Archive for sabaton open air

Sabaton Open Air: Day 4 – Saturday

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags on August 19, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

Last day of the best. Absolutely dead from going to bed too late and getting up too soon in the morning – but what can you do? We had to get up early regardless because of spots for Sabaton. Sjorven went ahead of me as I started to pack up and prepare, but I wasn’t far after him.

On my way to the parkinglot to get changed – for some awkward reason I kept half of my stuff in the car in the parkinglot, and half of it in the tent. But it wasn’t a too bad idea, as I ran into Tero and Susanna, my neighbours from Graspop Metal Meeting earlier this year. I was introduced to some of their friends and we had a nice chat before I had to leave to make it for the first band of the day for me, Thobbe Englund.

Thobbe Englund

I don’t know if this person needs any major introduction – but he’s the previous guitarplayer in Sabaton who left the band last year, and had his last show with Sabaton on this very festival. But now he was back, and with his own band with that.

He opened his set with “Sold my Soul”, and the crowd… I mean, it was okay. I actually thought he’d have a bigger crowd seeing he was once in Sabaton, but I guess a lot of people simply don’t have any interest in him as a solo guy. Can relate though.

“Annihilation” was next on the setlist, then followed by “Steel & Thunder”. “The Glow” and “It Burns” was next on the list before Thobbe showed us a guitar solo – he is a guitarist after all – before continuing with “Wildborn” and “The End of Oil”. The reception from the crowd was pretty good – I’m guessing a lot of people simply know him from Sabaton and hasn’t paid much attention to his own work, and most people were also already waiting in line for Sabaton.

“Break The Chains”, “I Am” and “Trägen Vinner” rounded up this show as Thobbe thanked for the day and left the stage. After this, I headed over to the other stage to catch a local band of mine, Lancer.

Lancer

So, I will admit I have never heard this band before, but I knew they were from here and wanted to watch them because of it. They were really good actually – I enjoyed the show a lot, and they gathered a good crowd. Fun to see, and I will watch again some day.

After Lancer I went back to Sjorven to hang out a bit and slowly watch Eternal of Sweden before I was set to head off back to the other stage to watch Avatar.

Avatar

I prefer to watch Avatar in the dark. So as you know, I was already not a fan of watching them so early in the day at Graspop, and they had yet an early set here in Falun as well, but it’s better than nothing.

The band walked on the stage the way they always do, and they opened the set with “Hail The Apocalypse” as per usual this year, and quickly followed up with “Paint Me Red”, “New Land” followed suit. Something I really love about Avatar – as with any other band like theirs, is that they stick to their concept and really act out on it. Making a show out of their music than simply the music. And you all know I’m very weak for that.

“Bloody Angel” and “The Eagle Has Landed” was next songs on the list, followed by “Get in Line” and “Vultures Fly”. “Murderer” and “Let it Burn” rounded up the show before they ended the whole set with “Smells Like a Freakshow”. The reception from the crowd was great, I’m glad to see how great it’s going for them. Really.

It was such a good show that I barely even wanted to leave my spot up on the hill to go back to Sabaton queueing.

Per default I saw Evergrey, which put on a pretty good show, but I need to admit I’m not a that big fan of this band, despite seeing them a couple of times by now. But still, better than nothing.

At this time, it started to get pretty thick, which isn’t so weird given it was about time for Sabaton to come on, once Steve Harris was done on the other stage.

And finally, after some wait, “In The Army Now” finally started rolling.

Sabaton

“The March To War” started echoing, and “Ghost Division” started off yet another Sabaton show. Soon, it’s going to have been ten years of torture. Ten years of torture. Oh well. I shouldn’t complain too much, should I, seeing that “The Art of War” was next on the list, and I pretty much forgive everything when this song comes on.

“Blood of Bannockburn” was next on the list, followed by “Swedish Pagans”. I’m so glad to just get over with that song so early in the set. I really don’t get it. The obsession. I really don’t.

“Attero Dominatus” was next on the list, and it is sooo good to see this song back. I missed this song during the Last Tour, so I’m more than happy to see it make a return. And then of course, the highlight of the show for me was next – “The Last Stand”. I cannot get enough of this song. Ever. Like, EVER.

