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Waldrock, Burgum, The NetherlandsJuly 7th, 2007
Within Temptation, Dropkick Murphys, Moonspell, Testament, Meshuggah, Destruction, Celtic Frost, Obituary, Autumn, Vader, Moonsorrow, One Bullet Left
This year was the 20th anniversary of the Waldrock festival. 20 years ago the festival started out with one stage, and all sorts of music. It took a few years for Waldrock to become a hardrock/metal festival. The first few years only a few thousand people made it to the field. Nowadays Waldrock had about 8000 visitors each year. They have expanded from one stage in the beginning to this year having three stages for the first time.
Reading the booklet I found out they have also decided to sell more different foods on the festival area. The metal market is for free now, but was much smaller than before, with only about 8/9 stands, selling music and little statues of guitars. Also the lifestyle market, which is usually set on the right side of the area was a bit smaller than usual. More space was needed for the tents and the open stage. The main stage was in the tent, the Grutte Pier. The Deade Pier was open and right next to it. The Lytse Pier was located more towards the exit of the festival area in a smaller tent. This was also the place where the Waldrock Pre party was held. For the first time on the festival area.
I was not here early on the campground, because of personal obligations. By the time I arrived there was already so much mud I stumbled across the campground with the dirt up to my ankles. Thank god I was wearing plastic rain boots. I got myself settled and walked trough the gates on to the festival area. Here the mud was even worse! The festival organisation had put woodchips on the ground to make it a bit dryer. This really was of no use. People were sinking in the mud half way up to their legs. At this point I knew I was going to be very very thankful I had my boots on. I only had a moment to watch Melechesh and after this Delain started on time to headline the pre party.
This seems like proper moment to mention that having the pre party on the festival ground to me is really good move. This was the first year I actually made it to the pre party, otherwise you'd have to go by bus and all that. This is much more convenient. It's a good plan to keep the party on the ground. I think it will be visited better then as well...
As Delain was playing there was no possibility of going out without getting completely soaked. It was raining so badly. When the bands were finished we were asked to go back to the campground. A few people refused, because it was raining so badly. But then it got dry and it stayed that way the rest of the night. I was fully convinced our tent remained dry, until my better half told me that, when he was going to bed he had to clean up. I didn’t notice because the Waldrock campground was as much fun as each year. And then, after a few hours of sleep it became light again and by the time I woke up, the coffee was served and soon we made our way to the festival area for the first bands…
One Bullet left
It was a few months ago when I was sitting on my bed, watching some telly. As I was zapping I came past the kids programme Villa Live (Dutch Kids tv show). They have a moment when kids in Holland can show of what their talent is. And there was a band performing called ‘One Bullet Left’. The bass player is smaller than his own instrument and the drummer is even smaller. I was so surprised. Apparently I wasn’t the only one. This year they open on many festivals, in Holland.
Music
Honestly this is not the most talented band on the festival area today. Singer Dennis obviously still needs to grow and so does his voice. Although his guitar play is quite alright, I reckon if he doesn’t learn how to use his voice properly he won’t have one left in a few years. His little brother Yorick was doing great behind the drum kit though. Youngest of the band is Bass player Rik. The bass lines aren’t too difficult and he manages well. Guitarist Thijs seems to be the steady factor of the band, on stage anyway, doing what he must do, and doing it at its very best. The band itself says they sound like a mix between Cradle of Filth, Kreator and Six ft under. Of this I am not to sure. Their music is filled with standard solos and musical features. The rumour goes around the parents actually write the music. I don’t know about this. One Bullet Left seems to be more about the gimmick and not about the extreme talent or the fresh breeze in the music.
Honestly this is not the most talented band on the festival area today. Singer Dennis obviously still needs to grow and so does his voice. Although his guitar play is quite alright, I reckon if he doesn’t learn how to use his voice properly he won’t have one left in a few years. His little brother Yorick was doing great behind the drum kit though. Youngest of the band is Bass player Rik. The bass lines aren’t too difficult and he manages well. Guitarist Thijs seems to be the steady factor of the band, on stage anyway, doing what he must do, and doing it at its very best. The band itself says they sound like a mix between Cradle of Filth, Kreator and Six ft under. Of this I am not to sure. Their music is filled with standard solos and musical features. The rumour goes around the parents actually write the music. I don’t know about this. One Bullet Left seems to be more about the gimmick and not about the extreme talent or the fresh breeze in the music.
