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Château de la Princesse d'Arenberg, Raismes, France
13th-14th September 2008
Raismes Fest 2008 - Day 1:
Ace Out, Sammsara, Herrschaft, E-Force, Dreamlost, Glyder, Excalibur, Inactive Messiah, Virus IV, Mass Hysteria, Nilfheim, Y&T, Saxon

This story starts on an ordinary Saturday, somewhere mid September. The weather forecast isn’t that splendid, but there’s hope we’ll keep it dry. Unfortunately the weather gods in the northwest of France didn’t feel like obeying… at least not until the day after. I must admit I never heard of Raismes until a couple of months ago when a friend invited me to write a review of this little gem yet to be discovered (by me that is). 

So here I stand on a drizzling Saturday afternoon somewhere out in the middle of nowhere amongst a rather limited crowd listening to some fantastic bands unknown to the outer world, getting wetter by the band but with my longing for the headliners to keep me warm.



The first thing that comes to mind when you arrive is: what is this place? And the second thing is: how can they afford this kind of line up? It has a great scenery though: an old French castle in the background, a few stalls selling drinks, food and cool stuff like cd’s and t-shirts, together with the tents of those brave enough to stay the night, although protected by the walls of the courtyard. But it is already fall and this isn’t the Provence. It’s all cosy and child friendly and you can get a beer without having to wait more than 30 seconds. http://www.raismesfest.fr/


Discovery Scene: Ace Out

2008 was the 11th edition of this festival and hence the tenth anniversary. This called for a party and a party we got with the first band of the festival. Ace Out is a French band –  as most on the Discovery Scene – who label their own music as dance rock & dirty funk. They sing in English and French and already have a lot of stage experience, having done more than 550 gigs up till now. In November they’re releasing their first album titled Keep the Flame and my guess is that this is not going to be the last we’ll be hearing of them. More information also on their website http://www.ace-out.com/



Music & Performance
This energetic foursome turned out to be a worthy opener to the festival. They immediately convinced the audience that standing still would not be an option. The music with up tempo rhythms and some fast beats made you dance and the steam literally came off the stage. Names like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Urban Dance Squad spring to mind. The quality of the songs and the music was very high and even a technical hick up (a loose microphone wire) became part of the performance. I especially remember songs like Keep the Flame and Never Down.

Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 7
Sound: 9
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 8.3




Main stage: Sammsara

The opener on the main stage is the winner of the Jump In contest linked to the Raismesfest festival. This French band was formed in January 2006. It all started with By’ce on guitars, Amalia on bass and vox and Pivier on drums. Richard on keyboard and Cynthia (vox) completed the line up by mid 2006. They have been playing on the Rockwell Festival in Germany with Walls of Jericho and other metal bands. Through the years they managed to find a universe of their own, melancholic, dark and powerful. Their current album is called The Fairy’s Tears. Find them on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sammsara1



Music & Performance
The ouverture is very impressive and threatening but so different from the energetic music we just heard. There is a lot of effort spent on creating the right mood and the music is slow and heavy, combined with a high pitched voice. It’s a nice start but the band certainly needs to grow.

Rating
Music: 5
Performance: 5
Sound: 7
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 6






Discovery Scene : HERRSCHAFT 

This Parisian ensemble has a troublesome history, but they survive because of their mutual interest, bringing electro metal since the end of 2004. They released a new album, called Tesla, earlier this year. If you want to know more about the architects and their project, please try to decipher the description on their MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hnoise



Music & Performance
The use of distorted voices reminds me of episodes by Funker Vogt, Peace Love & Pitbulls, Die Krupps and even Ministry or Wumpscutt (on speed that is). When I listen to the band’s tracks on MySpace I must admit that their live performance didn’t do them justice. They created too much of a wall of sound (or we can blame it on the PA). Also the kind of music they’re into asks for a later time of day – when all is covered in darkness and strobe-lights could be used to accentuate their white make up and their “no smiles allowed” pose. Nonetheless they brought a dedicated fan base with them and it was a nice performance.
 
Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 7
Sound: 8
Light: - (daylight)
Total: 7.5






Main stage: E-Force

Back to the main stage now where a band with a history is due. I quote from their MySpace page as I’m not familiar with this trash metal band myself. E-Force was formed in Montreal in the spring of 2001 by singer/bassist Eric Forrest, upon his departure from cyber-metallers Voivod. After choosing to use his Voivod moniker as the bands name, Eric was joined by guitarists Bryan Donahue (formerly of Homicide),Dan Lauzon(formerly of Entropy) and drummer Louis Levesque (ex-Genetic Control). E-Force was signed with the label Season Of Mist Records and released their debut album "Evil Forces" on October 20th, 2003. They released a new album (Modified Poison) earlier this year. Find the rest of it at http://www.myspace.com/eforceband



Music & Performance
They claim to be a trash metal band and they certainly are. Their music keeps up with the genre’s guidelines although the vocals are quite melodic and understandable. The show was quite straight forward without any gimmicks. The crowd seemed to like it as more and more people turned up despite the rain. The heavy bass line almost gets you into a trance. The last 2 songs clearly show that this is a band with both experience and potential for more. The red and white light combined well with the castle walls in the background. Favourite song: Deviation.

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 5
Sound: 8
Light: 7 (daylight)
Total: 6.75




Discovery Scene: DREAMLOST 

Next one up is Dreamlost, a French band from Ile-de-France, created in 1996 by Arnaud Grandin. They describe their music as melodic heavy metal with progressive tendencies. They’ve been influenced by Dream Theatre, Megadeth and many others. They recorded a first album in 2006 and are planning a new one in 2009. MySpace:  http://www.myspace.com/dreamlost



Music & Performance
Their performance was quite impressive. The songs are quite long with a classical prog-rock build-up with a lot a speed changes and a dreamy middle part culminating into a powerful ending. Especially their instrumental piece Garden of Shadows reminded me of old-time prog-rockers Rush and more recent bands like Kong. The band has a very energetic and driven appearance, they dress very modern and they like to synchronize their guitar playing (intended or not), sometimes hopping around like metal rabbits. And I cannot help it, but one of the guitar players reminded me of
Freddy Mercury...

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 5
Sound:8
Light: - (daylight)
Total:7




Main stage: Glyder

There’s no better way to describe these Irish lads then using their own words:
Raised on a healthy diet of Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden and Pink Floyd, Glyder play classic style rock with a modern twist. The band hail from the Wicklow mountains in Ireland. Glyder launched onto the scene in 2004 after a one off gig at "The Vibe for Philo" in Dublin. Not long after, Glyder toured Ireland opening for Thin Lizzy and made a great impression with their debut EP "Black Tide Silver Path" which convinced legendary producer Chris Tsangarides ( Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Ozzy) to record the self titled debut album. Glyder recorded the follow up "Playground for life" in the summer of 2007 and it was mixed by Chris Tsangarides in autumn 2007. In the past Glyder have opened for Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, Dio, WASP, Thunder, Fish, Michael Schenker, Hawkwind, Gotthard, The Answer and played at Gods of Metal in Italy with Motley Crue and Sweden Rock festival in 2008 to thousands of rock fans. Find them on MySpace (where else?): http://www.myspace.com/glyder 



Music & Performance
Glyder plays classically inspired, slow, bluesy metal. It reminds me of Gary Moore, but live they also have some Black Sabbath and ZZ Top moods. An impressive drum solo and some real rock and roll riffs brought the show alive. This is rock ‘n’ roll the Irish way.

