Scarecrow N.W.A. - Marduk - Krisiun - Valkyrija - Benighted - Hideous Divinity - Tortharry - Doomas - Void Creation - Amongst The Deceit - Uzziel - Enclave - Dystersol

Wow, what a brutality and technical finesse! :: AMONGST THE DECEIT :: is an uncompromising, a little bit aloof and demure-charming band, sparing of words and letting the music speak for itself. I saw the band live in a small club and I think the technical sonic storm fits the small stages better than the one on a festival…

In contrast, melodies stand in the foreground during :: VOID CREATION's :: concert. Snappish guitar runs appeal to my ears and the uncommon song structures are demanding as well as convenient. I also appreciate the slow tapping sequence in course of the track Religion – well done, guys!

I discovered :: DOOMAS :: during my preparations for KALTENBACH OPEN AIR and the band cared for an unbelievable impressive highlight. Is it Doom or is it Black? Do Savatage and Katatonia form an unholy alliance? Uncanny intense and variable in speed, fantastic compositions like Forlorn or La Muerte enthuse the enjoyer's heart and ear totally…that's Metal with heart and dedication!

Now it`s time for a Tech-Death-rubdown in two acts: thereby, :: HIDEOUS DIVINITY :: destroy in one-dimensional, but effective manner. :: BENIGHTED :: offer a lot of groove and some reduced speed to loosen up the curtain fire. Unerring rhythms and changing vocals deliver acoustic kicks, headed by bare-footed singer Julien.

A while later, :: VALKYRJA :: surprise with a sensational appearance – unbelievable rich in details concerning melodies and speed, the Swedish high-grade steel rushes into the auditory canals with eminent power, so that it is hard to decide about one`s reaction: I change from in awe-stricken-silence over ecstatic head-banging to raising my fists… Oceans To Dust and Madness Redeemer are damn gifts for Black-Metal-lunatics and unfold magic allurement in this scenery.

The intensity level stayed in these regions, but I didn`t doubt that :: KRISIUN :: would destroy! The Brazilian filigree lumberjacks ironed the area, blessed with a first-class sound, apart from brutal chords and impelling grooves. Waving hair, raised fists or air-guitar-madness show the crowd`s enthusiasm – KOA celebrated delicate tunes like The Will To Potency deservedly and without end!

:: MARDUK :: could only oppose their cult factor; the songs seemed comparatively cream-faced and one-dimensional. Panzer Division Marduk impresses through uncompromising speed and some throttled sequences cared for a little bit of alternation, but the hammer did not hit the ground like it did before. I also heard that a little bit of alcohol affected the quality considerably…

I take my hat off to the man behind the mixing desk anew, and the DeathProgPower-tunes benefit of this pleasing instance. What an impact – and singer Bernd is cool with his bass.  :: SCARECROW NWA :: would surely win a Heavy-Metal-versatility-contest!

story © Stormlord • pics © Elisabeth Eichmüller & www.earshot.at