[Seb] The last festival day started a bit earlier, and in order not to miss the first set like yesterday, we are already there at half past twelve and still have time for a chat or two. It's going to be a long, long day, but those who persevere will be rewarded with a very special show.
[Dajana] The early departure was also due to the construction site at the entrance to the town, causing long traffic jams.
:: pics :: E-L-R ::
[Dajana] It's no secret that I've fallen for the Swiss trio from :: E-L-R :: ;) I just love their music, their sound and also their live shows. Their show here in the cave two years ago was just terrific, an absolute highlight and listening pleasure. And this year E-L-R didn't disappoint either, hypnotizing and enchanting the audience with their drony and doomy post rock.
The vocals were perhaps mixed a little too quietly, there was even more fog on stage, less to see, and the set list only had one changed song from the 2021 show.
[Seb] E-L-R were absolutely unknown to me before the festival. I deliberately didn't research for the bands I wasn't familiar with, but instead let myself be surprised. Nicely rich and heavy sound that the two girls produced (and the guy behind the skins, who ended up in smoke… erm… fog - Dajana), all respect. However, the set lacked a bit of variety, the songs and the riffs were sometimes very similar. But it doesn't always have to be varied to be fun: good start to day three!
Band: I.R. , S.M., M.K.
Setlist: Opiate The Sun, Three Winds, Seeds, Fleurs Of Decay, The Wild Shore
:: pics :: GOSPELHEIM ::
[Dajana] :: GOSPELHEIM :: that's British Gothic Metal - I haven't had it for a long time. I was also musically impressed, until I became aware of the stage name of the bass player, who calls herself Coco Mengele (in real Lenore Malacay). Sorry, but which normal thinking person equipped with brain cells gives him/herself the name Mengele, one of the biggest, most vicious and most disgusting war criminals, mass murderers, racists and fascists of the Nazi era? That left me speechless...
[Seb] I already wanted to ask her during the festival what the stage name is all about, but I didn't have the chance. In return, Ricardo was so kind to tell me by email that there were no political intentions associated with the (in the meantime no longer used) name, it was inspired by Marilyn Manson instead. In this case, too, the name should reflect the contrast between good and evil and reflect the two extremes that humans are capable of. Since the name can be easily misinterpreted, Lenore has now changed the name to “Coco Morningstar”.
[Dajana] Unfortunately, however, the name is still present everywhere when you search for the band on the web... (and yes, Marilyn Manson isn't exactly a brilliant performance as a stage name either).
[Seb] While singer and female vocalist were dressed in priest's collar and crown of thorns respectively, matching the band's name and theme, and were more concerned with show performances (as long as there was room for it on the small stage), to do as much as possible to attract little attention. Since GOSPELHEIM ("we are from a land called Man-Chess-Tah") were founded only shortly before the unfortunate pandemic, the two short sets were enough to play almost the complete debut album Ritual & Repetition - fast Gothic Metal with clear, two-part vocals where for me especially the very first single Into Smithereens stood out. Of course, Gothic Metal is not really my thing, but it was good and received a lot of applause from the audience.
Band: Ricardo Calhau (vox, git), Coco Morningstar (vox, bass), Robert Kendrick (drums)
Setlist: Into Smithereens, Voyeuristic Schism, Praise Be // Apostasy Rhymes, The Hall Of The Unconsumed, Satan Blues, Hope Springs Infernal
:: pics :: SLAGMAUR ::
[Seb] Fuck, that was awesome! I've seen the Norwegian Black Metal legends live more than 10 years ago and thought the show was absolutely great. And also at PROPHECY FEST :: SLAGMAUR ::, since then only with a different singer, didn't disappoint at all.
How the individual band members endure the costumes at normal temperatures, I can hardly imagine, I'm sure they were glad about the relative coolness in the cave, haha.
In front of the backdrop with the great cover motif of the album Skrekk Lich Kunstler, SLAGMAUR delivered a bizarre stage show as usual, particularly driven by the singer's theatricality, but in which the music was by no means left behind. Mostly long, stomping and dark black metal numbers with growling vocals, which were only interrupted here and there by wild clubbing or accentuated with keyboards. What stands out in my opinion is the nasty, off-key sawing Lange Knivers Natt (Von Rov Shelter - 2009) and the alternately wildly bludgeoning and dissonant sounding Werewolf from the “current” 2017 long-player Thill Smitts Terror. Up to this point, my number 1 performance at PROPHECY FEST, and besides, you just have to like a band that calls a single Wildcat ;)
[Dajana] Bizarre, it hits the mark. When I saw the figures entering the stage I thought: WTF??? P.S. There is a very nice landscape video about the wildcat :)
Band: Dr. Von Hellreich (vox), General Gribbsphiiser (git, bass), Lt. Wardr (drums)
Setlist: The Drummer Of Tedworth, Werewolf, Bestemor Sang Djevelord, Drako Gigante, Lange Knivers Natt, Wildkatze
:: pics :: SATURNUS ::
[Seb] :: SATURNUS :: have now exactly three decades under their belt, but are still as likeable as ever. In addition to the usual melodic Death/Doom Metal, the Danes had a surprise up their sleeve this time by not only playing a ballad with Even Tide, but also playing it together with Paul Kuhr from Novembers Doom, who played later on. The rest of the set was “good old standard”. Besides two more songs from The Storm Within, released in June, SATURNUS unpacked one or the other older and even a really, really old song: Christ Goodbye from 1997 and caused big cheers in the audience.
