babies, and no one did anything. But at a power metal show, apparently they do.

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“Sacred and Wild” was next song on the list, followed by “Army of The Night”. This song being the first song that really, like, caught my attention with this band, how can I possibly explain the feeling of Attila’s voice, “Mater Mariiiiiaaaa” echoing in the hall? The feeling of it? It’s indescribable. It’s a euphoric state of enlightenment, almost as you are lifted up, at least in spirit. Although it feels like you are levitating.

“Resurrection by Erection” was next, followed by “Armata Strigoi”. I must admit, while this may perhaps not be the best there has ever been, I still think there was a good reception from the crowd. They were with the band, singing, yelling, whatever, and I like that. It’s good to see an active crowd from up here.

“Dead Boys Don’t Cry” was next, and then… “Let There Be Night”. This song, on the other hand, is one of my personal favorites. Most certainly, the key segments. The segments after the choruses. We’re kind of back there with “Army of the Night”, but now it’s the work of Falk Maria’s finger that fills you up to the point where you feel like you’re about to burst. Seriously.

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“Werewolves of Armenia” was next on the list, and I would dare to say that our side, Attilas side, sort of owned Falk Marias. Not to be like that but… Suck on that one, people! “In The Name of God” was next, followed by “We Drink Your Blood” where we did our first pilot test for some new shenanigans to do at Lordi shows. Without saying too much, I can say the pilot went fine, and the shenanigan is now officially green lit to do in Ireland.

They ended the set with “Lupus Dei”, before they thanked for the night and went off. Or well, not really.

“Agnus Dei” started echoing, and as powerful as the first opening, “Sanctified with Dynamite” started echoing, and seriously, these songs are simply so well made for opening. It’s an instant slap in the face, the instant adrenaline shot you need to get started.

“Saturday Satan” and “All We Need is Blood” wrapped up the set, and they left the stage for this night.

It was a great set, and a great night. It’s so good to see them again, finally. It has really only been like, six months, but I still crave that mineral.

After the show, we hung around for a while catching up before Robert and I headed home.

Thank you, to everyone involved in this show! I can’t wait for Friday.

// 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

// Sara

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Powerwolf @ Batschkapp, Frankfurt, Germany 1/4 – 16

Posted in Concerts, Music, Thiz Izz Djermani, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , on April 1, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

SO THE D-DAY IS HERE. Seriously, I love Australia and all, but Blessed and Possessed tour is literally what I’ve been going and waiting for the entire time. The Ultimate Enigma was great and all, but how can that beat Powerwolf AND Battle Beast, all in one evening? Nope.

Met up Michelle early in the morning to deliver some stuff for her to take in her luggage to make things a little bit easier on my part when going to Clermont-Ferrand and then we had a, what you could say, fancier breakfast, for once. Found this supercute place down the Kaiserstrasse, “What The Food!” Superdelicious food and superamazing staff. Warmly recommended would you ever need tasty breakfast in Frankfurt city.

With that said, we got to our respective hotels and started to get ourselves ready for the night. Michelle stopped by with some food and that’s when we finally found the time to do the dreaded Vegemite challenge. Seriously, oh my God. Sophie is going down for this one, haha! Gladly, I was smart enough to only take a little bit, while Michelle took quite a lot and almost made herself throw up… Dear lord.

After this, some final touches and then we were finally on the go. We got through the U-Bahn and gladly we found some other Powerwolf fans we could follow. I’ve been to Batschkapp once before, but I remember how disoriented all three of us where, so it felt good that we could take back on some other people. Of course, in the midst of it Michelle is like “What if they are really on their way to a pre-party or something and we’re just following them like some creepy stalkers?”

Thanks, Michelle. Thank you.

We got the line, and it was quite a line already, but hey, what do you expect when you arrive like, half an hour or so before the show starts? We waited in line for some time, I’m not sure if perhaps they were delayed or early with the doors, but they opened 17.52 exactly. I’d know this, because I was trying to calm down a hysteric Madlen on the other side of the phone.