Performance
The performance on the contrary seems to be going very well. Maybe it looks a bit studied, because of the standard moves and Dennis yelling ‘Circlepit’ somewhere during he gig. Unfortunately there wasn’t even a real pit to start with but there will always be a daddy with his kids on his shoulders that will start to run around then. This was just funny. Because it’s very metal to scream out with track you will be playing I certainly didn’t get that part. Drummer Yorick was most fun to watch. He is so small there was only a little pile of hair behind the drum kit going crazy! Since Dennis did interact quite often with the audience some really went nuts but I reckon most of the crowd was here to see what this ‘One Bullet Left’ hype is all about.
The performance on the contrary seems to be going very well. Maybe it looks a bit studied, because of the standard moves and Dennis yelling ‘Circlepit’ somewhere during he gig. Unfortunately there wasn’t even a real pit to start with but there will always be a daddy with his kids on his shoulders that will start to run around then. This was just funny. Because it’s very metal to scream out with track you will be playing I certainly didn’t get that part. Drummer Yorick was most fun to watch. He is so small there was only a little pile of hair behind the drum kit going crazy! Since Dennis did interact quite often with the audience some really went nuts but I reckon most of the crowd was here to see what this ‘One Bullet Left’ hype is all about.
Rating
Music: 7
Sound: 6
Performance: 6
Lights: 5
Total: 6
Music: 7
Sound: 6
Performance: 6
Lights: 5
Total: 6
Moonsorrow
1995, this band was found, and with members also featuring in Finntroll they have a group of talented people together. Lakupaavi being the Moonsorrow side project is also seen quite a lot from on stage. This is the band in which they released the album jokingly called Raah Raah Blääh. They perform in Holland on a regular basis, and have built themselves quite a fan base in these regions. Most Scandinavian bands are doing very well in The Netherlands, and this is for sure no exception.
Music
Viides Luku – Hävitetty (Chapter Five – Ravaged), was released on January 10th of this year. Of course some of the tracks of this album were played in the short time the band had on stage. The folk/pagan metal is somewhat comparible with Finntroll, but the overall music is slower, has a more dramatic tune, and the folky sounds are mixed in with the sound better. The samples aren't the main thing in the music but they are a part of the entire sound. The sound is pretty good, because Moonsorrow does not produce such a massive sound. Being on the open stage the music does get blown away a bit. With their epic sounds they make many people in the audience sing (well, try to sing along, all lyrics are in Finnish) and cheer.
Viides Luku – Hävitetty (Chapter Five – Ravaged), was released on January 10th of this year. Of course some of the tracks of this album were played in the short time the band had on stage. The folk/pagan metal is somewhat comparible with Finntroll, but the overall music is slower, has a more dramatic tune, and the folky sounds are mixed in with the sound better. The samples aren't the main thing in the music but they are a part of the entire sound. The sound is pretty good, because Moonsorrow does not produce such a massive sound. Being on the open stage the music does get blown away a bit. With their epic sounds they make many people in the audience sing (well, try to sing along, all lyrics are in Finnish) and cheer.
Performance
Some of the members are half naked on the stage, all of them are wearing normal clothes, they are not dressed up much. All the members are covered in red paint, I am presuming this is supposed to be blood. Because this was the only dressing up they did it didn’t look very real. The backdrop with the logo of the band was also missing. This meant they had a bloody looking band with a huge orange Waldrock backdrop performing. This makes it seem easy and unfinished. The music makes up for this though, and the enthusiasm of the band members I could relate to. Funny was to see that one of the members could wash off all the paint of his hands. The whole day I saw a few red hands clapping along with the others in the audience, of different bands. He must have had a great day, too!
Some of the members are half naked on the stage, all of them are wearing normal clothes, they are not dressed up much. All the members are covered in red paint, I am presuming this is supposed to be blood. Because this was the only dressing up they did it didn’t look very real. The backdrop with the logo of the band was also missing. This meant they had a bloody looking band with a huge orange Waldrock backdrop performing. This makes it seem easy and unfinished. The music makes up for this though, and the enthusiasm of the band members I could relate to. Funny was to see that one of the members could wash off all the paint of his hands. The whole day I saw a few red hands clapping along with the others in the audience, of different bands. He must have had a great day, too!
