Photo Reports
On the 11th of February it was all about progressive metal on this event hosted by GRIMM and Necktwister. We had a killer line-up with Lampr3a, Stellar Circuits, Hypno5e and Persefone.
Lampr3a was the first to start. Lampr3a was formed in the Basque Country in 2016 with great enthusiasm. Their intricate melodies have managed to transmit the emotions and sensations of their souls through instrumental compositions within the reach of very few. Experimentation has been the foundation of their music, and creativity is the band’s top priority. Lampr3a‘s performance was a testament to their prowess as both musicians and performers. With their innovative sound and captivating stage presence, Lampr3a continues to push the boundaries of progressive metal, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness their live performances. As the lights came up and the final echoes of music faded away, it was clear that Lampr3a had delivered a memorable performance.
The next show was Stellar Circuits. Formed in 2015, Stellar Circuits emerged to combine the conceptual polarities of groove-oriented music with progressive-minded technicality. Over the quartet’s lifespan, they’ve managed to fulfill their own prophecy, formulating a core sound that is complex and layered, while providing a listenability that extends well beyond the rock genre. Stellar Circuits is a band that has been making significant waves in the progressive rock and metal scene. Known for their intricate musicianship and emotive performances, Stellar Circuits didn’t disappoint, delivering exceptional music that left the audience enthralled. Stellar Circuits showcased their technical prowess and emotive depth throughout the set. Known for their complex compositions and tight musicianship, the band effortlessly transitioned between heavy riffs, intricate rhythms, and haunting melodies.
Up next was Hypno5e. Hypno5e is a French avant-garde metal band known for their unique blend of cinematic soundscapes, heavy metal, and progressive elements. Their music often incorporates atmospheric and ambient interludes, creating an immersive and emotionally charged experience. Hypno5e‘s live performances are known for their intensity and intricate musicality, making them a standout act in the progressive and experimental metal scene. Seeing Hypno5e live was a unique experience that combined the power and intensity of metal with the beauty and depth of cinematic storytelling, the crowd loved it. Hypno5e‘s ability to craft a captivating live show with their technical proficiency, emotional delivery, and atmospheric elements makes them a must-see act for fans of progressive and experimental music. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their sound, a Hypno5e concert promises an unforgettable journey through sound and emotion.
The last band of the night, and also the headliner, was Persefone. Andorran progressive death metal maestros Persefone delivered a night of jaw-dropping musicianship and emotional intensity. Known for their intricate compositions and relentless energy, Persefone‘s live show was nothing short of a masterclass in progressive metal. The audience was thrust into a whirlwind of technical brilliance, with complex rhythms and soaring melodies weaving together in a seamless blend. Frontman Marc Martins Pia commanded the stage with his powerful growls and dynamic stage presence, engaging the crowd from the very first note. The guitarists Carlos Lozano Quintanilla and Filipe Baldaia were in top form, delivering solos that were both technically impressive and emotionally charged. Their interplay was a highlight of the night, with harmonized leads and crushing rhythms creating a powerful sonic landscape. Bassist Tony Mestre and drummer Sergi Verdeguer provided a rock-solid rhythm section, driving the complex time signatures with precision and energy. Keyboardist Miguel Espinosa added another dimension to the sound, with his atmospheric synths and haunting piano lines providing the perfect counterpoint to the heaviness. Persefone‘s performance was a testament to their status as one of the leading forces in progressive metal today. Their ability to combine technical mastery with emotional depth and a captivating live presence makes them a must-see for any fan of the genre.
Blood, sweat and ferocious pits. That’s what you get with Malevolence, one of the biggest hardcore bands in the UK and possibly the world. Chaotic energy flowing through Newcastle University Students Union created one of the most atmospheric gigs I’ve been to in a long time. With support from the incredible Rough Justice and the phenomenal Pain of truth, this gig was one to be at, and if you missed it… your loss! Sold out from the early release and queued to the door for opening, the energy was electric. Below are a series of photos for you to witness the spectacular energy of this trio of greats. A massive shoutout to Newcastle Students Union and its amazing staff for keeping up with such a crazy night!
