The event took place on two levels. On the one hand in the “Foyer” (with free admission) and upstairs in the “Saal”. It was planned in such a way that theoretically there should not have been a minute of silence. Immediately after the last note of each band, the next one started. It didn't quite work out with the last band. Due to the strikes in Amsterdam and the resulting cancellations and delays, Asphyx arrived in Aarau only shortly before the show started. But they arrived - and it was awesome.

But from the beginning. It seemed like the fans didn't want to miss a second. The foyer was already quite full .

Contorsion from Central Switzerland started the evening with their driving Thrash Metal. The experienced musicians around front man Marc didn't need much time to raise the temperature in the “Foyer”.

Fleshcrawl then opened the evening in the "Saal". The German death metal institution entered the stage and played like there was no tomorrow. After the death of their long-time singer Sven due to cancer, it was uncertain whether they would continue. But almost a year ago, the new singer Borisz was introduced and the band continued. And - what a killer set from the German veterans.

Back in the foyer. Total Annihilation plays once again with substitute guitarist Jonas von Comaniac one week after their appearance at the MehSuff Festival, as regular guitarist Schmidle is still recovering.  But that didn't detract from the Basel band's performance. Just like the week before, a tireless thrash attack rolled over the fans. It was over much too quickly.

Then back up into the “Saal”. One of the longest-serving metal bands from Switzerland is on. Messiah enter the stage with their new shouter Marcus and with a lot of fun. The crowd was waiting for them and Messiah delivered. Of course, their now two-year-old album 'Fracmont' was represented with a few songs. But classics like "Space Invaders" and "Extreme Cold Weather" were also on the bill. Conclusion after an hour of Messiah: it was great once again!

Now for the last band in the foyer: Hellvetica!!! It was practically a home game for the Aargauers. Damn, does this singer have power. Roman doesn't stand still for a second and has the audience in his grip. During the first song already the first circle pit (which made it a bit difficult for me to take photos...). Unbelievable the energy that developed in the audience. "Thrash with attitude" is their motto. Hell yeah!

Finally, the Dutch veterans Asphyx with singer Martin van Drunen, bassist Alwin Zuur, Paul Baayens on guitar and Stefan Hüskens on drums. When the audience would have been ready, the sound check was still in progress. As mentioned, the guys had only arrived shortly before their performance. But so the tension rose all the more. Then it started and the Dutch death roller took no prisoners. After 35 years in the business, they don't let themselves get rattled by a short arrival. Apshyx had the Kiff under control and the fans were grateful. Hammer.

Conclusion of the evening: from start to finish just awesome!

Thanks Kiff, thanks Metal Mayhem and above all thanks to Contorsion, Fleshcrawl, Total Annihilation, Messiah, Hellvetica and Asphyx!!!

Live review by Daroc

RUNNING ORDER and SETLISTS

19:00-19:30 CONTORSION -> Foyer

19:30-20:15 FLESHCRAWL -> Saal

20:15-20:45 TOTAL ANNIHILATION -> Foyer

20:45-21:45 MESSIAH -> Saal

21:45-22:15 HELLVETICA -> Foyer

22:15-23:15 ASPHYX -> Saal

PHOTO GALLERIES  by Daroc