Singer Thomas thanked in between effusively the label, the audience and, last but not least, explicitly soundman Frank, who is much sought-after, because he knows the Balve cave like the back of his hand, no other traveling mixer can't hold a candle to him...
[Dajana] ...And who also provides the Party San Open Air for years with excellent sound ;) I already gushed about SATURNUS last year ;)
Apropos, because they were all together this weekend... Guys, do you still remember the legendary show 2006 at Loppen? (November's Doom - Agalloch - Saturnus - Thurisaz on 20.11.2006 in Copenhagen). Unfortunately, this time I didn't have a chance to even chat with one of the guys... *sigh*.
Band: Thomas Akim Grønbæk Jensen (vox), Brian Pomy Hansen (bass), Mika Ditlev Gyldenøhr Filborne (keys), Gert Lund (git), Henrik Glass (drums), Indee Rehal-Sagoo (git), Julio Fernandez (git),
Setlist: The Storm Within, Empty Handed, Even Tide, Breathe New Life, I Long, Christ Goodbye
:: pics :: ILLUDIUM ::
[Seb] We had already seen :: ILLUDIUM ::, or rather singer Shantel solo, on Thursday as the musical kick-off of the festival, and I must admit that I like it better with electric guitars. Still no metal, that's for sure... much more a constant mix of genres that can vary quite a bit from track to track. The voice is basically the only constant. Interesting as an interlude, but nothing more (for my taste).
Band: Shantel Amundson (vox), Josef Hossain-Kay (bass), Gregory Wesenfeld (drums)
Setlist: Aster, Sempervirens, Soma Sema, Atopa, Where Death And Dreams Do Manifest
:: pics :: GRÀB ::
[Seb] :: GRÀB :: is the new band of the former Dark Fortress singer Matthias, who, after more than 13 years of English lyrics, finally wanted to sing in his native Bavarian language. As he told me during a chat after the gig, it doesn't matter whether you don't understand him in English or his dialect ;) Originally announced as "the only live gig ever", it looks like we'll be lucky and can see the band on stage in the future. However, a maximum of two to three performances a year, rather less: it should definitely remain something special for the band and the audience and not become routine.
GRÀB made a splash for a while with their debut Zeitlang, still released on Trollmusic, a great concept album about an old man who completely turns his back on the world to reflect on his life one last time before death takes him. Backed by Schwadorf on guitar, Seb on drums and Valkenstijn on bass as live members, GRÀB offered a captivating show from the first to the last minute, simply excellent, flawless black metal from front to back. Since there is not much to choose from (yet) and new tracks are not yet ready to play, we got to hear (with the exception of one song) the entire album in the released order. Especially the final tracks, in which the inevitable end of the protagonist has come (the partly slower, but rousing and driving S'letzte G'leit, followed by A Gråbliacht, which is first frantic and then exhales the last breath, so to say), are simply killer. Zeitlang is one of the best black metal releases of the last few years and (also thanks to the excellent live musicians) no less outstanding live.
If you don't know the band yet, you should definitely change that. I'm already looking forward to the successor to be released by Prophecy Productions!
Band: Grànt (Matthias Jell - vox),Gnást (Dan Capp - git, bass), Schwadorf (git), Valkenstijn (bass), Seb (drums)
Setlist: Sched Oreidig (Intro), Nachtkrapp, Zeitlang, Weizvåda, Nordwand, A Dåg im Herbst, S' letzte G'leit, A Gråbliacht
:: pics :: NOVEMBERS DOOM ::
[Seb] Fucking Garry! It's funny what can become a running gag during a gig like this, hihi - the drummer took it calmly. Also :: NOVEMBERS DOOM :: had prepared a special set for the PROPHECY FEST, among others with songs they don't usually play live, quote: "old shit that sounds good in a cave". After 31 years and eleven studio albums the guys have a huge pool to draw from, but with only 45 minutes you can't even fit in every second album with just one song. A special feature was Awaken as opener, which has never been played live before, and also Heartfelt and Amour Of The Harp are rarely played live songs, which qualified them as "old shit that sounds good in a cave". Successful show of another and very experienced veteran troupe!
