Showcase and live video recording
Location: Boerderij, Zoetermeer
To grow as a person, you have to often be willing to step outside your comfort zone and try to see things from a positive perspective. The idea of covering a symphonic metal event as a journalist initially freaked me out, but after a moment’s thought, I decided it was a good idea.
Abstracted Mind
In the past (even if decades have passed), I often listened to bands like Nightwish, After Forever, and Within Temptation, so I figured that my emotional connection to that music would help my brain get used to the sound again.
And that’s exactly what happened! After I arrived at Boerderij in Zoetermeer for the first time and the door opened, we were greeted by the gracious Shirley, who later presented the event and got the audience in just the right mood so that the video shoot would turn out as well as possible. Being herself a singer, she nicely sang Happy Birthday to one of the guests, making the atmosphere even more welcoming.
Oh, I forgot to mention that we gathered there to help Abstracted Mind create a live music video. Members of the media and friends of the band were invited to take part in a private mini-live show, which would be filmed to serve as footage for a music video.
The four-piece band took their places on stage and played five songs for us from their upcoming new album, *Break Down Your Fears*. First off, compared to the material I was able to find online, the new album is going to be significantly better technically, in terms of songwriting, and certainly in terms of production.
What I saw on stage was a tight-knit and highly polished band, in every detail and every movement, and the sound they produced was particularly appealing, even to someone unfamiliar with the genre.
The guitars are quite heavy, the songs are arranged in the traditional, pompous style, Juli Hope’s voice is beautiful and unpretentious, while her theatrical performance perfectly complements the atmosphere a viewer needs to have a great time. Another positive aspect for me personally is Yamil Ladner’s raw vocals, which created a beautiful contrast during the few moments they appeared. In addition to his growling, Yamil is geared up with an 8-string guitar that allows him to have a wider sound that sounds somehow positively overwhelming.
Furthermore, I really admire bassists who play with their fingers, and Rutger Klijn of Epinikion uses them exceptionally well; he blends perfectly with Eva Levina’s drumming, consistently setting a wonderful tempo for your head to move along to.
Between songs, there was a break during which we got a sneak peek at their new music video for “Shattered Mirror,” which will be officially released soon.
Abstracted Mind is a well-oiled machine and have all the elements they need to succeed and win over more listeners. I had such a great time that I’ll definitely listen to their new album when it comes out, and maybe even dare to give symphonic metal another try. My brain seems to still take in the sound without any objections. Good luck, Abstracted Mind!