So, we got let in and the first thing we did was to hit the bathroom and once we got out, we went into the venue and went on a quest to find Daniel and Toni. Which wasn’t that hard. You sort of see them. On a lightyears distance. So we went to them to say hi, but wound up staying with them throughout the show. This is also where I’d in fact ‘meet’ Toni for the first time and also Szilvi!

After a little bit of waiting, Serenity entered the stage and started their show.

So, I’m both unfamiliar but also not with Serenity prior to this show. I’m unfamiliar to the music, but I’ve seen a lot of their sponsored ads on Facebook, and after I realized they’d be on tour with Powerwolf I paid a bit more attention, but did not look up any music.

But, DAMN, I liked them. Or like, LIKED THEM. Damn damn damn. So fucking good I barely have any words for it, haha. It’s almost pathetic. They put on a great show and I was determined to get their latest album after the show, that’s for sure.

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Next up on the stage was Battle Beast, which is one of the two bands I’d been looking forward to a lot.

So, they got on the stage and opened the show with “Let It Roar” and my god, what a band! And Noora! What a performer! They continued on very strongly with “I Want The World … And Everything In It” and seriously, this band, what a rush! “Out on the Streets” were next before it was time for my personal favorite, “Touch in the Night” Of course not without Daniel so delicately enlighten me about this, due to a discussion we had two days ago. Haha. But seriously, this song live though, what a rush!

“Fight, Kill, Die” and “Black Ninja” were the next songs on the list followed by “Iron Hand” and “Enter The Metal World” before they wrapped it all up with “Out of Control”. The band thanked for the evening and walked off stage.

I’ve already said it once before very recently, but I need to state it again: WHAT A RUSH. Seriously, this band, Noora as a performer, WHAT A RUSH!

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After this, the wait for Powerwolf began and at this point I noticed Cyril, my French friend had arrived, holding a position up on the balcony. And with Cyril there’s only one way to greet him – with the face. The Face, as Ashleigh would call it. It was good to see him again!

And then, lights out and Powerwolf started. Intro. Band members entering and then the epic tunes of “Blessed and Possessed” started echoing through the venue with all the lights pointing right onto you, creating probably one of the most beautiful visions in front of you. I’m always going to applaud Powerwolf for their work with the lights.

After one of the most epic openings seen in a long time, “Coleus Sanctus” followed suit, and then “Amen & Attack” Seriously, that song though. Never, ever, fails to disappoint you.

Three songs into the setlist and my heart is already racing with happy emotions and exhaustion. The best feeling in the world, I’m telling you.

“Sacred and Wild” was next, followed by “Army of the Night” which was another jump-fest deluxe. Seriously, if this isn’t the work out of the year, I don’t know what is. “Resurrection by Erection”, my favorite headbang song “Armata Strigoi” and “Dead Until Dark” followed before the mood was turned down a bit for prayer in “Let There Be Night”.

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“Werewolves of Armenia” was next on the list, and seriously, this one live is beyond epic. In fact, all of it is, I’m just sort of running out of words to write about this show. “Saturday Satan” was next on the list, followed by “In The Name of God”.

The set was wrapped up with “We Drink Your Blood” and “Lupus Dei” and it was quite epic, I must admit, to see pretty much the entire arena getting down on their knees for the song. For once, you know. Most of the time people just ignore these kind of things.

The band left the stage, and “Agnus Dei” started echoing in the speakers before the band returned and ripped off “Sanctified With Dynamite”. Seriously, what is it with this band and raising your heartrate?

My personal favorite “Kreuzfeuer” followed before they wrapped up the set with “All We Need Is Blood”.

Seriously, what a rush. I was close to wiped out completely after this show, which only means one thing: One hell of a show. Thank you, Powerwolf for this show. It was amazing. I love you.

