Last August, our dear friend and local GRIMM knight Ser Xavier invited his friends Prima Nocta and Trobar de Morte for the first edition of the Medieval Metal Night to celebrate his birthday. This line-up was very promising. Both bands are familiar names on the Castlefest bill and have already played quite a few headline shows. It was no surprise that tickets sold like hot cakes, and the event sold out in the blink of an eye.

Trobar de Morte is a Spanish band founded in 1999 by Lady Morte, a singer and songwriter. The band has played at several festivals and did various tours, among which a big tour with Faun in 2011. They have toured in countries such as Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Romania, France, UK or Italy. Their live show include dances and ritualistic elements. It was the first time I saw them and man, it was a huge revelation. What a mesmerizing performance it was! Lady Morte‘s enchanting voice, the beautiful harmony of the traditional instruments and the mystical ritualistic dance formed a perfect, almost transcendent symbiosis.The band released their new record in November, so hopefully they will return to Belgium to promote it. I will be there.

The next band and headliner was Prima Nocta. Prima Nocta doesn’t need an introduction, they have already a big fan base in Belgium. They have performed several times on the Korenmarkt during the Gentse Feesten, Castlefest, Elftopia,… Prima Nocta has become one of the best folk metal acts. They pour elements of Celtic folk music, metal, and rock with traditional, medieval influences into a cauldron and brew a delicious magic potion from it. Their raw music is transmitted with an intensity that contains electrified riffs on a bouzouki, pounding drums, and gigantic bagpipes. All the ingredients were there for a terrific show and it was an absolute banger! From the very first notes, the audience went crazy to the pumping rhythm of the drums and bagpipes. Both the band and the audience enjoyed the performance to the fullest. Did I even see a mosh pit there?