Erlendis and Biocentrik were originally supposed to play together late 2023, but due to circumstances that show was cancelled. Come the new year, a new date was announced so we headed over to Lille to witness a few firsts live: Erlendis’ first show in France and Biocentrik’s new form as a one-person project with a strong activist foundation.
Erlendis (icelandic for ‘abroad’) is a Belgian quartet from the french-speaking part of the country performing songs from the North in a whole host of Nordic languages: Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, …
Biocentrik refers to a philosophy centered around all living things and is currently a one-person band. The word band is not an overstatement as the live performance incorporates didgeridoo, accordion, snare drum, drum pad, vocals and what looked to be an overtone flute. All played by the same person. It does make the performer hard to see behind a forest of instruments, though.
The extensive tour of Norwegian veteran Abbath finally passed through Munich. As always, there was a huge turnout to see a black metal project that is interesting even for those who aren’t big fans of the genre. Abbath is much loved in Munich and the audience made their admiration felt, reacting in an effusive and intense way with countless mosh pits throughout the performance. Opening the proceedings were two bands who practice thrash/speed metal, and, as you’d expect, the confusion was immense from start to finish. The Scots Hellripper came on strong and showed what they were made of, hard as steel! And the Americans, Toxic Holocaust entered the stage as if a hurricane was passing through the Backstage, the room simply didn’t stop for a second, with lots of mosh, a huge circle pit and stage diving. It was one of those intense nights that shows how much metal is healthy and alive.
The ‘Glory and the Beast‘ tour brought together three of the most exciting bands in the European power metal scene: Brothers of Metal, Gloryhammer and Beast in Black. The tour enthralled fans throughout Germany with a spectacular blend of epic melodies and high-energy performances.
Opener Brothers of Metal entered the stage early: way before official starting time, so quite a lot of fans may have missed a larger part of their performance.
Preparing the stage for the next act: a cardboard life-size stand of David Hasselhoff and the song ‘Looking for Freedom‘. Gloryhammer, known for their bombastic lyrics about intergalactic adventures and heroic battles, ignited the audience with their characteristic mix of symphonic elements and catchy riffs. Led by frontman Sozos Michael, as Angus McFife II, they took the audience on a journey through their fictitious world of Hoots, Hoots, and Magic. Interlude announcements of the ‘world’s f**king greatest castle’ with reference to their large castle-like stage decoration and the two appearances of a green goblin added to the entertainment.
Then the impressive Asia-themed stage design was uncovered when the Gloryhammer castle was removed. Center of focus was the giant beast-head at the centre of the stage, on top of which the drum-kit was located. Beast in Black, with their captivating blend of power metal and catchy pop elements, delivered an equally impressive show. Frontman Yannis Papadopoulos thrilled with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. The band presented hits from their albums like ‘Dark Connection‘, ‘Berserker‘ and ‘From Hell with Love‘, prompting the audience to sing along and headbang.
The atmosphere at the ‘Glory and the Beast‘ tour was electrifying, with fans of all ages getting lost in the theatrical performances and exhilarating melodies. The concert was an epic celebration of power metal, transporting audiences to a world full of fantasy and adventure.
Overall, this tour gig was an unforgettable experience for all who surrendered to the magic of power-metal and a more than memorable highlight for their fans.
On Monday 29.01.24 TuskaLive and Grey Beard Concerts & Management brought the carnival to town, when the Swedish band Avatar hit the stage of Olympia-Kortteli in Tampere. Their show had not only good old heavy metal, but also magic tricks, balloons (and balloon animals), dance parties and confetti riffles.
Support was provided by the also very sympathetic Æther Realm from the US.
It’s not a secret that Battle Beast is a force to be reckoned with. By now they played many shows all around the globe. But currently, before touring Europe again, they are playing some sold out shows in their home turf in Finland, and we just had to go see them again. For the show in Tampere they also brought along alternative rockers Merta as support, who gave us a pleasant show as well. As usual, Battle Beast‘s performance was full of power and kinda left me wishing I could make it to another show.