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 8
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 8
Vader
Everywhere you go, there is a chance you will see Vader. They are performing often. From Poland they are one of the well known death trash metal bands from Europe. Although the band seems to get younger every year, the music is still classic.
Music
With a classical intro the band starts; just to fall intro an aggressive song so sudden some people need some time to adjust. With 4 members on the stage a massive wall of trashy noise is created with some technical supers and some cheesy solos. The sound is mixed out quite well, and without too much wind blowing away the music, this sounds really nice. While lead singer Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek carries most of the spacial effects in the music, like the solo’s and of course having the vocals to take care of, the rest of the band is just doing their job.
With a classical intro the band starts; just to fall intro an aggressive song so sudden some people need some time to adjust. With 4 members on the stage a massive wall of trashy noise is created with some technical supers and some cheesy solos. The sound is mixed out quite well, and without too much wind blowing away the music, this sounds really nice. While lead singer Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek carries most of the spacial effects in the music, like the solo’s and of course having the vocals to take care of, the rest of the band is just doing their job.
Performance
While the audience is urged to move along with the music, they don’t seem to cooperate really in the beginning. As the gig progressed also the fans began to easy more and move along, banging their head and screaming. Piotr’s red guitar is, together with Maurycy the recognition and trademark of the band currently. Lights were not too interesting since the sun peeped out, and took all the drama of the light away.
While the audience is urged to move along with the music, they don’t seem to cooperate really in the beginning. As the gig progressed also the fans began to easy more and move along, banging their head and screaming. Piotr’s red guitar is, together with Maurycy the recognition and trademark of the band currently. Lights were not too interesting since the sun peeped out, and took all the drama of the light away.
Rating
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Performance: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 7
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Performance: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 7
Autumn
In May they have released their third studio album. It’s really a new time for Autumn. With many line up changes within the band and a new sound they are back. Today they are performing on the main stage of Waldrock. The first time Autumn was performing here was in 2002. That time they opened the festival in the small tent. Nienke had been chartered a couple of times as a host for the tent. With a small anecdote she would tell something about the band coming. Well, now they are back with the band. They started right on time.
Music
After an intro the first song was ‘State of Mind’ from the last album, ‘My new Time’. The gig consisted of a mix between the last two albums. Also the track ‘Premeditated Dying’ that never actually made it onto one of the albums was played. Since the new album is really more balanced and rockier compared to the other albums the gig was varied. The other two albums still have a rougher beat and with darker lyrics. I did wonder if Nienke suffered from a cold because she tried so hard to make something of it, while this really is not necessary.
After an intro the first song was ‘State of Mind’ from the last album, ‘My new Time’. The gig consisted of a mix between the last two albums. Also the track ‘Premeditated Dying’ that never actually made it onto one of the albums was played. Since the new album is really more balanced and rockier compared to the other albums the gig was varied. The other two albums still have a rougher beat and with darker lyrics. I did wonder if Nienke suffered from a cold because she tried so hard to make something of it, while this really is not necessary.
Performance
With a regular enthusiasm and feeling the band walked on stage one by one, supporting the start of the music. In all the times I have seen this band I have not seen performances of them that were really bad. Always the enthusiasm is ruling the stage and With Nienke's clean vocals there is usually not much that can go wrong. This time though the sound was dreadful. With a way to loud bass and almost constant feedback on the guitars I didn’t think much of it. Such a shame. I have walked around the tent a bit to see if other spot would be different. Maybe it were my earplugs, but well… if my ears hurt with earplugs isn’t there something wrong anyway? The music was played well though. I haven’t heard many mistakes.
The male members were dressed sharply with a black shirt and tie. Nienke had a small dress on and a pair of pvc pants, which suited her well.
With a regular enthusiasm and feeling the band walked on stage one by one, supporting the start of the music. In all the times I have seen this band I have not seen performances of them that were really bad. Always the enthusiasm is ruling the stage and With Nienke's clean vocals there is usually not much that can go wrong. This time though the sound was dreadful. With a way to loud bass and almost constant feedback on the guitars I didn’t think much of it. Such a shame. I have walked around the tent a bit to see if other spot would be different. Maybe it were my earplugs, but well… if my ears hurt with earplugs isn’t there something wrong anyway? The music was played well though. I haven’t heard many mistakes.