[Dajana] NOVEMBERS DOOM… It's been a long time since I listened to this band or even saw them live. They never left; I just completely lost sight of them. It's a shame, because the doom/death metallers from Chicago still inspire me musically. It was really good to see the boys again :) Great show!
Band: Paul Kuhr (vox), Larry Roberts (git), Vito Marchese (git), Mike Feldman (bass), Garry Naples (drums)
Setlist: Awaken, Rain, Petrichor, Ghost, Heartfelt, Amour Of The Harp, Buried, The Pale Haunt Departure
:: pics :: DYMNA LOTVA ::
[Seb] Strange: at :: DYMNA LOTVA :: it was packed in front of the small stage, are they that well known? They just released a new album, but I didn't know that it had to be the best thing since sliced bread. And it didn't sound very special to me, I have to admit.
[Dajana] That also surprised me totally. When DYMNA LOTVA played their two sets, there was even no room for a (cave) mouse anymore in front of the stage. That was indeed impressive. Anyway, for DYMNA LOTVA it was the first live show in two and a half years, since they had to flee from politically unspeakable Belarus. In the meantime, the band lives in Poland. That was also the reason why band founder and bassist Jaŭhien Charkasau couldn't play here in the cave - he didn't have valid papers yet (but he does now). As singer Nokt noted, he was there as a ghost ;)
DYMNA LOTVA have generally extended their line-up. With Nikita and Gazon the duo has recruited two new guitarists and with Wojciech Muchowicz a session drummer for the upcoming shows, so that the live sound now had a lot more variety, power and depth.
Singer Nokt took center stage and visually offered a different image in the two sets, which contrasted with each other. During the first set she stood on stage in what I would call a white virginal dress, which, together with the band's red outfit, created the colors of the Polish flag. During the second set she wore a blood-spattered, I'd call it a penitential robe, with the Ukrainian flag on the microphone. Her depressive yet intensive and emotional vocals and dramatics somehow made me think of Shining's Niklas Kvarforth. That got under my skin...
Band: Nokt (vox,), Gazon (git), Nikita Stankewitsch (git), Wojciech Muchowicz (drums)
Setlist: Into The Swamp, The Land Under, The Black Wings // Funeral Of The Ground, To Freedom
:: pics :: DORNENREICH ::
[Seb] :: DORNENREICH :: played the only metal set of the year at PROPHECY FEST and, as far as I know, only one such set is planned in Berlin for 2024.. This is partly due to the fact that live bassist Eklatanz, who has been supporting the band at the metal shows since 2019, is time-bound by his main band Heretoir.
The Austrians were greeted with frenetic cheers and started the set right away with probably the best-known "hit" Eigenwach from the now also over 20-year-old album Her von welken Nächten. Right from the start it was clear that the sound would leave nothing to be desired: I've already seen DORNENREICH shows where the technics didn't manage to bring out the violin in several attempts - and here in the cave it's even more difficult. Her von welken Nächten was represented with no less than four of seven pieces, which were received by the audience with enthusiasm just like the other. The current 2021 album Du wilde Liebe sei, however, contributed only one song, the rest was also 12 and more years old. I didn't mind, because the old albums already have something nostalgic about them.
By the way, if you prefer to listen to DORNENREICH "without electricity", you can do it again this year: on November 4, there will be another concert in the Pauls Church in Dortmund.
Band: Eviga (vox, git), Ínve (vio), Moritz Neuner (drums), Eklatanz (bass)
Setlist: Eigenwach, Jagd, Schwarz schaut tiefsten Lichterglanz, Wer hat Angst vor Einsamkeit?, Der Freiheit Verlangen nach goldenen Ketten, Erst deine Träne löscht den Brand, Trauerbrandung
:: pics :: VEMOD ::
[Seb] :: VEMOD :: are one of the bands I have known for a long time, but had never seen live. In 23 years of band history the Norwegians have brought it to three demos and exactly one studio album and even that was eleven years ago. The fact that VEMOD still play well-known extreme metal festivals is a testament to the quality of these sparse releases.
What was heard was very atmospheric and moody, melodic Black Metal with occasional quiet sprinkles. However, the title that stood out the most for me is an almost “pop” number in parts which goes under Utitulert due to the lack of a name (not found on any release as far as I know, but has probably been part of the live repertoire for some time), great melody, great song structure. I have listened to this one again a few times after the festival.
[Dajana] It's already the fourth stint for VEMOD at the PROPHECY FEST, but still, they fascinate and inspire with their stellar blue hour again and again. However, this time the Norwegians were on stage without any paraphernalia. Means, no incense, no sound instruments. And the light show was also reduced. Hm. Anyway. The actually for 2021 planned new album is still waiting, "but, it is coming", so the status in 2022.