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 7
Sound: 8
Light: 7
Total: 7





Discovery Scene: EXCALIBUR 

This French band coming from Nord-Pas de Calais can best be described as the French version of Motorhead. The band was formed in the mid-80’s out of the ashes of Méthane, a more traditional hard rock band but chose from the beginning to pursue a more speedy lifestyle. They sing in French, which gives a certain flare to their performance. MySpace fan page: http://www.myspace.com/excaliburfanpage 


 
Music & Performance
Although the lead singer looks like he’s older than Gandalf with a hairstyle to match, he’s more vivid and energetic than half of the bands we saw during those two days. Their performance is straight forward but you’re drawn to it. You cannot escape even though it is simple and yet catchy and speedy. And they certainly have a hardcore fan base. Favourite song: Destination Enfer (Destination Hell)

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 8
Sound: 6
Light: 6
Total: 7



Main stage: Inactive Messiah

These guys come from Athens, Greece. The band was formed back in 2001 under the name “Womb Of Maggots”. Their 1st album “Life Odium” was released under that name but after that the band changed its name to “Inactive Messiah” and the self titled album was released December 2004 by Black Lotus Records. After some line up changes, they recently released their new (third under their new name) album “Sinful Nation”. The current band members are Christos on vocals, Thanos on guitars and Lefteris on bass. Hear them out on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/inactivemessiah



Music & Performance
As a lot of bands their studio albums sound better than their on stage performances, which is a pity. Nonetheless, a quite young crowd was intensively enjoying the act which from time to time even moved me by means of the impressive guitar playing or during the hardly recognizable cover of Michael Jackson’s Beat It. In the meantime the rain and the enthusiastic crowd have turned the grounds into a pool of mud.

Rating
Music: 5
Performance: 8
Sound: 7
Light: 8
Total: 7





Discovery Scene: VIRUS IV 

It’s difficult to describe this band. Every member has an impressive resume playing, singing and touring with other bands of which Helloween, Symphony X, Iron Maiden, Stratovarius, Rage and Napalm Death are only a few. For once, they’re not French but Belgian and they sing in English. They currently have an album out called Dark Sun. More is to be found on... MySpace of course:  http://www.myspace.com/virusiv



Music & Performance
They play heavy rock and the female lead gives it a certain edge. It’s powerful and thorough but it sometimes leaves me with a feeling that it could go one step further. Nice and interesting, but there’s still room to improve.

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 7
Sound: 7
Light: 6
Total: 7




Main stage: Mass Hysteria

The idea was born in 1994 and the band was created not long after that. A lot of thought went into it and a number of influences were carefully studied. After some time success came to the band both in France and abroad, especially in Canada.  Halfway their history, the band faced major line up changes, but in the end all for the better. They released 4 albums so far and for the latest one they choose to leave the major label Sony Music. MySpace:  http://www.myspace.com/masshysteriaofficial



Music & Performance
They describe themselves as Rock Histérique and they come to me as a cross-over of Senser and Faith No More. Their music is powerful and contagious and the audience loves it. The music contains heavy beats but the guitars take the upper hand. The lyrics seem to have a social relevance. They show their respect for different styles and ways of life through a song called Respect where they mix all possible styles. If you had fallen asleep, you certainly had your wake-up call now!

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 8
Sound: 8
Light: 8
Total: 8




Discovery Scene: NIFLHEIM 

Niflheim is a French band from Ile-de-France that easily could pretend to be from Ireland. The 8 members play folk metal and amongst them 2 lead singers of the female kind and they all use traditional instruments like violin, cello as well as djembe (that’s the best way for me to describe it) and other rhythm section instruments. MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/niflheimmetal



Music & Performance
“Pretend to be in a tavern” was what the lead singer suggested us and that was exactly what we did. It all seemed so cosy and happy, but yet so powerful and energetic. I must admit once again that the live version didn’t do it justice. The voice of the red headed lead singer didn’t hold – or was it the old PA again? The audience didn’t seem to mind, dancing their asses off especially during the impressive instrumental bridges. It reminded me of Skyclad (the playfulness), Miranda Sex Garden (the traditional themes and the female voices) and Apocalyptica (the classical approach).

