Location: Gashouder, Maastricht (Netherlands)
Today is the day, South of Heaven has their first edition and we have been eagerly waiting for it. Located in Maastricht, the south of The Netherlands the festival attracts people from Germany and Belgium as well as the Dutch.
Baest
Opener of this South of Heaven day was Baest. Hailing from Denmark, Baest is a death metal band known for their raw and aggressive sound. Formed in 2015, they quickly gained attention with their intense performances and heavy riffs. Their latest album, Necro Sapiens (2021), showcases their evolution, blending classic death metal elements with modern influences. Baest’s music is characterized by guttural vocals, intricate guitar work, and relentless drumming, making them a formidable force in the European metal scene. Their early slot at the festival promises to energize the crowd with their ferocious style. They certainly lived up to the expectations of having an explosive start. the field started a bit empty for them as the festival opened only 15 minutes before their set, which the band commented on, but it surely showed that their dedicated fans showed up early and had enough energy to start the headbanging. A nice start of the day!
Angelus Apatrida
Spanish thrash metal outfit Angelus Apatrida has been delivering high-octane music since 2000. Known for their tight rhythms and politically charged lyrics, they’ve carved a niche in the global thrash scene. Their 2021 album, Angelus Apatrida, received critical acclaim for its blend of classic thrash elements with a contemporary edge. With a reputation for electrifying live performances, Angelus Apatrida is set to bring their intense energy to the festival stage, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees. It did not take the band too long to live up to this experience. Starting with the track “One of Us” they have the audience on their hands fast! Vocalist Guillermo jumps out for his dynamic range. This makes that the songs are diverse and have a depth that not all bands can provide in this genre. But maybe most interesting of this fact is that it never outshines the rest. The band keeps everything balanced and therefore provide us with a solid set here today. No wonder the band is growing to be one of those names we’ll see in the headliners in a couple of years.
Legion of the Damned
Originating from the Netherlands, Legion of the Damned has been a staple in the thrash and death metal scenes since 2005. Their music is characterized by blistering guitar solos, rapid drumming, and dark, apocalyptic themes. Their 2020 album, Slaves of the Shadow Realm, continues their tradition of delivering high-speed, aggressive metal. With their Dutch roots, Legion of the Damned brings a Dutch flavor to the international lineup. The band had some issues with the sound, resulting in the audience having to listen to over 10 minutes of drum soundcheck and a large delay in the start of their set. They did not bother to cut it short though, which means this had to be made up later during the day.
After their false start here at South of Heaven, they had it going and since the Dutch have been quite known with this formation, it is no surprise to see the audience getting along with it easily. Were the audience as wild as with other acts? No, that was not the case, but the guys at least get some movement starting.
Some less-played songs are on their setlist so they have brought some surprises in that sense at least.
Midnight
Midnight, hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, is renowned for their raw, punk-infused black metal sound. Formed in 2003, they’ve been a significant influence in the underground metal scene. Their 2020 album, Rebirth by Blasphemy, exemplifies their relentless energy and commitment to their craft. With a reputation for chaotic live shows, Midnight’s performance is was a showcase of high-energy performances where the band seems to live their music right there in front of you on the stage. from left to right the band takes over the stage. With album “Steel, Rust and Disgust” being released less than 2 weeks on the market, something new to show was there, but some good old material was there as well. The rage at the end of their set resulted in some rough threatment of the bass and some flying souvenirs of that.
Mega respect for the band for cutting their set short due to the delay caused by Legion of the Damned. They explained their fans that they love the lineup and do not wish bands like Dark Angel, Soulfly etc having to cut their set.
Unfortunately it meant a bit less of Midnight for South of Heaven, but what we saw was amongst our favorites of the day. Karma points for them also!
Sacred Reich
Sacred Reich, formed in 1985 in Phoenix, Arizona, is a Thrash metal band known for their socially conscious lyrics and energetic performances. Their 2019 album, Awakening, marked their return after a long hiatus, showcasing their enduring passion for the genre. With a legacy that spans decades, Sacred Reich’s performance is a testament to the timeless appeal of thrash metal and their commitment to delivering powerful messages. Today we saw a band that came with a lot of joy onto the stage. Both Awakening and The American Way were covered decently in their setist, which gives an interesting perspective as the albums are almost 30 years apart. Yet it seems like Sacred Reich has brought it all in one line, suitable for their oldest fans as well as those who discovered them more recently. Absolute killer Surf Nicaragua could not miss from their set and as they closed their set with it, they left the audience satisfied. Any surprises at this South of Heaven show? No. But simply conforming expectations.
Soulfly
Soulfly, led by former Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera, was formed in 1997. The band blends elements of thrash, groove metal, and world music, creating a unique sound that has resonated with fans worldwide. Their latest album, Totem(2022), continues this tradition, featuring collaborations with various artists and showcasing their musical versatility. Soulfly’s performance is anticipated to be a dynamic fusion of heavy riffs and diverse influences, reflecting their rich musical journey. It felt like at the point their set started the entire field was watching, a band that drew all attention so to say and Max and his bandmates certainly did not disappoint. In good mood they brought an energetic set where tracks like “Tribe” and “Jumpdafuckup” are getting the audience go crazy and indeed… jump. Yet somehow we get the feeling that the band had even more to give, but left it a calmer pace. More than enough, but what more could have been?