After the show, we first went to the merchandise to check it out real quickly and caught up with Cyril. And then I see a familiar person. Could it be? YES! It was Madlen. God. I haven’t seen this girl since Noch Ein Bier, and sure, it may only be like, what, nine months? But nine months is A LOT. I told her that “see, you made it!” which she responded “yeah, to the last song!” Haha. Well… She made it! Oh, this will be a lot of fun.

We hung out quite a while after show, before it was time for all of us to head to our own destinations. Madlen was kind enough to drive us home to our hotels, and we avoided speaking about how early we’d need to get up the next morning, but then again, it’s easy when it is for bands, right?

Thank you all involved for this amazing night – you are the best people in the world. I love you all.

// Sara

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Powerwolf @ Trix, Antwerpen, Belgium 1/11 – 15

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on November 1, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

The D-Day was here, to see the mighty wolves. Would you believe – it’s actually the very first time I’d see Powerwolf on their own headlining tour. I’ve seen them twice before; once at Sweden Rock and then on Noch Ein Bier. So I was really, REALLY looking forward to this concert, more than I originally thought.

We started the day off pretty early with band rehearsals for Antoine. It sounded really good, that’s all I can say. After this, we picked up on the good old gasstation food and got on the road to Antwerpen.

We arrived a couple of minutes before the doors opened and we quickly realized we needed to exchange our E-Tickets for real tickets, so despite being halfway inside, we had to go back out again. Once we actually MADE IT inside, we hit the merchbooth and picked up on each a Powerwolf shirt. We got inside the venue only to discover that despite arriving late and needing to go out and in again, we actually scored pretty decent spots. We stood on the left side of the stage, meaning, Rikard’s if you speak Civil War, Amen’s if you speak Lordi, Clown if you speak Slipknot.

Exactly right on time Civil War went on stage and started off with “USS Monitor”. The band was energetic when they entered the stage, and delivered really good. However. There’s something extra and truly sad about the fact that the band had to tell the light guy to put some lights on them, because they felt like they were playing in the darkness.

And they were right. They had a constant red light on them until Patrik told them to put on some more lights, which improved a bit, not a lot, and you know… when the BANDS has to tell you your light sucks.. man. They should think about getting a new light guy. Because this is just pathetic.

Civil War’s set was about 40 minutes long, consisting of “Saint Patricks Day”, “Braveheart”, “Gods and Generals”, “Bay of Pigs”, “I will Rule the Universe” and wrapping it all up with “Rome is Falling”. The band was really good – especially if you think back to the fact that the tragedy that was Noch Ein Bier was my first encounter with them, this was QUITE the difference. The audience was a bit lame, in all honesty, but I guess it’s to be expected for an opener.

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So, they thanked for the set and left the stage leaving us waiting for Orden Ogan. And right on time, a quarter past 20, they started with “F.E.V.E.R”. Have I ever told you guys how much I love this particular song? They followed up with “Deaf Among the Blind”, and I’m not sure if the audience were just better warmed up or if Orden Ogan had a fanbase, because all of a sudden the crowd awoke.

But then again… the problems with the lights. Seriously. Whoever it was that did the lights that day should get a REAL call out. Seriously. You barely saw the band. What the hell.

They played for 50 minutes, and they truly delivered. I was very happy to see them again, and considering that they made me want to see them again right away kind of proves how good it was. The only thing I miss, was “Ravenhead”. For some reason they aren’t playing this particular one.

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(Photo by Antoine Grignard. This is what poor lightning gives you)

And after this… it was time for Powerwolf. At 21.30 sharp the lights started to find their ways all over the backdrop hanging in front of them, revealing the silhuettes of the band before joining together to enhance the Powerwolf logo, just before it all dropped down.

Flashing lights, heavy drums and “Blessed and Possessed” set off probably one of the more bombastic starts I’ve seen in quite some time. A strong opening was quickly followed up by “Coleus Sanctus”. “Amen and Attack” and “Cardinal Sin” followed, and then one of my personal favorites, “Army of the Night” was played.