You know, Sabaton tend to always have the same jokes on their shows, but this time it was funny. Jocke asked all of us Swedish speaking people to just randomly start screaming at whatever he said, just to confuse and weird out the non Swedish speaking, so he literally just said “ok, lets scream” and all the Swedish speaking people did so, and I know that all my friends that I was there with, that happened to be non swedes, just looked at me like “what did he say, what did he say” and me and the security guard just looked at each other and smiled. Oh if they only knew.

Another favorite back is “Panzerkampf”. I am not sure why this song ever actually disappeared from the setlist, but I’m glad it’s back. The adrenaline rush that is “Sparta” was following next, before it was time for them to play a song that, as far as I understood it, they have only played once before – “Wehrmacht”. Was really cool to see it live, really!

“Screaming Eagles” followed suit before it was time for another highlight of the show, “Carolus Rex”, which was instantly followed by “En Livstid i Krig”. And you know, I’m no big fan of this song in particular, but I’ve learned to appreciate it, only for the baby bears. Those who knows what I mean, they know.

“Diary of an Unknown Soldier” started echoing through the speakers, followed by “The Lost Battalion”. This song is still as magical to me was it was the first time I heard it on Sweden Rock 2016. “Winger Hussars” and “Night Witches” wrapped up the set before they left and the video from the storming of Normandie appeared, and “Primo Victoria” was set off.

“Shiroyama” was next, and they ended it all with “To Hell and Back”, and then left the stage.

While I was a bit disappointed in the setlist – Sabaton is good at false marketing – these boys still never disappoint me with their live shows. And as long as they keep “Winged Hussars” so I can get myself a proper slayer neck I’m very, very happy.

However, the night didn’t end here for us. Next stop for us was up the hill, to watch the last band of the festival – Grimner.

Grimner

I have seen Grimner twice before, when they were supporting Korpiklaani on their Swedish tour, and I enjoyed it a lot. I have one of their albums – “Frost mot Eld”, and I really, really like them.

They put on a really good show. They had a good turn out, despite being the very last band, and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Folkdancing to “Bastu”, headbanging the hell out of oneself to “Eldhjärta” and so on… It was a good ending.

After the show we met up with Helle, Martine and Joran for a one last good bye before going back to the tent and going to sleep. After all, it had been a long day.

// Sara

 

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Sabaton Open Air: Day 3 – Friday

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

Friday, Friyay! First of the long days at Sabaton Open Air. Sadly, I’m lazy so I spent most of the time lying in the camp, organizing, going into Falun for my daily Pokéstop and just hanging around until the first show of the day for me started, which was Follow the Cipher.

On our way to the show we ran into Jenny, one of the girls I had in my Camp Ellen on Graspop, and we watched the band together.

Follow the Cipher

Follow the Cipher is a local band from Falun, and I must say I really liked them! Not only did they have good music, but they had an interesting stage show as well. And most people who read my blog knows how well I like well planned stage shows. Definitely a band I’ll watch again if I have the chance

After Follow the Cipher I went to the car to eat some left overs from yesterday, going back to the tent to organize some stuff, and then rush back to the area for Dirkschneider

Dirkschneider

You know, we joked on Wacken about that Udo is everywhere. I thought he was playing Wacken, but he wasn’t – even so, he was then announced as one of the first bands for Wacken next year. So basically, Udo is everywhere. And he was at Sabaton Open Air as well.

So, with Dirkschneider he still plays Accept songs, and it was magical for me to hear “Princess of the Dawn” which rapidly has grown into one of my favorite songs with them, made me very happy.

Other than that, the set was really good and I’m glad we managed to catch him.

After Dirkschneider we went up and claimed our spots for HammerFall. This is a small festival and I figured it wouldn’t be impossible to claim a front row spot for HammerFall, and although we managed, it wasn’t super easy.

But, we waited, and then it finally began

HammerFall

The intro started to roll, the band walked on stage and started off their set with “Hectors Hymn”. They quickly followed up with “Riders of the Storm” and this was the moment where it just… dawned upon me.

This band, much like Sabaton, has been with me for ten years. This is the first heavy metal / power metal band that I ever listened to, they are the ones who showed the way. As the years passed, they faded, I faded, and a mixture of emotions came up inside of me when they started playing this song, as I realized how much I love this band – and how much I’ve missed them. It was so good to see them. So fucking good.