Dark Angel
Dark Angel, formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, is a pioneering thrash metal band known for their complex compositions and technical prowess. Their 1986 album, Darkness Descends, is considered a classic in the thrash genre, influencing countless bands that followed. After a hiatus, they reunited in 2013 and have been performing select shows. Their appearance at the festival is a treat for fans, promising a set filled with intricate riffs and a nod to thrash metal’s golden era. The formation has a somewhat calmer approach to their performance than for example a band like Soulfly. They start by playing “Time Does Not Heal” which the audience seem to appreciate and it does not take long for their vocalist to claim his spot close to the audience. On the speakers and even getting off the stage to meet the frontrow up close.
But for the fans who do not divert their attention to that there is a more to see ont he stage. Sometimes the rest of the band falls out of the spotlight but some kickass riffing is surely an entertainment to see as well. Taking in the big picture may be more challenging with this band, but when you got it, it was a pretty one!
Channel Zero
Belgium’s Channel Zero has been a prominent figure in the groove metal scene since 1990. Known for their heavy riffs and dynamic vocals, they have maintained a strong presence in the European metal circuit. Their 2020 album, Kill All Kings, showcases their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Channel Zero’s performance is expected to deliver a powerful set that resonates with both long-time fans as the band is currently wrapping up their existence. A farewell tour is ongoing so it may be the last time to see them on Dutch soil. The band has it all planned out. Today the guys are still having some fun though, each bandmember showing to have fun being on stage and perform for the fans, giving it an easy flow. What stands out is the way they interact with their audience, somehow a bit more personal than the bigger bands on the bill here and yet suitable for the size of the festival. Hopefully they cross our path at least once more before that final show takes place.
Hatebreed
Hatebreed, hailing from Connecticut, USA, is a band that seamlessly blends hardcore punk and metal, creating anthems of resilience and defiance. Formed in 1994, they’ve been a driving force in the hardcore scene. Their 2020 album, Weight of the False Self, continues their tradition of delivering aggressive, high-energy music with empowering messages. Hatebreed’s performance is a wild experience, energizing the crowd with their relentless sound and motivating lyrics. Opener “I Will Be Heard” is bringing exactly what one hopes for when seeing Hatebreed, an explosion of energy and the band has some pyro’s to heat it up even more. Some talk of appreciation comes in between and vocalist Jamey introduces the Hatebreed Balls of Death to South of Heaven crowd. Two giant inflateable balls are rolled over the stage and bounced over the audience, an interesting change from the tiny beachballs we have seen around the festival before today.
Headliner-worthy show of these Americans, and we had not expected any different.
Accept
German heavy metal legends Accept have been a cornerstone of the genre since 1976. Known for their powerful riffs and distinctive vocals, they’ve influenced generations of metal bands. Their 2021 album, Too Mean to Die, showcases their enduring relevance and commitment to their craft. Accept’s performance is expected to be a masterclass in traditional heavy metal, delivering classic hits alongside new material that demonstrates their continued vitality in the metal scene. They are headlining the mainstage today and with a colorful appearance the band is not to be missed. Tracks like “Metal Heart” and “Straight Up Jack” are setting things in motion and while the weathergods pour down one more bucket of rain onto the audience the band does not see people leaving, having a dedicated fanbase in front of them.
Of course the set ended with “Balls To The Wall” leaving Maastricht satisfied.
Wolfbrigade
Swedish hardcore punk icons Wolfbrigade, formerly known as Wolfpack, formed in 1995 in Mariestad. They are renowned for their fusion of crust punk, d-beat, and Swedish death metal influences. Their latest album, Life Knife Death, released in September 2024 via Metal Blade Records, features tracks like “Ways To Die” and “Your God Is A Corpse,” showcasing their raw energy and refined sound. With nearly three decades of experience, Wolfbrigade’s performance promises to be a high-octane display of punk aggression and musical prowess. The formation played in de venue Muziekgieterij, creating an South of Heaven afterparty show vibe. In the beginning the venue was rather empty as Accept had only finished a few minutes before. People were walking towards the venue and soon it was a bit more filled. The aggressive sound of these guys sparked some intens moshing in the visitors, sometimes looking more than some bodycheck type of action rather than a mosh. The beer has been flowing well as it seems. All remained in good atmosphere and it did not get too ugly, the band simply kept their attention and let their energy out.
Mass Deception
Mass Deception, formed in 2015 in the Netherlands, is a death/thrash metal band known for their intricate compositions and powerful performances. Their debut album, Revelations (2016), was followed by Redemptions (2019), continuing their thematic trilogy. In 2022, they released the EP Halls of Amenti, serving as a prelude to their upcoming album, Resurrections, which is currently in progress. With a new vocalist, John Klaus, joining in 2024, Mass Deception is set to deliver an intense and dynamic performance, showcasing their evolution and commitment to the metal scene. For logistic reasons we were not able to attend the whole set, nor the bands that played after at South of Heaven ‘s afterparty show, so therefore just some photo’s to enjoy.