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As someone who’s never seen Powerwolf on their own headlining show before, I was kind of… how do I put it… Impressive, I guess? I can’t think of a better word. Like I’ve said many times before, I’m a big fan of any band who has a strong image and concept, the way Powerwolf has. And what makes images and concepts even better is when they live it out on stage – like when Attila talks about how we celebrate the life and death of Christ, when he talks about the metal messes and so on.

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Or when he brings out the necklaces and starts preaching, the usage of the incensory in the last couple of songs, the wine glass for “We Drink Your Blood”… I appreciate things like this. Like, A LOT. I must admit I chuckled a bit when he made us shake our hands and scream in a possessed way. Humor is key, my friends.

They wrapped up the set with “Lupus Dei” before the crew came out and placed strings of fire all over the stage, and later returning (fairly quickly actually) to fire off three encores – “Sanctified by Dynamite”, “Kreuzfeur” and “All We Need is Blood”.

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After this, the wolves thanked for the evening and left the stage. As you probably understood from my previous writings, it was very good. And lights! There were lights! Thank God.

After the show I noticed Daniel on the other side of the venue so I left my company for a quick second to catch up with him and talk about the show. It was a bit hard to leave, since I don’t see him all that often. Eventually I got back to me peeps and we started to slowly head of the arena.

Halfway out, I notice the Civil War people was out and pointed it out to Antoine who wanted to have a picture with each of them. Once he was done with Patrik and Rickard, I leaned in and told them their show was good, but in Swedish. Patrik was like “Thank you so much.. OH WAIT SWEDISH! FINALLY!” Haha. I wound up talking to Rikard a little bit before coming with Antoine to take some pictures with the other members as well as them taking pics.

Before leaving, I figured I’d say good bye to Rikard, when he insisted I stay a bit longer. So said and done, I guess. And this lead up to about an hour of talking about everything and nothing, from Sabaton to Lordi to touring to beer. Eventually they had to leave, and so did we.

It was a really good night, better than I ever expected it to become, in all honesty.

Thank you, Powerwolf, Civil War and Orden Ogan for this night!

// Sara

 

 

 

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Noch Ein Bier Fest 2015 @ Amphitheater, Gelsenkirchen, Germany 25/7 – 15

Posted in Concerts, Music, Thiz Izz Djermani with tags , , , , , , , , on July 25, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

Due to the heavy rain, there’s a slight lack of pictures in order to protect the camera. So I apologize on beforehand on the lack of pictures.

The D-Day was here! Noch Ein Bier Fest, Sabaton first attempt at a German festival. It it is a one day ”festival” hosting five bands – Bloodbound, Civil War, Korpiklaani, Powerwolf and Sabaton and was hosted in the Amphitheater in Gelsenkirchen.

The day… Well, we started the day with some quick shopping, which I will tell you all about another day, and then headed to the venue. We had originally planned to take the bus to the theater since we got free bus tickets from the hotel, but apparently German buses are wussies. Said to us the bus was full even though it could easily have fitted all of us in there, we people had just moved a bit closer. After further inspection, we noticed that the next bus wouldn’t go until 30 minutes later, leaving us missing out on the first band.

And fuck that. So we went back to the hotel and asked them to call a taxi for us. A nice bunch of guys offered us to go in their taxi with them, however, they apparently don’t carry minibuses here, so it was a no can do. The taxi arrived fairly quickly, and after an about 15 minutes ride we were at the arena.

And seriously, compared to Sweden, Germany is so cheap! The taxi cost us about 15 euros, that’s 5 euros a person! Like, 15 euros would be starting price per PERSON in Sweden. What a nice surprise!

Unlike yesterday, where it was so warm we almost melted despite having barely any clothes on, today was a different story. Rain, A LOT OF IT, and cold. You see, we had originally gone to Primark to pick up a raincoat for me, since I was in desperate need for one. The other two decided to get one each as well, and guess what was the best purchase of the day? Yup, the raincoats.

