Supports: Fejd; Venue: Effenaar, Eindhoven (Netherlands)
By: Martine Goffard
When I wrote the review about the latest album of Saltatio Mortis, Sturm Aufs Paradies, I had commented that such songs would be fantastic once played live. Their frenzied music sounded perfect to party. I wanted to check that myself and went to see them on the road. I am glad to confirm that it exceeded my expectations!
| The gig tonight is in Eindhoven, Effenaar. Around sixty people are waiting in the small hall downstairs. There will be two bands to play tonight: the Swedes from Fejd and the German band Saltatio Mortis. Fejd opens the show. The band from Trollhättan has played for a long time now but their two albums were released these last three years. The two brothers Rimmerfors and their team wear Swedish medieval costumes. The folk band plays on traditional instruments, along with guitars of course and sings exclusively in Swedish. It sounds medieval, like old ballads. We are not going to war against trolls with Fejd, they invite us for a walk in the woods, to hear the rustling of the falling leaves. The themes are related to the nature, the mythical creatures and the diseases. The diversity of the instruments brings a special sound to each song. The clear voice of Patrik Rimmerfors conveys a bewitching charm to these calm Scandinavian melodies. They don’t talk much to the audience, this maintains the atmosphere and the public is very receptive. A bit more than half an hour later, the show ends. It’s time for Saltatio Mortis. |
| I had mentioned that it was far from being over-crowded here. Now, if there is still space to move, the screams of the crowd fill the hall to the top. I don’t know if the two first rows are the official fan club of Saltatio Mortis but they don’t hide their enthusiasm. It’s under hysterical screams that the band comes on stage. The seven guys take their place while Alea, the singer, catchs directly the attention of the audience. With a look between the medieval bard and the manga character, he jumps around and takes ninja poses. And the music starts! The rhythm is wild; the bagpipes deliver their piercing sound. A lot of different instruments here as well: shawm, bouzouki, hurdy gurdy, biniou… though not for contemplation or a walk in the forest. The message is clear, we are here to dance. The audience knows the lyrics and sings along with Alea. The catchy rhythm and the powerful voice of the singer put the spectator’s minds on fire. The energy and sympathy of the band are obvious. They are having fun at playing the best of their repertoire. Now, this is the promo tour of Sturm Aufs Paradies. All the songs of the album will be played, except the heartrending Gott Würfelt Nicht, probably too slow for tonight. During the breaks, Lasterbalk, the drummer, and Alea entertain the public with jokes, some on the new member of the band, the pipe player Luzi das L. The band is right to say that they are playing in their living room. The cosy hall and the close connection with the audience create an intimate atmosphere, like in a private party. With Alea as conductor, the public improvises dance steps, which lead the crowd to dance. Alea will jump from the stage and join them in. Two hours later, it’s an exhausted band that will salute a tireless and not less fantastic audience. |
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