“Bloodbound” was next on the list, followed by my all time favorite “Any Means Necessary”. I honestly cannot get enough of this song. Period.

“Renegade” was next on the list, followed by “Dethrone and Defy” from their newest album – “Last Man Standing” and “Let The Hammer Fall” and lastly “Built To Last” was fired off before something special started happening.

They were celebrating 20 years since the release of “Glory to the Brave”, and because of this, they had brought in a group of well established folk musicians who accompanied them for “I Believe”, “The Dragon Lies Bleeding” and “Glory to the Brave” specifically, and before doing so, they had their own solo as well. It was magical to see.

“Hammer High” rounded off the set, and the band walked on stage. When they came back, they fired of “Bushido” and “Hearts on Fire” as encores before thanking for the time and leaving the stage.

While it was a great show, I will admit I had hoped for more seeing it was the 20 years anniversary of the album. But, it was still good. So I’m content.

After HammerFall I joined Sjorven to see some of his friends and we wound up being there until 5 o clock in the morning before finally, going to bed. So late.

// Sara

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Sabaton Open Air: Day 2 – Thursday

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags on August 17, 2017 by Sara Hammerzmith

Thursday. First day of waking up on festivalgrounds, it is a special feeling you know. You are home, but o the same time you are not.

Since the festivalgrounds didn’t open until 17 later this day, Sjorven and I had decided the day before that we were about to go and have proper lunch together, considering we don’t hang out much or often, and considering we were going to town regardless to pick up the orders I had made for Sabaton Open Air and Skogsröjet beer, it was simply a perfect oppurtunity.

So, off we went through the beauty that is the small forest before you get to centrum, off to the liqour store to pick up beautiful bottles of Sabaton Open Air beer. It was a large order, carried in a bigger box as I helped my non-Swedish friends to get their hands on a few as well. And of course – Skogsröjet beer.

After this, we headed over to the pizzeria we had spotted the other day and had a delicious meal. We then headed back to the festival area, had a drink or two before going inside the area. The first thing on the agenda for me, was the Sabation signing session. I picked up my The Last Stand vinyl and made way to the line. I stood relativel close to the French Division, and managed to say hi to Alexandre. Always a joy.

I’m legit sure that I stood in that line for a good hour before reaching the front, but it was all worth it. One more vinyl to my collection, and it was indeed nice to meet the boys again. Very chatty, Chris and I ended up in a disucssion about signing sessions, and me and Tommy about haircolors. Nice.

After the signing session, I headed back to the car to rest a bit before dinner and Freedom Call.

Freedom Call

Freedom Call had gathered a nice crowd, and the they delivered a very good set. Despite not being very much into them, I enjoyed the show a whole lot. It was really fun. Strong songs, anthems and hymns. Just what I like.

After the show, we headed off to have some late night snacks and watching some of Pain before going to bed. At least for me, that is.

// Sara

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Sabaton Open Air: Day 1 – Wednesday

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

So, finally the time was here to get to the last “major” festival this year – Sabaton Open Air. Due to having my friends arrive already on Monday, I decided to get there as early as possible, which would be Wednesday. Delay after Delay made my arrival later than I had expected it – but hey – I made it there, somehow.

Apparently, this was all encountered with issues. Firstly, the parking only offered a pay system I do not use, which means I had to call my mother, who had to make the payment, then go to a electronics store to get help to get a picture of the phone so she could send it to me so I could prove to them I had paid parking. What is so fucking difficult with using cash…? This is a big no no for me that parking is 1. Not able to be pre-purchased, and secondly, only option while at the parking is by Swish. A big no no.

Secondly, since I had my ticket arranged for me beforehand, all I needed was to pick up a camping ticket, which as informed you are supposed to be able to do once there. But this was issues as well. I had to buy it from the website, because for God knows what reason, they could not sell camping tickets at the booth until the next morning. And I could not buy it online – because I had withdrawn all my money to pay for the camping upfront. Ironic, isn’t it? I was lucky as hell though – a gentleman from Germany has accidently purchased a camping ticket which he didn’t need, so we solved it as such that I bought the camping off him, making everything correct in their systems.