We arrived at the venue about 20 minutes or so before the door opened, and the line was… half full, now that I look back on it. At the time, it felt like it was A LOT of people, but after further inspection, we noticed the doors were closer than we thought they’d be. Anyway. The time hit 15 and…. nothing happened. At least not in the back. The time hit 15.30. Bloodbound was about to play, and I was so pissed, because, guess what? NOTHING HAD HAPPENED.

But on the other hand, I didn’t hear a band play either so all good. About 15.45, it started moving. Babysteps, one step at a time. At 16, we had maybe gotten three meters. Somewhere after 16, about 16.10 or so, we finally, FINALLY made it in.

The first thing we did was to get down to the arena in order to look for Antoine, and let me tell you this.

I was under the impression this was an indoor arena. So when Madlen broke the news to me about it being outdoors, my mood went from very high to very low, to put it nicely. So when I got in, I got even more of a shock. Basically, what I saw before me, was a smaller version of Dalhalla.

It was a small area infront of the stage, and then lots of stairs all the way up where we stood, where people would sit. So imagine our surprise to see there were very little people down there.

I’ve been to Sabaton shows before, and I know how it goes down. Pressed against the fence, and you can do nothing. Not fun. This is the major reason why I’ve started to withdraw more and more on concerts, because of the freedom to jump around and headbang without being pressed against a fence.

Just right after we got out Bloodbound got on the stage.

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So basically, to give you some perspective – Bloodbound was supposed to start at 15.30, and when they actually started, it was about 16.15, 16.20. We are talking almost an hour delay. Did this have an effect on how long their set was? I think so.

I didn’t track time exactly how long they played, but they played only about 4-5 songs. Despite this, the show was energetic. They started off with “Satanic Panic” and seemed to do the best they could with their short set. For my personal record, I’m just really happy they did “Moria”. Thank god.

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This festival did already from the beginning have a pretty tight time schedule, so already towards the end of the last song of Bloodbound did Michelle and I withdraw ourselves in order to catch some merchandise.

Which seemed to be near impossible. After trying to choose which one of the two merchstands we’d go to, we ended up doing the first one, and gladly, this was the very one Jaqueline was working at! It was so good to see her again, although a little odd to see her outside of Lordi, but you know, it’s a small world after all?

After this, we headed back to the “arena” and we arrived JUST as Civil War went on stage.

Civil War

I was pretty excited to see them – I’ve been in love with the band ever since I first heard “Rome is Falling” , so I got quite excited when they got on stage (not SlipKnot or Lordi excited, but excited). Just as with Bloodbound, they delivered a good and energetic set, which sadly came to an abrupt ending when they played “Bay of Pigs” and Patrik all of a sudden goes “That was our last song, good night”.

Like wait what. What just happened? Apparently they were supposed to play longer, but because of the delays they couldn’t. And I really missed “Rome is Falling” in the setlist, I must admit. Oh well, what do you do?

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Korpiklaani

Ok – so here’s the deal with Gelsenkirchen – when I arrived on Thursday, and also during Friday, it was hot. Like, MELTING HOT, it felt like it was twice as hot as it was in Sweden. Sun shining high, no cloud in sight, no wind, nothing. And then, when Sabaton came to town, apparently, they thought it was a good idea to bring swedish summer with them and POF – rain and thunder. So by the time Korpiklaani were to begin, we were all soaked. Like, through and through. Like I told you in the beginning, I wasn’t a fan of this being an outdoor show.

However, in the wait for Korpiklaani my SlipKnot-excitement starting coming to me, and me and Michelle were already bouncing around like rubber balls even before they started, and I may have cursed the short times between the bands earlier, but at this point I was happy. So, since we were already bouncing around, you can imagine what happened when “Viinamäen Mies” started. Yup.

That’s the thing with Korpiklaani – it’s just one big fucking party. Everyone is dancing, everyone is hopping around and everyone is moshing. I told Michelle “We should go in there the next time” and later on we decided to go for it in “Vodka” and so we did.

It was fun actually! I found myself tripping once, and got back up immediatley thanks to strong arms behind me, and this is probably something we’re gonna find ourselves doing a lot more. A sidenote to this: When I tripped, I hit my elbow and got really scared I had broken my new parkas. Gladly, I hadn’t. However upon further inspect, my Swedish Lordi crew shirt broke. What the hell?

