The Crimson Sunset – what a fitting title for the final chapter of this band’s musical way! The Styrian local heroes celebrate their swansong on this stormy spring day in the well-known • Explosiv • in Graz after six years of being a part of the underground scene, best supported by the WARRIORS OF THE WORLD and MODULAR.

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MODULAR – Short-tempered and variable Art-Rock-Opening

At the beginning of the evening, :: MODULAR :: surprise all along the line caused by the bi-vocal female presentation, the dynamic song structures and the likeable, easy-going stage occupation. The two ladies behind the micros complement each other well, but differ totally concerning the acting on stage; while Susanna shows up more contained, “Ms. Freedom” Lorena bangs her head every now and then and brings on the action. Musically, the sextet does not care about narrow boundaries, references like Dream Theater or Yes come to my mind, the dreamy passages redolent of Anathema or Tool. I appreciate the nice variety of keyboard sounds, spacy Moog-sequences come into operation besides Wild-West-Saloon-chinking. Interim, Jethro Tull look around the corner, conditioned by the sampled flutes. All songs are arranged in suspenseful manner, sometimes a little bit frayed out and quite complex, slightly aggressive and at the same time emotional. Some abrupt switchovers could be elaborated better, but this deficit is balanced by the felicitous, partly double layered vocal arrangements. Ballad-like, fragile elements, effervescent rock-riffs and feastful instrumental parts collide and go together at best for a bigger part – consequently, the listeners are forced to either listen in consumption or severe work-out.
Setlist: The Beast In Me, Longing, Reign Of Animals, The Butcher, No Words Left, Your Last Song

WARRIORS OF THE WORLD – A nostalgic wolf in sheep’s clothing

In the run-up to the concert, confusion dominated about the band’s intention, but finally all visitors enjoyed a downright rarity: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD play :: PERISHING MANKIND ::! After the split-up, the band makes a very strong impression and did not unlearn anything. The mood tips over completely, from now, total head-banging, raised fists and action take command. It is always a pleasure, to absorb direct hits like Fire In The Sky or Nox; egregious guitar work, catchy parts to bang your head, handy lyrics, nicely placed breathers and the right touch for the one or other cover version care for hilarious sentiments despite the sad occasion. As a matter of fact, the serial composition Sad Day and Another Sad Day were presented and the two external compositions Take On Me and Warriors Of The World ameliorate the show additionally. In fact, the group’s breakup is really double bitter, if one recognizes the huge potential of newer tunes like Draw The Curtain. Anyway, life goes on and we have to take comfort in the heritage of 3 ½ CDs and the DVD of the farewell-gig. All fans are invited to purchase stuff for the dumping price of 5 € (!) and leave with an ambivalent impression of both melancholy and thankfulness!
Setlist: Intro, Fire In The Sky, Angel, Army, Nox, I Want, Wonderland, Take On Me, Sad Day, Another Sad Day, Draw The Curtain, Rage, Warriors Of The World

THE CRIMSON – Sunset after six years

The Crimson Sunset should mark the punch line of the short creative period by the friendly motley crew :: THE CRIMSON :: a video projection cared for the optical round-off and interim exhilaration in the auditorium, and the guys did not miss out surprises concerning music. All own composition enjoyed through the harmonious combination of rhythmic groove-chords, first-class guitar solos and variation in dynamics. In addition, a Maiden-cover called Wicker Heinz strengthened the feel-good-factor apart from the cost-free Jägermeister :) Middle-paced tracks like Dead End Nation or Cold invite to reminisce about some adventures with the band with the help of acoustic and optical stimuli. In this case, some visitors wipe away a tear of gloom, but the two EPs can be used as substitute drug. Afterwards, the encores are introduced by a quite tipsy triple-recorder-serenade, ere THE CRIMSON ask some members of PERISHING MANKIND to join them on stage to burn the venue with a hearty cover massacre. Consequently, the first rows destroy their last working neck vertebrae during songs of Slayer, Pantera, Metallica (a furious Master Of Puppets!) and the godly Holy Diver by master Dio; besides, we notice the band’s beachwear (flip-flops and trunks) with a smile. Thanx’n’bye!
Setlist: Memories, Changes, Wrong Pride, Signs Of Decay, Nightfall, Dead End Nation, Liar, Wicker Heinz, Empty Promises, Distance To Eternity // The Truth, Cold, Master Of Puppets, Dead Skin Mask, Domination, Holy Diver

story © Leo • pics © Markus Wechtitsch