After that, I met up with Sjorven and we headed down to Falun to have some, well, it was supposed to be lunch but by this time it had turned into dinner. Dinner means Subway by the river, and it was nice to catch up. We headed back to festival grounds where we put up the tent and then off to see the first band of the evening for me, Mark Zero. – I will let you know something – I did forget my camera at home, as it seems, and because of that, only phone images will happen.

They put on a really good show – the little tent they played in, the bar tent which held the pre-party that this wednesday was, and the tent was packed. Happy to see!

I was introduced to some of Sjorvens friends as we waited for Brothers of Metal to begin.

Brothers of Metal

So this is a band I wound up seeing by accident on Sabaton Open Air last year, and I loved them. So I was looking forward seeing them again, and so was a lot of people.

They put on a really good show – as I expected, and I’m glad I came early, even if it only was to see this band perform.

After BOM I will admit that I headed straight for bed. It has been a long day, and tomorrow was set to be an even longer day.

// Sara

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

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , on August 24, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

So. The wait begun. It was six very very excited and happy Monstermaniacs that eagerly awaited Lordi. It’s always so weird for me to see their backdrop, to see their crew and everything appear in Sweden. I’ve gotten so used to see them overseas that the mere thought of them being at home is just so strange. I can’t quite grasp it. And this was the first time Jonathan would ever see them, and it was great to get to enjoy it together with Martine as well… It was just.. perfect.

LORDI

And even more perfect did it become when “Estimated Time of Arrival” started.

I swear to God, the guards looked very suspiciously at us when they saw me and Michelle lip synching the entire thing, but you know… heard it so many times now. They got on the stage, and set off with “Nailed By the Hammer of Frankenstein”.

They quickly followed up with “Bringing Back The Balls to Rock” and then “Get Heavy”, which was a supernice surprise! Ever since I heard it again at Tuska I’ve been asking like literally every Lordi fan where the hell that song was, because it’s absolutely killer! “This is Heavy Metal” – With the heavy metal dude – and “The Riff” where the next songs on the list, I am not a hundred percent sure about the exact order as I didn’t write down all the songs, but.

And then. Somewhere around this part of the setlist, one of the major surprises for me came: “Scare Force One”. As you all know – this is my absolute favorite song on that album, like it’s not even fun how much I love that song, and to hear it again… It’s like, Lordi did everything right with this era for me. They brought back “Deadache” for the regular tour, and they played “My Heaven is Your Hell” on Sweden Rock and now “Scare Force” was back. It was so amazing. And most amazingly of all was acting out the song together with my original GroupieBFF Martine. Seriously.

Then of course, the highlight of the night “It Snows in Hell”, and according to Jonathan, the guards had looked so confused at us. That they weren’t sure what they were supposed to do. And for the first time forever, Mr Lordi even turned his own head upside down to us. Speaking of that. The band interacted so much with us. It was almost like the six of us where the only fans that existed for them. It was.. a nice feeling, but also odd. I’ve never seen them so on their game before as today. It was nice to see.

“Devil is a Loser” was next, followed by “Hard Rock Halleujah”… and then.. exit and Mr Lordi came back, asking us if we wanted more. And that’s when we did it. What we’d waited for to do. He asked us if we wanted more and we said…

“FACE DOWN, ASS UP, FACE DOWN ASS UP!”

Mr Lordi looked so confused at us, going “What…?” and we started yelling “HUG YOU HARDCORE, HUG YOU HARDCORE!!!”

And he just shook his head, “no no no” and we yelled back, “OH COME ON!!! COME ON!!! PLEASE!!!” and he just said “No, that is not going to happen” and we gave up. It was worth a shot, and we have also now finally managed to completely freeze Mr L on stage. Fantastic.

Lordiii

The encores were the usual ones – “Who’s Your Daddy” and “Would you Love a Monsterman?” And then they left the stage. Jonathan actually got Mr Lordis towel!

It was an amazing set. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing this set felt. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Lordi so on top of their game as I did today. Thank you so much for a mindblowing show guys!

Right after this show, we wrapped Jonathan in the Swedish flag and sent him off to his meet & greet while we headed off towards Sabaton.