But, back to Korpiklaani. The set was pretty similar to Graspop – and even though I love “Sumussa Hämärän Aamun”, I must admit it was a bit of a mood killer this particular day. But this gig DID make it clear for us that we will try to do both Korpiklaani days in September. Happy days!

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However, this festival, or perhaps Korpiklaani, started to take on my powers, so we decided to “sacrifice” Powerwolf (Madlen and Daniel are going to kill me now) and have a seated show and dinner. See guys – there’s the other perk of not being in the front. You wanna sit, you sit, you wanna stand you stand. So we went out and bought crêpes and got back in right when they started and sat on the side and had a calm dinner.

Powerwolf

Because of the weather, the band wasn’t able to use their stage props, so the stage was a bit weak compared to how you usually see Powerwolf, but it doesn’t really matter, in my opinion. They still put on a good show no matter what, and hadn’t it been because of my smaller leg injury I got in the pit, we would have been in the middle of the crowd for “We Drink Your Blood”. Trust us, we really wanted to (because at that time we had finished dinner, ok)

But you know, I don’t really know what else to add to this. It was a good show, they had good energy and delivered despite problems with the props.

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Sabaton

Rather sooner than later, did “The Final Countdown” start, and originally Michelle and I did plan to sit throughout the entire set, because hey, some day gotta be the first right?

Anyway. This show has been real hyped. Like crazy hyped. So many crazy things would happen, the best show ever and so much special and AHH! And then they go on stage and be like

“Hello Gelsenkirchen! We’re Sabaton and this is GHOST DIVISION”.

“Ghost Division”. Still. The. Fucking. Ghost. Division. After. Seven. Fucking. Years. Still. Fucking. Ghost. Division. 

Like, how about spicing things up a bit? “We’re Sabaton, and we are the lions from the north”??? Or how about, for this superextrahypersuperduper special show, why not go further back in time and open with “Panzer Battalion” (Peace&Love 2007). Seriously, none of you, my readers are strangers to my animosity towards “Ghost Division”. I really love the song, as well as “The Art of War” (competing in the top with “Carolus Rex” about best album) but I’m SO. OVER. THIS. SONG. Thank you.

Regardless of that, it’s a decent opener, and the crowd loved them as always. And by the time the intro for “To Hell and Back” came, I said fuck leg injury and we jumped (!!) off the stone staircase and went on the side of the audience (actually fairly close, but very much on the side) and joined in for the jump party. Didn’t feel shit in my leg, I’m happy.

“Carolus Rex” was next, and you know. It’s strange, the fact you feel the most patriotic when you’re not at home. And I still don’t know the English lyrics to it. And it wasn’t until now that the first real surprise came, or well, at least for me. “No Bullets Fly”. Nice! Not my favorite, but finally things are happening.

The crowd started chanting the intro for “Swedish Pagans” which naturally “forced” the band to play it already now, and I do like it, it’s a favorite of mine, followed by another favorite, “Resist and Bite”.

This far in the show, no major surprises had happened aside “No Bullets Fly”. The pyros were weaker than the stuff they had in Karlstad, and this MIGHT be because of the weather, but come on. Lordi has survived without pyros since like 2008, and they still put on a good show. Get creative guys!

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I am, however, gonna give them some creds for playing “Screaming Eagles” after, at least saying, they saw a sign in the audience requesting it. There was indeed a sign, I just really this is why they played it. But it was fun to hear it live, you know?

And it was right after this, the first real highlight for me came. A guy from the crew came out to “fix” the panzar that is Hanne’s drumset, and Jocke started talking about panzers, and about a song. I said to Michelle “I hope it’s ‘Panzerkampf’, because I really miss it, but it could be ‘Panzer Battalion'” BUT OF COURSE, TO MY DELIGHT, IT WAS INDEED “PANZERKAMPF”.

THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU. I’ve missed this song so much, I can’t even! Thank you thank you!

“Attero Dominatus” followed, by “En Livstid i Krig” (in Swedish, thank god!) and then a little.. surprise. “Coat of Arms”.

The thing with “Coat of Arms” for me is that the album as well as the tour is one big blur for me. “Coat of Arms” is one of the weaker eras for me when it comes to Sabaton, was never a big fan of the album or anything, BUT, I do love the song “Coat of Arms”. Maybe Sabaton should have opened with that one, to spice it up a little bit?

This one was followed by one of my all time faves – “The Art of War”. Seriously, anyone who doesn’t love this song can just stop talking to me right now. My hair had been dried, thanks to my intense headbanging, but then it got wet again because my hair kept hitting the ground and the water puddles. Because of this song.

After this, they brought out a song the German fan club had voted up, which is considered a rare song for anyone who doesn’t live in Karlstad and has a hockey-team whose fanclub is called The Wolfpack, because if you do, you are one of the few people who actually had the blessing to hear “Wolfpack” live QUITE a few times, only because of Färjestad. And I don’t complain, it’s my favorite song off “Primo Victoria”.

But to top it off, as what could possibly become the most exciting thing of the evening, was the temporary and very short re-union with Daniel Mÿhr, which started with a sexy dance ala Mÿhr in his military hotpants that showed more than it should.

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The performance of the song was beyond perfection, and to top it off even more, Daniel did indeed undress completely. Thank you Daniel, for bringing the humor. I love you.

And then it happened… a divine voice out of nowhere…

Pretty much so. I have one favorite song with Sabaton. This number one, that beats everyone else. Which one?

“7734”. I already told you how much I died on the inside when I saw it was the bonus track on “Heroes”, and my brother looked weirdly at me and was like “but everyone loves ‘7734’”, but that was never my impression. So the fucking fact that they actually played, they FUCKING PLAYED IT… makes me forgive them for opening with “Ghost Division”. Yup. I said it, and you heard it.

I fucking forgive them for “Ghost Division”, because they gave my “7734”. Lindyhopping the night away.

After this, they left the stage and the lights went bananas. Michelle turned to me and said “Nightwitches”? and I just nodded. Of course. What else. So first song of the first round of encores was “Nightwitches” followed by “Primo Victoria” and “Metal Crüe” and for the love of God, while we are at it to retire “Ghost Division”, can we also retire “Metal Crüe”? That one has been going on since I even saw Sabaton live the first time in 2006, and if you thought I was over “Ghost Division”, imagine how fucking OVER I AM THIS ONE. Come on! “Metal Machine” and “Masters of the World” are like 100 times better. And again, you readers are no strangers to my animosity for this one either. Ok, I’m calm. Even if I’m tired of it, it’s still fun. I admit it.

They were supposed to leave the stage, but came back again, this time starting with “Panzer Battalion”, and seriously, I love this song. They played “Saboteurs” dedicated to the Saboteurs and wrapped the whole thing up with “Gott Mit Uns”, or as it is renamed now, “Noch Ein Bier”. Haha.

“Noch ein bier, vår konung har talat, hör vårt stridsrop Noch ein Bier!” Uhh. Hahaha.

After this, they REALLY left the stage and thanked for the night.

And ok, time to get serious. To be honest, I think this show was way too hyped. Apart from a few songs, the setlist wasn’t anything extraordinary, the stage setting wasn’t anything extra ordinary, and I even think I dare to say Daniel Mÿhr saved everything with his sexy dance.

But on the same time, I can never be thankful enough for “7734” so I guess it all evens out. Regardless of it all – it was an amazing night with amazing friends, and no animosities for songs or repeating setlists can ever change that.

Right after it was over we left off to say good bye to Daniel and we headed for Burger King for some late night dinner and then hitting home to the hotel where we had a smaller after party and then crashed.

Thank you all for this amazing evening, but a little more so to Korpiklaani and Sabaton. Thank you!

// Sara

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