A full house in Munich for the home band Tenside, who organised a couple of shows to present their latest album “Come Alive Dying”. Although lead singer Daniel Kuhlmann had a cold and this affected his vocal performance a little, the atmosphere was very good. A wink here, a hello there, they were welcomed home with great empathy and affection by friends, acquaintances, and fans. This new work by the Bavarian quartet is very mature and presents a very up-to-date sound, well-defined and with good tracks that deserve to be played live and on big stages across Europe.
Helping out at the party were the Dutch band For I Am King, a band I personally didn’t know, but who surprised me very positively. Technically well evolved and powerful, the small and frail vocalist Alma left me open-mouthed and made me wonder how such a grotesque sound could come out of such a person, impressive!
Opening the night was the band from Rostock, The Oklahoma Kid , who gave a good performance and should be taken into account, as they show that the future of German metal is in good hands, with talented young people and the will to win.
Well, what can I say…
With three massive names in the metalcore genre on the bill, a beautifully set up venue and the night’s anticipation ahead, there was not much left to be sought after. On Wednesday the 17th of January, Bury Tomorrow, We Came as Romans and Kingdom of Giants stepped foot into one of Newcastle’s local venues to deliver a show that many had been waiting eagerly for.
First on the bill we had the incredible Kingdom of Giants, a band hailing from the sunny Northern California, these guys blew the roof off the place. Forming in and around 2010 these guys provide a beautifully pieced melodic metalcore sound provided by frontman Dana Willax, guitarists Red Martin and Max Bremer, keyboardist Julian Perez and drummer Truman Berlin. The brotherhood of these giants meld perfectly together to create that raw, powerful sound that we know and love. Personally, it was my first time seeing them live, and my only regret was that the set list wasn’t long enough!
Next up we had the famous We Came as Romans, driving in from Detroit, Michigan. If you don’t know about this band, let me fill you in. Founded in around 2005 these guys have been on the road for nearly 20 years, showing that their love for each other and their experience is second to none. With the tragic loss of Kyle Pavone in 2018 the band decided to continue trying to hold their feet firm on the ground, a decision not taken lightly. Thankfully the bond that they have held strong and with Dave Stephens taking over the vocals role, they haven’t lost that special touch that the people know and love. Lou cotton and Joshua Moore on guitars are a match made in heaven, with perfectly balance tones supported by none other than bassist Andy Glass. Drummer David Puckett also knows how to blow out a rib cage or two with bass-fueled double kicks and timed precision to accompany the rest of the band to a knockout show. If you have not witnessed the awe-inspiring intensity of this band yet, what the hell are you waiting for?!
Finally, we have the much anticipated Bury Tomorrow. With the raging screams from the crowd, you don’t really need an introduction, it was time to get in and get the photos taken. Straight on stage and blasting face melting riffs and deep powerful screams, they leave fans in a state of shock. Shock on how a band can roll up on stage and absolutely obliterate the entire venue with music which they have nailed down with over 15 years of experience! Frontman Daniel Winter-Bates never fails to disappoint with vocals that never seem to waver. Supported by the mighty Kristin Dawson and Ed Hartwell on guitars, brother David Winter-Bates on bass, Adam Jackson on drums and Tom Pendergast supplying beautiful symphonic keyboards and cleans which meld beautifully, this band has blown me away every single time I have seen them play. Usually I enjoy being snap bang in the centre of the pits, so I know the savagery and emotion that the band can bring to every show they play.
Covering shows for GRIMM all the way overseas from their headquarters in the US has been really rewarding and in 2023 some of my favorite captures are of bands like Mudvayne, Nonpoint, Drowning Pool, From Ashes To New, Shinedown, Fozzy, Butcher Babies, Sumy Cyco, Black Stone Cherry and Saliva, check my selection out right here:
