After a great show in London I headed over to Copenhagen to witness one of the most excellent doom packages for years (except the doom festivals ;)). Despite of a long running career and enjoying a great popularity my beloved doomsters SATURNUS still did not make it to tour Europe. Seems the mountain must go to prophet again… But who can resist such great line-up? I surely could have went to a show in Holland much closer to my town, if there would not have been this Neurosis show in London…
However, it was a cold and gruffy Monday morning for a flight over the North Sea, but before leaving the United Kingdoms I first got checked to pieces. On the German side they even abrogated the extra checks for the UK and no one was interested into my hand luggage but when leaving they turned the inside out of me, my photo equipment and personal stuff. Even cosmetic odds like lip-gloss and mascara they throw away because those are dangerous liquids. Ladies, watch out! Afterwards I could buy everything new in the duty free shop and none did care about my liquids. I not even had to put them into a plastic bag… Brits go bonkers I tell ya!
Arriving in Copenhagen it was icy cold but the hostel (Danhostel) like a five-star-hotel ;) Very pleasant. By the way… Copenhagen is a beautiful city. If you get the chance do not miss visiting this capitol!
To find the venue called Loppen was not that easy. While asking around I bumped into two Swedish doom fans of all who did not know it any better. But after passing the house twice we found our destination. The Loppen emerged as a small but homey location with room for approx. 200 people…

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:. THURISAZ ~ kicked off the evening belated and had to prepare the crowd for what had to come. Not the easiest task but the freshly signed Belgians did not really care and started with full throttle. Except for two songs that came from their Scent Of A Dream album, all other ones were taken from their label debut Circadian Rhythm soon to be released. The songs were quite varied. Short blast attacks led over to wonderful and solemn melodies, solos, acoustic dashes here and a symphonic background there. Likewise diversified the singing was with THURISAZ mastermind and axe-man Peter as main singer for grunts and clean vocals, second guitarist Mattias for the deeper growls. Keyboarder Kobe tried to set accents with clean singing in between on higher pitches, what did not work out that good since he was a bit off. Besides, there was absolutely nothing to nag about the performance. New material sounds a bit straighter, while the keys are not that striking anymore. Well-done! Has convinced me! The crowd seemed to enjoy the show too, although the people still acted reserved and many watched the guys playing from the bar perspective…
Setlist: When Images Are Fading, Circardian Rhythm, Scent Of A Dream, Drowning, Point Of No Return

:. SATURNUS ~ immediately stopped all kind of reservation ;) This show displayed how much popular this band is. That is probably one of the main springs that gave power to go on through all these years and difficulties the band had in the past. Really, these cats are so downright likable, always running around to care for the fans, bands and merchandise. Perfect hosts! Great!
They opened their set with Pretend from current album Veronica Decides To Die, afterwards they took the fans on 45 minutes journey through the entire band history, back till the beginning with debut album Paradise Belongs To You, But I have to confess that the songs from SATURNUS’ masterpiece Matyre conjured up the biggest emotions. Fans downright all excited, celebrating the band frenetically, even laid down on their knees. Pure gooseflesh I tell ya! For the last song Murky Waters singer Thomas got joined by November’s Doom singer Paul Kuhr on micro. In between the guys told stories and joked around (ok, I did not understand any word) and saluted the other bands they shared the bill with during the last four days. Stunning!
Setlist: Pretend, Starres, I Long, (Softly On The Path You Fade?), I Love Thee, Empty Handed, Inflame Thy Heart, Rain Wash Me, Christ Goodbye, Murky Waters

:. AGALLOCH ~ got likewise warmly welcomed, but a noticeable part of the crowd went back to the bar following the show from a sitting position. In a joss stick flavored air AGALLOCH surprisingly kicked of their show with the old song Of Stone Wind And Pillor from the so-named EP in 2001. Among songs from the new album Ashes Against The Grain this American mates also presented a great retrospective of their work. At least one song from each record (ok, 2 from The Mantle ;)). Mastermind and singer John Haughm seemed to have some minor problems with his clean voice but besides AGALLOCH did not have any problems to create the same kind of atmosphere that gets enwrapped you while listening to their CD’s. With the scent of the joss sticks in your nose one could already smell the breath of the forests in Oregon, USA.
The musicians displayed a wide range of technical skills and perfectionism, lapsed into contemplative reflection or energetically rocked out. It looked like they really enjoyed letting off steam onto stage and the great feedback they received. The last song guitarist Don Anderson dedicated a German friend who committed suicide and at its end he went down with his guitar kissing the dust. That went under my skin!
As for November’s Doom too it is the very first time for AGALLOCH to tour Europe. I hope they have so much fun and gather good memories that they will come back ;)
Setlist: Of Stone Wind And Pillor, Falling Snow, Limbs, Odal, Dead Winters Days, In The Shadow Of Our Pale Companion, Bloodbirds

:. NOVEMBER’S DOOM ~ had some problems to keep this energetic and emotional level up. The crowd was visibly tired but already with opener The Pale Haunt Departure the fans were on the right course again. Singer Paul has become a heavyweight but that did not cut down any bit of his agility. With great gestures and pathos he awoke emotions and captivated. The guitar front was nothing short of the headbang qualities of the crowd. Great hair-chaos on stage ;) The band had a lot of fun, was joking, left the micro to a girl (sounded quite good) and said thank you for hard facts to another wench *g* As the other bands did before NOVEMBER’S DOOM again spread a splash of love-avowals in direction to the other bands and musicians, and regretted that it was the last show with Saturnus. To top that Saturnus singer Thomas entered the stage and sung along with Paul. Grandiose gesture, grandiose show! The only thing left to mention is the fact that NOVEMBER’S DOOM have finished recording their sixth album entitled The Novella Reservoir, set to be released in February via The End Records. Two songs of this new upcoming record they already played (Rain, Drown The Inland Mere) and I can tell you they sounded great and promising ;)
Setlist: The Pale Haunt Departure, Not The Strong, Rain, With Rue & Fire, Autumn Reflection, The Day I Return, Drown The Inland Mere, Within My Flesh, Lost In A Day, Dark World Burden // In The Absence Of Grace, Dethroned Emperor

I guess I cannot conceal: it was a great evening and a stunning concert experience. It was more than worth to take that ride. All of these four bands gave their best, lived and expressed their music from the deepest of their hearts and created a breathtaking atmosphere during their sets. That was show I keep in mind for a long time that is for sure. Thank you guys!
And as for Copenhagen, I’ll be back soon! ;)

story & pics © Dajana