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 9
Sound: 6
Light: 7
Total: 7






Main stage: Y&T

Playing rock in its purest form, this band from San Francisco – originally called Yesterday & Today – has its origins in the 70s and served as an example to many of the upcoming bands from the US. To call them the fathers of US FM rock might not be politically correct, but they influenced a lot of bands in the 80s and even the 90s but in the end that kind of music was considered to be old-fashioned in the European area. Until now when revival seems to be the word du jour.  And of course, the band has evolved too, and has MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/yandtrocks



Music & Performance
And there they were, Y&T, in France for the first time since 1983. I never imagined they would still be alive. It was my nephew who introduced me to their music way back in the 80s. I liked the album I received a copy of, but I never bothered to buy another album. It didn’t seem to be that important at the time. Nowadays it seems that this kind of vinyl could be worth a fortune. They played a rather bluesy set and the audience – which has transformed from teens to 40-year old ones – just loved it. The temperature had risen and Y&T played the perfect soundtrack to an Indian summer evening. Unfortunately there was no time for encores.
Favourite track: I Believe in You.

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 7
Sound: 8
Light: 7
Total: 7.5





Main stage: Saxon
According to my memory, Saxon originates from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late 70s and early 80s. Luckily they nowadays have a MySpace entry on which you can easily retrieve that kind of information. Somewhere around South Yorkshire, UK there was a band that started life as SOB [Son Of A Bitch] during 1976 with founder members Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson. This band joined forces with another local band, Coast, featuring Biff Byford on vocals and Paul Quinn on guitar. The two bands then finalised with a line-up comprising of the then 26 year old Graham 'Oly' Oliver, Steve 'Dobby' Dawson (27), Paul 'Blute' Quinn (26), Pete 'Frank' Gill (27) and Peter 'Biff' Byford (27). The name of the band was Son Of A Bitch. That name was dropped a few years later and the band re-christened itself SAXON. They were at this time playing the usual rock clubs and concert gigs supporting The Ian Gillan Band and Heavy Metal Kids, amongst others, playing all their own material. Demo tapes were recorded at Tapestry Studios, with producer John Verity (Ex. Argent singer/guitarist).



Albums include Saxon (1979), Wheels of Steel (1980), Strong Arm of the Law (1980), Denim and Leather (1981), Power and the Glory (1983), Crusader (1983), Innocence is no Excuse (1983), Destiny (1988), Solid Ball of Rock (1990), Lionheart (2004) and The Inner Sanctum (2007), with an upcoming album in 2009: Into the Labyrinth. MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/saxon190393144

Music & Performance
This was the moment I had been waiting for and it was no disappointment whatsoever. I’ve never had the opportunity to experience Saxon live, but they completely lived up to the expectation, except that they didn’t perform the songs I would’ve liked them to, e.g. some amazing songs from the ‘Innocence is no Excuse’ album (Rockin’ Again, Call of the Wild, Broken Heroes, ...). But Biff was amazing and his voice was still so powerful after all these years. It was great, good vocals, good music and a simple show. Hurray for the second Gandalf of the day ;-)  What more could a man ask for? Silently I’m hoping that by this time tomorrow I’d have found out that Kai Hansen has taken a vocal coach...

Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 8
Sound: 9
Light: 8
Total: 8.5


Setlist
01. Atila the Hun
02. Motorcycle Man
03. Let me Feel your Power
04. 747 (Strangers in the Night)
05. To Hell and Back Again
06. Strong Arm of the Law
07. Heavy Metal Thunder
08. Dogs of War
09. I’ve Got to Rock (to Stay Alive)
10. Witchfinder General
11. Princess of the Night
12. Encores
13. Wheels of Steel
14. Crusader
15. Denim & Leather
16. Ashes to Ashes






All pictures by Stéphane "Stepix" Odent. Click here to view the whole photo album.

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