SABATON

The runtimes on the running schedule were a little confusing, as it never mentioned if it was any breaks between the bands, but clearly it was. We got ourselves some good spots in the back, and I must admit, because of the break, I started to question myself if perhaps we should have gone to the meet&greet as well, and I wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Then, “In The Army Now” started, and I started to get excited, feel my adrenaline pump… intro started… “Hello FALUN! We are SABATON, (…) and this is GHOST DIVISION!” and off we go… but it wasn’t until after this, when Jocke says “ARE YOU READY FOR SOME CAROLUS REX” where I knew that no. I was exactly where I was supposed to be. “Carolus Rex” is honestly one of my jams. “Carolus” and “The Art of War”. Those are simply my jams.

“Ballad of Bannockburn” was third song, and as Jonathan hadn’t gotten back from the meet&greet yet, I decided to record it for him since it’s his favorite, but just then he came back, so all good! And then.. jumpfest deluxe: “Swedish Pagans”. Seriously, I had a little circle around me, because no one wanted to stand close to me. Probably because I’m jumping back and forth, side to side and my hair has quite a radius when headbanging.

Then, “The Diary of an Unknown Soldier” started and I just stopped breathing. Like I already told you, when these orchestral kind of arrangements starts… I just stop for some reason. This was of course followed up by “The Lost Battalion”, and god I just love that song. “Soldier of Three Armies” was next on the list, it’s like every band is just doing it for me tonight!

After this, the show stopped up for a moment to take a moment to appriciate and thank Thobbe for his time in the band. It was, after all, his final show. To do this, they had put together a little video of him. It was… emotional to say the least to see this. It was just.. it’s so weird to think about that this was the end.

Right after this – “Cliffs of Gallipoli” was brought back. And seriously… First and foremost, I simply love this song and this album, but it also became monumental because all of this festival, because of some things happening right before departing, I’ve had the line “broken promises they won’t be coming home”. All festival. And to then have Sabaton play the song live just became… very emotional.

“Counterstrike” was next on the list, followed my other jam “The Art of War” before something big happened. About guitarist. And a little blonde fellow was invited on stage.

Tommy Johansson. 

Better known as, Sabaton’s new guitarist.

160820sabatontommyfalun

It was amazing to get to see the new guitarist being introduced to the band, seeing him brought in, and get to see his very first show with the band. So, I can know say I’ve heard “Resist and Bite” with four guitars, and the rest of them with three guitars.

“To Hell and Back” was next song, followed by live premiere of “Sparta”. I’m not a big fan of this song on the album, but it DOES make a VERY good live show I must admit. Holy hell.

“En Livstid i Krig” was brought out before we had a bit of a breakdown on stage, Hannes accusing Tommy of being a bit cocky for “having been in the band for like 15 minutes” so they dared him to sing a song. And that’s when we knew. “Gott Mit Uns”.

And this was just soooo good. I’ve missed this song since “Noch Ein Bier”, so it was great to see it again. And Tommy is one hell of a guy!

After this, they left the stage and my personal favorite moment of the show started. You know what I’m talking about.

Lights out.

Helicopter siren. 

Redlights. 

Orchestral arrangements.

“Nightwitches”. 

Seriously. I can’t describe to you how amazing this is. It’s like I said many times before – these guys, they know how to paint with music. Like Pocahontas paints with the color of the wind, Sabaton paints with music.

Next song on the list was “Shiroyama”, seriously, I love this one. “Primo Victoria” and “Metal Crüe” with the fireworks from hell rounded up the show, and the boys thanked for themselves and left the stage.

While I do miss some songs – “The Last Stand”, “Winged Hussars” to mention a few, I enjoyed this show so much. And I love this band so much. Everytime I go to a Sabaton show I remember why I love these five men so much, and why I have devoted my life to them. Sabaton, again, I love you.

Sabaton

Right after this, Jonathan and I headed back to the car for some late night drinks talking about Sabaton and Lordi and whatnot and then going to bed.

What a day it was!

// Sara

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

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , on August 24, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

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

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

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

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

Amberian Dawn

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

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

Amberian

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

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

signatrues

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

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

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

DSC05606

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

Equilibrium

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

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

160820equilibriumfalun

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

TO BE CONTINUED

// Sara

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

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags , , , on August 22, 2016 by Sara Hammerzmith

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

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

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

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

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

Brothers of Metal

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

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

Hysterica

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

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

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

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

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

Bloodbound

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

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

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

// Sara

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