Bands: Týr, Hollenthon, Alestorm, Svartsot and Gwydion; Venue: LuxorLive, Arnhem (Netherlands)
By: Elvira Visser
There are people out there who say that you should never visit another gig of the same band on their tour because to them it is boring if they hear the same set. (that is, if the band plays the exact same set). My own personal experience is that even though you might know the order of the songs things are always different. And mainly the atmosphere is contributing to that. The band on stage can create another feel to the gig but also the people that are standing around you. And tonight this was certainly the case. To me it was different from the Belgium gig, maybe because I actually saw the first two bands but the audience was different as well. I think, and that is just a thought, that in Belgium the people really came to see the bands, but here in Arnhem I think a lot of people also came to drink some beers with friends, still with an interest in the bands though.
| The first band was “Gwydion”. Last time I only saw a minute of their show. Today I saw it all. The band comes from Portugal but the guys are influenced by the myths, legends and culture from the north. They play melodic black metal with folk influences, I also hear some Celtic music in the background. I was not too fond of the band. I missed a little structure I guess, had the feeling that sometimes there was a lot happening as well in the music as on stage. Maybe a bit chaotic, maybe due to the fact that it was the last day of the tour. |
| Second up was “Svartsot” from Denmark. In Belgium I had only seen the last two or three songs and wanted to see them this evening because what I heard was pretty nice. They did not let me down. They really know how to capture the folk elements and use whistle melodies which create that real folk sound, but besides the folk influence they know how to burst out in good old metal. This tour their whistles and bodhran player had to go home. Although when listening to their music this does play an important part, I did not miss it on stage. This band definitely brought a good vibe on stage and in the venue. |
| After Svartsot it was not difficult for the guys from “Alestorm” to continue the drinking party. I saw many people gathering around me closer to the stage with beers in their hand and some even dressed as pirates. I think most people came to see Alestorm, and their songs and music are very entertaining. Songs about the pirate life, think about Blackbeard and rum and drunken men. The music subgenre is to me, a mixture of Korpiklaani and pirates. And it seems very contagious. When you hear the lyrics you just have to shout along just like everyone around you and turn it into one big party. |
| After that party it was time for “Hollenthon” (CD review)and some more serious metal. Introducing the classical side of the epic theme. Hollenthon is some pure metal with orchestral and symphonic elements. From the moment that Hollenthon entered the stage, a lot happened in front of it. People were waiting but not sure what to expect, as I heard some people discussing tonight’s bands. It took not long for the guys around me to enjoy it and build a pit. Hollenthon stood there on stage again with a lot of energy, great tempo in their tracks and the raw voice of Martin Schirenc, showing the people what metal is. “Opus Magnum” which is their latest album, means in Latin: great work. And they delivered a great performance. |
| The night would end with “Týr”(CD review), a band from the Faroe Islands that plays metal with traditional melodies based upon legends and mythologies. Tonight was the third time for me to see this band and I am still impressed by their music. It is not only the different guitar solo’s but it is the whole sound of them that keeps me amazed. The combination of the languages and melodies with metal, it is maybe more pure and calm but something that sounds pretty good. Heri’s vocals, singing in Norse or Faroese, just captures the audience and Gunnar finishes it off on bass. For some people in the audience they were too calm, especially after Hollenthon. Not everyone shared that opinion and it was still pretty crowded in front of the stage. Not far before Týr would play the last notes of this tour they invited some musicians from the other bands on stage. It all seemed like a big party and that definitely goes for this evening. |
More pictures of this gig available at photographicretentions.nl
Links:
Gwydion MySpace
Svartsot MySpace
Alestorm MySpace
Hollenthon MySpace
Tyr MySpace
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