Band: E. Blix (vox, git), J. E. Åsli (git), E. Kalstad (bass)
Setlist: Mot Oss, En Ild, Der Guder Dør, True North Beckons, Inn I Lysande Natt, Venter På Stormene
:: pics :: DARKHER ::
[Dajana] May I say that Jayn Maiven has become a fixture at PROPHECY FEST ;) She's also there for the 4th time, always charming and captivating, but now also predictable when it comes to her set list. On the other hand, you rarely get to see her live...
[Seb] Before :: DARKHER's :: performance there was a video message from Arthur Brown, who was actually booked for this slot, and who announced with a stylish flaming hat that he would make up for the performance in 2024 and wished everybody a lot of fun until then.
Instead of flames on the hat, there was flaming red hair when Jayn and her drummer took the stage. Here, too, the band was largely unknown to me, and I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, it has one or two inevitable disadvantages when, with only one guitar on stage, the tracks for the songs have to be looped over and over again and then subsequently “put together” - this often left the songs in the first third seem a little weak and bland, before things got down to business with powerful riffs and a good groove. Not my genre, but very interesting and very well done.
Band: Jayn Maiven (vox, git), Gareth Hodgson (drums)
Setlist: Foregone, Hollow Veil, Lowly Weep, Unbound, The Dawn Brings A Saviour, Wars, Moths, Lament, Immortals, Where The Devil Waits
:: pics :: TAR POND ::
[Dajana] Another Swiss band and brand new signing to Prophecy Productions, who are so much to my taste ;) Once founded by Martin Ain (RIP) and the Coroner guys Markus Edelmann and Tommy T. Baron, this is Doom Metal, mainly of the American style, but also with a touch of Sludge and Post Metal and a lot of darkness in Celtic Frost style. Hach, in this combination just great. Close your eyes and let it drift...
How good that :: TAR POND :: have just released their second album. Petrol, from which three of the four songs in the set were taken, will be released on September 15th. Absolutely recommended to buy! I love the album!
[Seb] For me, the air was out a bit and I took a breath outside instead and chatted with one or the other band. But that is also more so Dajanas musical taste....
Band: Thomas Ott (vox), Stefano Mauriello (git), Daniele Merico (git), Christopher Perez (bass), Marquis Marky (drums)
Setlist: Bomb, Slave // Damn, Blind
:: pics :: AGALLOCH ::
[Dajana] When :: AGALLOCH :: broke up in 2016 after much of internal bickering, there was a lot of regret. However, the surprise was even bigger when the Americans announced that they would reunite in their original line-up to play exclusively at PROPHECY FEST, especially since the band was never signed to Prophecy.
Well, the show is not that exclusive (anymore), because there are two more shows in the USA announced. And regarding the original line-up: drummer Aesop Dekker is no longer with the band, but he joined AGALLOCH much later. If you take it serious, only John Haughm is really an original member anyway ;)
[Seb] Holy Moly, it was worth the wait. I must honestly say that I had remembered AGALLOCH less good and less "heavy" when they performed here as cave headliners - or was that due to the choice of songs!?
Anyway, from the beginning to the end it was a blast, and you could see how much fun AGALLOCH had to finally be back on stage ("we are finally done with our vacation"), which also became clear with every announcement ("believe me, we are going to play a WHILE!"). It was hardly noticeable that the US band had taken a break of almost ten years - except for one or the other little slip-up towards the end (which could have been due to exhaustion); there was not the slightest bit of "stage rust" to be noticed.
After almost 100 minutes of best-of across all albums, unfortunately, it had to end at some point, and the band, visibly overwhelmed by the standing ovations, actually jumped “all hands” over the barrier into the audience and took a bath in the crowd. Even a few minutes after the outro was played from the tape, the band was celebrated with chants - but there was no further encore (it was already half past two).
Great performance and even though there are officially no headliners at PROPHECY FEST, a worthy headliner of the festival - I think you can say that for once just because AGALLOCH played twice as long as all the other bands.
[Dajana] I can only agree with that! And now it remains to be seen what will happen next. As already mentioned, there will be two more live shows in the USA this year. And after that? There is currently no information or hints. But, will they have tasted blood again? Will they last as a band? Will there be new music? So many questions... ;) Well, that's it! It's late, we are tired. What a phenomenal end to a great festival.
Band: John Haughm (vox, git), Don Anderson (git), Jason William Walton (bass), Hunter Ginn (drums)
Setlist: Limbs, Ghosts Of The Midwinter Fires, Dark Matter Gods, Not Unlike The Waves, As Embers Dress The Sky, I Am The Wooden Doors, Dead Winter Days, In The Shadow Of Our Pale Companion, Into The Painted Grey, Falling Snow, Our Fortress Is Burning... II: Bloodbirds
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