The male members were dressed sharply with a black shirt and tie. Nienke had a small dress on and a pair of pvc pants, which suited her well.
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 5
Performance: 7
Lights: 7
Total: 7
Obituary
Ever since the band formed itself in the mid eighties this band had been a well known and outstanding band in its genre ever since the ‘Slowly we Rot’ album people are crazy for this band. Known for the technical fast music and Tardy’s low growl, this is always a delight to watch. I remember seeing them short after their release ‘Frozen in Time’ which was also the reunion album of Obituary after they split up in 1993. Now they have another album out and the back is really back.
Music
Technical fast death metal. This is what Obituary is about. Tardy, who has a low grunt gives the band its typical sound. The set they played was a mix between old and new. Also some stuff the new album ‘The Xecutioners Return’. With all the different tracks and solo’s the music varied much and was awesome to listen to.
Technical fast death metal. This is what Obituary is about. Tardy, who has a low grunt gives the band its typical sound. The set they played was a mix between old and new. Also some stuff the new album ‘The Xecutioners Return’. With all the different tracks and solo’s the music varied much and was awesome to listen to.
Performance
Ever so enthusiastic on stage. Tardy picks up his microphone and standard and keep walking around with it. His long curly hair is the trademark of the band. With the rest of the band moving so much on the stage I think the stage was almost too small for the band. With a huge backdrop featuring the cover of the new album in the back the stage was not dressed up too much. The band was having fun on stage and this also attracted the audience that was going crazy as well.
Ever so enthusiastic on stage. Tardy picks up his microphone and standard and keep walking around with it. His long curly hair is the trademark of the band. With the rest of the band moving so much on the stage I think the stage was almost too small for the band. With a huge backdrop featuring the cover of the new album in the back the stage was not dressed up too much. The band was having fun on stage and this also attracted the audience that was going crazy as well.
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 7
Light: Daylight
Total: 7
Celtic Frost
Since last year the band is touring again after some bad experiences before they wanted to tour again. This time, the band takes all the control. They have decided to run their own band and their own lives instead of letting it be done for them. Last year they were playing a great show on the Wacken open air festival where I can remember the slow and dark beats combined with a special lightshow really caught my eye.
Music
Slow and dark music. With a low pounding bass and slow singing and grunting of singer Tom Gabriel Fischer the set was great. They opened with a well known track ‘Procreation (of the Wicked)’, and settled soon into their music. No hurries, no rushing. With penetrating sounds and loud beats the band creates a ritualistic moment today. The set list was based mostly around the first three albums. With tracks like ‘Circle of the Tyrants’, and ‘Dawn Of Meggido’ the classics were not forgotten. This was, especially for the older fans, a nice treat. The newer tracks were played, but only a few. So this really was about the old Celtic Frost. The audience seems to react a little less enthusiastic to the new stuff. Like ‘Ain Elohim’. I cannot blame the audience since I don’t know these tracks very well either.
Slow and dark music. With a low pounding bass and slow singing and grunting of singer Tom Gabriel Fischer the set was great. They opened with a well known track ‘Procreation (of the Wicked)’, and settled soon into their music. No hurries, no rushing. With penetrating sounds and loud beats the band creates a ritualistic moment today. The set list was based mostly around the first three albums. With tracks like ‘Circle of the Tyrants’, and ‘Dawn Of Meggido’ the classics were not forgotten. This was, especially for the older fans, a nice treat. The newer tracks were played, but only a few. So this really was about the old Celtic Frost. The audience seems to react a little less enthusiastic to the new stuff. Like ‘Ain Elohim’. I cannot blame the audience since I don’t know these tracks very well either.
Performance
The members on stage were moving around but only when the music would let them do it. This only worked well and better with the music. They had brought and extra guitarist on the tour to make sound a bit fuller. This worked well. The band was dressed up all in black and all of them had their corpse paint on. In the back there was hanging a backdrop with the Celtic Frost logo on it. The lightshow was just as amazing as I remembered it was. After a while I really got sucked into the atmosphere. Its mostly dark blue and green lights give the Celtic Frost sound and extra edge. It was good they played in the tent, on the Grutte pier.
