Live Review: Feuerschwanz - Essen 2024

Grugahalle, Essen, Germany
14th December 2024
Feuerschwanz - “20 Jahre - Das größte Metfest aller Zeiten!” - Special Guests: Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Illumishade

On December 14, 2024, the band FEUERSCHWANZ celebrated their 20th anniversary with a spectacular concert at the Grugahalle in Essen. Aptly named the “Metfest”, the event attracted 6,000 enthusiastic fans and delivered an evening full of musical highlights, surprise guests, and an unforgettable atmosphere.


Illumishade

Hours before the doors opened, long queues had already formed despite freezing temperatures - a testament to the enduring popularity of FEUERSCHWANZ. At precisely 6:45 PM, the band ILLUMISHADE kicked off the evening. Founded by Fabienne Erni and Jonas Wolf (both known from ELUVEITIE), the group showcased their unique blend of rock and metal. Despite their relatively short 30-minute set, ILLUMISHADE left a lasting impression with their strong stage presence, Fabienne Erni’s impressive vocals, and an engaging performance. Their music instantly captivated the audience, setting the tone for an exceptional night.

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Die Apokalyptischen Reiter

At 7:35 PM, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN Reiter took to the stage. With songs like ‘Volle Kraft’, ‘Herz in Flammen’, and ‘Wir reiten’, they quickly had the crowd singing along. Their track ‘Revolution’, from the 2006 album ‘Riders on the Storm’, stood out as particularly poignant, with the band remarking on its renewed relevance today. The excellent acoustics of the Grugahalle enhanced the REITER’s powerful performance, and their charismatic interaction with the audience added to their dynamic set, despite a tight schedule.

Setlist
01. Gesprochenes Intro: In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti
02. Volle Kraft
03. Es wird schlimmer
04. Der Adler
05. Herz in Flammen
06. Revolution
07. Die Boten
08. Trommelshow
09. Friede sei mit dir
10. Die Sonne scheint
11. Auf und Nieder
12. Der kleine Wicht
13. Wir reiten

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Feuerschwanz

The highlight of the evening began at 9:00 PM when the curtain dropped, and FEUERSCHWANZ stormed the stage. Opening with ‘SGFRD Dragonslayer’, the band delivered a high-energy performance. The show was a perfect blend of musical excellence, visual effects, and thoughtful production. Flames, sparks, and other pyrotechnics amplified the epic atmosphere. Special guests included Fabienne Erni (‘Bastard von Asgard’), MIRACLE OF SOUND (‘Valhalla Calling’), Dag from SDP and Melissa Bonny (‘Ding’), and Vito C. from JBO (‘Highlander’), adding extra excitement to the concert.



A standout moment was the acoustic set performed on the B-stage. Tracks like ‘I See Fire’ and ‘Blöde Frage, Saufgelage’ brought the band closer to the audience, creating an intimate atmosphere filled with goosebump-worthy moments. Back on the main stage, the band concluded their regular set with an electrifying rendition of ‘Das Elfte Gebot’. During the encore, FEUERSCHWANZ delivered crowd favourites such as ‘Warriors’ (with support from Melissa Bonny and Fuchs) and ‘Rohirrim’, before ending the night with a triumphant final Metfest call.

Setlist
01. SGFRD Dragonslayer
02. Memento Mori
03. Untot im Drachenboot
04. Metfest
05. Bastard von Asgard (with Fabienne Erni)
06. Valhalla Calling (Miracle of Sound cover) (with Miracle of Sound)
07. Ultima Nocte
08. Schubsetanz
09. Ding (Seeed cover) (with Melissa Bonny)
10. Kampfzwerg
11. Berzerkermode
12. Valkyren
13. Highlander (English Version) (with Vito C.)
14. Uruk-Hai
15. I See Fire / Hurra Hurra die Pest ist da / Kaufmann und Maid / Blöde Frage, Saufgelage (Acoustic)
16. Drums solo / Taking the Hobbits to Isengard
17. Dragostea din tei (O-Zone cover)
18. Die Hörner hoch
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18. Warriors of the World United (Manowar cover) (with Melissa Bonny)
19. Rohirrim
20. Das Elfte Gebot

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The 20th anniversary of FEUERSCHWANZ was a masterful combination of entertainment, nostalgia, and musical brilliance. The seamless organization, outstanding sound quality, and vibrant atmosphere made this event an unforgettable experience. Fans can eagerly anticipate future projects, tours, and perhaps another milestone celebration.

All Pictures by Matthias Irrgang