05-10-2007 Morrigan

Supports: Solitaire, Razor of Occam; venue: yo-talo, Tampere (Finland)
By: Sabine van Gameren

Hellbangers Tampere was bringing some heavy stuff tonight. Three bands playing. Solitaire (Fin), Razor of occam (AUS) and Morrigan(GER). Solitaire was the first to enter the stage. Their music is typical 80’s speed metal. Vocalist/guitarist Riku started the band in 1995 and since that year there were quite some line up changes. The total appearance of the band and especially Riku brings the meaning of their music to the audience as it is a fact. It is clear that they gathered quite some fans since the audience seems to know them already. A good response is what they get back as reward on their energetic performance. Most of the time I had to think of a cross of Metallica and Slayer. A few big names everyone has heard of to make you understand what this band is about. When they wanted to leave the stage, a fan grabs the microphone and start shouting for more. “Speedmetal! Speedmetal!” That is what I heard. Of course we got some more, but after that is was really finished.

Next band was Razor of Occam. Very nice arranged black metal. The band exists since 1998 and released a demo and two EP’s. Now they are in Finland to play for us at the Hellbangers night. What took most of my attention was the vocalist. He knows how to make various tones with the voice which make it interesting to listen. Unfortunately there is little less to see on stage. So better sit down and watch it from a distance. Then again, if seeing too much of the same makes it a little bit boring. I decided to walk away for a while. Too bad that they did not keep my interest, because they started very nice.

Last band was Morrigan. Maybe I should not call this a band. Only a drummer and a vocalist which also plays guitar. I felt a little sorry for him that he has to play there alone on the (not incredibly big, but not that small either) stage with only the drummer in the back of him. Black metal is what he gives me, but this really bored me. It was quite slow music and maybe it suppose to be about the lyrics, but all around me I saw people were holding back in their enthusiasm. A few guys which already had that much alcohol that they had problems with standing up straight seem to enjoy it, but the rest of the venue looks quite static. What a difference compared with the first bands. I don’t think I would like to see this band again. A waste of money, since there is way more better music in this genre.