The members on stage were moving around but only when the music would let them do it. This only worked well and better with the music. They had brought and extra guitarist on the tour to make sound a bit fuller. This worked well. The band was dressed up all in black and all of them had their corpse paint on. In the back there was hanging a backdrop with the Celtic Frost logo on it. The lightshow was just as amazing as I remembered it was. After a while I really got sucked into the atmosphere. Its mostly dark blue and green lights give the Celtic Frost sound and extra edge. It was good they played in the tent, on the Grutte pier.
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 7
Light: 9
Total: 8
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 7
Light: 9
Total: 8
Destruction
Destruction was replacing W.A.S.P. who couldn’t make it at the last moment, due to personal circumstances. Because of this Testament and Destruction had also swapped places. The stage was dressed up great with different backboards and also the microphones were dressed up. Below here are a few pictures to see what the gig was about.
Meshuggah
Meshuggah is Yiddish for crazy. This is what you would call the band seeing them on stage. Formed in the late 80’s the band started out sounding a bit like Metallica. They have left this stage behind them and moved on trying new stuff being more and more experimental. On stage Jens Kidman, the vocalist, told us the band was busy with a new album and they hope it will be released in October 2007.
Music
This is such difficult music to describe. With very complicated drum patterns where the rhythm varies totally from the rest of the band and the almost messy solos of the lead guitarist this really stands out in between the rest of the band. No easy moving, no easy banging. It’s a true experience this music. The complicated music is mixed in well together and all the different ingredients seem to fit just fine. With a loud and pounding bass the band has a strong beat. During the recording of the last album both guitar players used their 8 string guitars to create an even lower guitar noise. In this you can also hear the different rhythms. It seems to be a bit ritualistic at times.
This is such difficult music to describe. With very complicated drum patterns where the rhythm varies totally from the rest of the band and the almost messy solos of the lead guitarist this really stands out in between the rest of the band. No easy moving, no easy banging. It’s a true experience this music. The complicated music is mixed in well together and all the different ingredients seem to fit just fine. With a loud and pounding bass the band has a strong beat. During the recording of the last album both guitar players used their 8 string guitars to create an even lower guitar noise. In this you can also hear the different rhythms. It seems to be a bit ritualistic at times.
Performance
After the first somewhat slower starter track, the band wakes up and slams into the next track. Jens his typical moves really stand out on the stage. He has an act over himself and moves across the stage with an almost zombie gaze in his eyes. The rest of the band is behaving more normal, like any band would do. Because of the complicated music the members take their time for the solos. In between the tracks Jens talks to the audience telling them about the new album and asking if they want more music. Because also Meshuggah was playing in the tent lights were a big part of the show. The big front lights work blinding. Most of the time they correspond with the guitar sounds.
After the first somewhat slower starter track, the band wakes up and slams into the next track. Jens his typical moves really stand out on the stage. He has an act over himself and moves across the stage with an almost zombie gaze in his eyes. The rest of the band is behaving more normal, like any band would do. Because of the complicated music the members take their time for the solos. In between the tracks Jens talks to the audience telling them about the new album and asking if they want more music. Because also Meshuggah was playing in the tent lights were a big part of the show. The big front lights work blinding. Most of the time they correspond with the guitar sounds.
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Performance: 7
Lights: 7
Total: 8
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Performance: 7
Lights: 7
Total: 8
Testament
With a short delay in today’s shows, Testament was ready on time so they also started on time. There is not much I can say about the band Testament that hasn’t already been said. Some see Chuck Billy as a god. In all these years the band is still happy about what they are doing and love to party.
Music
Testament's trash metal and catchy tracks made the show awesome. The opener of tonight: ‘The Preacher’. With high pitched guitars and epic parts in the track make the audience happy and they go wild to the music. With tracks like ‘The new order’ and ‘D.N.R.’ of the Gathering album the set list was created for festivals. As soon as Chuck told something about the next track the audience was already screaming titles, hoping that that was the track being played. Because of the short time on stage a tight schedule was necessary. The band moved back and forth between the different tracks. The sound wasn’t very good, the raw guitars had some feedback every now and again. This made the entire show a bit messy. But the enthusiastic performance made up for everything.
Testament's trash metal and catchy tracks made the show awesome. The opener of tonight: ‘The Preacher’. With high pitched guitars and epic parts in the track make the audience happy and they go wild to the music. With tracks like ‘The new order’ and ‘D.N.R.’ of the Gathering album the set list was created for festivals. As soon as Chuck told something about the next track the audience was already screaming titles, hoping that that was the track being played. Because of the short time on stage a tight schedule was necessary. The band moved back and forth between the different tracks. The sound wasn’t very good, the raw guitars had some feedback every now and again. This made the entire show a bit messy. But the enthusiastic performance made up for everything.
Performance
The performance was great and enthusiastic. The band is after all these years still happy to be on stage. Chuck’s trademark is his short microphone standard with which he walks around the entire time, on the stage. Much interaction with the audience makes the performance finished. The sun was slowly going down by now, and the members were bathing the sun during the performance.
The performance was great and enthusiastic. The band is after all these years still happy to be on stage. Chuck’s trademark is his short microphone standard with which he walks around the entire time, on the stage. Much interaction with the audience makes the performance finished. The sun was slowly going down by now, and the members were bathing the sun during the performance.
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 8
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 8
Moonspell
With its atmospheric tunes and gracious dark lyrics Moonspell has build a pretty big fan base in the Netherlands. From Portugal they have come. Since they have performed on the Waldrock festival before, in 2004, they were happy to be back.
Music
The dark music is ultimate and with Fernando’s dark low grunts and whispers the band has created a lot of different music and is known with many people. Their last album Memorial is released in 2006, a few of these tracks were played. The classical songs like ‘Vampiria’, ‘Antidote’ were played of course and they were played with the enthusiasm and verve Moonspell is known for. Much of the set list consisted of tracks from Irreligious and Wolfheart. The sound was remarkably good, remembering the other bands on the stage today.
The dark music is ultimate and with Fernando’s dark low grunts and whispers the band has created a lot of different music and is known with many people. Their last album Memorial is released in 2006, a few of these tracks were played. The classical songs like ‘Vampiria’, ‘Antidote’ were played of course and they were played with the enthusiasm and verve Moonspell is known for. Much of the set list consisted of tracks from Irreligious and Wolfheart. The sound was remarkably good, remembering the other bands on the stage today.
Performance
The back of stage was totally covered with a huge backdrop. On it was a picture of a graveyard, and only the high cemetery stones you could still see, it was like looking up into the sky, which was red with a bright moon in the middle. The band walked on stage one by one, and this was enough reason for the audience to go nuts already. With the classical intro there was time for the band to make a huge entrance. At the music that had already started vocalist Fernando walked on stage wearing a black outfit and a long red coat. His coat came off after the first song. With Fernando’s typical performance, using his microphone standard as an air guitar and as a balance instrument. The different lights were used nicely, with many strobes. The backdrop was also a part of the decoration. When necessary the keyboard player pitched in. After the performance the band said goodbye while an outro was playing.
The back of stage was totally covered with a huge backdrop. On it was a picture of a graveyard, and only the high cemetery stones you could still see, it was like looking up into the sky, which was red with a bright moon in the middle. The band walked on stage one by one, and this was enough reason for the audience to go nuts already. With the classical intro there was time for the band to make a huge entrance. At the music that had already started vocalist Fernando walked on stage wearing a black outfit and a long red coat. His coat came off after the first song. With Fernando’s typical performance, using his microphone standard as an air guitar and as a balance instrument. The different lights were used nicely, with many strobes. The backdrop was also a part of the decoration. When necessary the keyboard player pitched in. After the performance the band said goodbye while an outro was playing.
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Performance: 8
Light: 8
Total: 8
Music: 9
Sound: 8
Performance: 8
Light: 8
Total: 8
Dropkick Murphys
Well if there is a party band today it must be the Dropkick Murphys! One of the few bands that have created a huge success with mostly covering other bands. That’s all good, the band is known for the big party on stage, and the variety in taste of music. The band started a bit later so that Moonspell would not be disturbed in their moment on stage. By the time DKM entered the stage they had the crowd's full attention that started chanting ‘Lets go Murphys’ quite soon. Their new album ‘The Meanest of Times’ will be released on September 18th.
Music
As the intro started, an old Irish song, the band was getting ready backstage. As soon as the intro ended the band ran on stage and kicked off with ‘The Spirit’s Alive’. All the music was played well and with enthusiasm the band is on stage. The band wanted to create the all for one – one for all music. The style everybody would appreciate and sing along to it. With the classic track they use in this set list like the AC/DC cover ‘It’s a long way to the top (if you wanna rock ‘n roll)’ and ‘The rocky road to Dublin’ make the crowd go nuts. The real intimacy is found while the DKM play the ‘Wild rover’ everybody who is watching is clapping their hands and singing along to the chorus. They have succeeded in creating an ‘all for one - one for all’ mood on the field. ‘Shipping up to Boston’ was the last track they played, and soon after this the stage was cleared as the outro (Frank Sinatra’s - My Way) was played entirely.
As the intro started, an old Irish song, the band was getting ready backstage. As soon as the intro ended the band ran on stage and kicked off with ‘The Spirit’s Alive’. All the music was played well and with enthusiasm the band is on stage. The band wanted to create the all for one – one for all music. The style everybody would appreciate and sing along to it. With the classic track they use in this set list like the AC/DC cover ‘It’s a long way to the top (if you wanna rock ‘n roll)’ and ‘The rocky road to Dublin’ make the crowd go nuts. The real intimacy is found while the DKM play the ‘Wild rover’ everybody who is watching is clapping their hands and singing along to the chorus. They have succeeded in creating an ‘all for one - one for all’ mood on the field. ‘Shipping up to Boston’ was the last track they played, and soon after this the stage was cleared as the outro (Frank Sinatra’s - My Way) was played entirely.
Performance
The enthusiasm on the stage is the main ingredient in their performance. Loose as it seems I noticed I have seen the same stunts and moves during their performance in the 013, and this does make me wonder how much this is an actual party and how much is choreographed before the show. Since almost all the band members sing as well as play several instruments this is a show with much variety. The big backdrop in the back is the only dressing up, and even though the lights support the music as well as they can it remains just the music that’s its about.
The enthusiasm on the stage is the main ingredient in their performance. Loose as it seems I noticed I have seen the same stunts and moves during their performance in the 013, and this does make me wonder how much this is an actual party and how much is choreographed before the show. Since almost all the band members sing as well as play several instruments this is a show with much variety. The big backdrop in the back is the only dressing up, and even though the lights support the music as well as they can it remains just the music that’s its about.
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7
Music: 8
Sound: 7
Performance: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7
Within Temptation
It was a long day already but in the end it was time for the headliner of tonight. One of Hollands most successful export products: Within Temptation. With the bombastic heavy melodic music the band has been around for every long time. They have developed from a so called ‘Goth metal’ band to a more poppy sound, that made them famous. After the release of their single ‘Ice queen’ from the Mother Earth album the ball started rolling. The dedicated fans kept on requesting the single and video on The Box (a Dutch music channel back then) until they could not ignore it anymore. By now Within Temptation is a huge name in the music world. Some older fans are disappointed by the way this went, and wish to complain about the new direction WT went. This is their choice. Whether they like it or not: tonight the band is headlining the Waldrock festival.
Music
Bombastic and heavy is still Within Temptation. The band opened the performance with tracks of the new album. During ‘Our Solemn hour’ the audience was moving as much as they could since the place was packed. I stood quite far to the front but this was really a bit too much. People were pushing others around and this created some violent looks by some people. After these 2 tracks a couple of singles were played, ‘Stand my Ground’ and the single featuring Keith Caputo ‘What have you done’. Keith is recorded singing into a camera and this was projected on the backdrop, so that he was sort of there as well. The heavy basses made the sound not very good, this could also be my position next to the speaker boxes but when I moved out of their range it didn’t get much better. Sharon is using more and more of the modern rock voice in the newer tracks. Tthis makes the sound tougher and more balanced but also it makes me wonder if she isn’t able to match up with her old voice, and the soprano on the older albums. Several times her voice is overshadowed by the feedback on guitar and bass. After a series of the newer tracks that also feature ‘The heart of everything’ and ‘Forsaken’ it's time for a few older tracks as well. These were taken from the Mother Earth album, so it was time for ‘Deceiver of Fools’ and ‘Ice Queen’ was the closer of this day. There was no time for an encore.
Bombastic and heavy is still Within Temptation. The band opened the performance with tracks of the new album. During ‘Our Solemn hour’ the audience was moving as much as they could since the place was packed. I stood quite far to the front but this was really a bit too much. People were pushing others around and this created some violent looks by some people. After these 2 tracks a couple of singles were played, ‘Stand my Ground’ and the single featuring Keith Caputo ‘What have you done’. Keith is recorded singing into a camera and this was projected on the backdrop, so that he was sort of there as well. The heavy basses made the sound not very good, this could also be my position next to the speaker boxes but when I moved out of their range it didn’t get much better. Sharon is using more and more of the modern rock voice in the newer tracks. Tthis makes the sound tougher and more balanced but also it makes me wonder if she isn’t able to match up with her old voice, and the soprano on the older albums. Several times her voice is overshadowed by the feedback on guitar and bass. After a series of the newer tracks that also feature ‘The heart of everything’ and ‘Forsaken’ it's time for a few older tracks as well. These were taken from the Mother Earth album, so it was time for ‘Deceiver of Fools’ and ‘Ice Queen’ was the closer of this day. There was no time for an encore.
Performance
The stage was dressed up beautifully with a huge backdrop with some clouds painted on it at the start. 2 high standards on the sides had a bowl with fire on top. Two smaller versions of these fire bowls were found on the front of the stage. In the back two big statues of lions with wings were sitting in the back facing each other. It reminded me of the gates of the Neverending Story. Those gates you had to cross and when you would feel fear these two statues would zap you with their eyes and you would die. Apparently these gates didn’t have such a special feature, but they looked pretty cool. The band was dressed up in just black but not anything special. Sharon was wearing a big black dress that reminded me of the Turkish wedding dresses. This one is not as embroidered as the older ones and this gave it more style. The performance is really poppy. With waving heads, and a smooth choreography the gig is all set out. I think its good enough for most shows, but I think the metal audience would expect a bit more than this. No real headbanging involved and it's getting clear the music is more and more built around the lyrics instead of the music. Overall this really was a beautiful performance with much atmosphere. Only this is not really something more for a festival like Lowlands.
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 6
Performance: 7
Lights: 8
Total: 7
Music: 8
Sound: 6
Performance: 7
Lights: 8
Total: 7
Note from the reporter
It was a long and intense day. Many different bands and several stages to run around in between. As I have been going to Waldrock for a couple of years this is still one of my favourite festivals. Also the mud and dirt of this year could not hold this back. Always the atmosphere is awesome and people are really just here to have great time. Everytime again I go home feeling like I have been on holiday!
This year the line up was varied as usual, and this meant there would always be band that people don’t like, at the festival. As you have read, it was not possible to see all the bands. This does not mean they don’t deserve any credit, they also did their best, and made the party complete!
It was a long and intense day. Many different bands and several stages to run around in between. As I have been going to Waldrock for a couple of years this is still one of my favourite festivals. Also the mud and dirt of this year could not hold this back. Always the atmosphere is awesome and people are really just here to have great time. Everytime again I go home feeling like I have been on holiday!
This year the line up was varied as usual, and this meant there would always be band that people don’t like, at the festival. As you have read, it was not possible to see all the bands. This does not mean they don’t deserve any credit, they also did their best, and made the party complete!
Only one thing I have been noticing in these years: more and more people leave their tent behind on the campground, or even worse: they set them on fire. This costs the organisation a lot of money, as the burn marks have to be dug out of the land, because the soil will get polluted really bad. This year for the first time the organisation was busy collecting tents and stuff to try and prevent this from happening. Every year more security is needed to take care of all the fires, and all people that lit them. This also costs money. Pleasy do try and think about this. Festivals will only get more expensive if all these costs have to be made in the end. And besides this: it stinks like hell! I have to wash all my stuff extra even if I didn’t use it, because of the smoke. If you don’t want to take your tent home, put it in a container, or leave it at the collection point on the campground. Better even: DO take it home and get rid of it yourself, like your mum and dad taught you. Thank you.
Photography and copyright: Monica Duffels - www.mooninvirgo.nl
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