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 THE
SECOND DAY:
02 August 2003 -
INTRODUCTION -
SECRET
SPHERE -
MYSTIC CIRCLE -
GURD
-
END OF GREEN -
WITHIN TEMPTATION
- CIRCLE II CIRCLE
PICS BY: ©Stefan
"Absolut_Evidence" Vogelaar
REVIEW BY
dalia "gryphon_spirit" di giacomo
The public
use of these fotos is strictly prohibited without written
permission
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| INTRODUCTION |
| Sunny
and hot, a blue Italian sky without one single cloud welcomes the
second day of the festival. Pratteln in full week -end and vacation
feeling. A saturday to remember. Today 's bill presents nothing
less than Infinite Dreams, Darkmoon, QL, Ephemera's Party, Secret
Sphere, Mystic Circle, White Skull, Ram, GurD, End of Green, The
Quill, Within Temptation, Circle II Circle, Annihilator and Testament. My targets today are Secret
Sphere, Mystic
Circle, GurD and Circle II Circle, but foto reports
and some words are dedicated to other bands too. let's start!! |
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| SECRET
SPHERE www.secretsphere.com |
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| Singer
Ramon, guitarists Aldo Lonobile and Paco Gianotti, bass player Andy Buratto
, keyboardist Antonio Agate and drummer Luca Cartasegna. Italian names for an
Italian band : yes
Secret Sphere from Nuclear Blast house .Though they have a certain
experience and are rather well known in the Italian scene, sorry I
still don't know them very well (should I?) ,so it's the moment to
discover more of their music and to see how they act on stage.
I am always deeply moved when i can see Italian artists that reach
the international scene. You can bet i'm holding my "first row -
pole position", though the music style doesn't belong
exactly to my chalice of blood, but... let's see. There is also some
good product provided by the so called "melodic power
with symphonic romantic elements with a touch of progressive", it's
surely a question of personal taste, but for me most
of the genre is boring, banal , with vocals i don't like and
however not really my direction of "metal". But for what i 've
already heard from Secret Sphere, i'm enough sure i will listen to
something interesting, good rhythmed and dark enough. I hope this
good feeling will be confirmed.
around 13:00:
punctual on the indoor-stage after a dark-sweet intro, Secret Sphere
give a very positive first impression to everybody. Very far from
looking provincial , my country-fellows appear like a well
coordinated band that can match the expectations of the whole
european audience, from Italy, Spain and France to Holland and
Sweden. With good taste they begin with the fast , heavy
rhythms of the opener Still here. Bare- footed singer Ramon seems
to be confident and very interactive , mobile , nice, with a good voice
that sounds solide and aggressive too, well audible over the
instrumentation. With its attitude à la damned and "Bohemienne"
provides also a certain originality of image . The crowd is
immediately appreciative. The rhythmic section is tight and the lead
guitar is really in shape and melodic . Applauses. " We are Secret
Sphere from Italy. How are you guys?" Approval . Everyone
seems to be fit and anxious for more. "How are you guys?"
"Yeahhh" "Oh yes... you're great!" answers
Ramon. One thing is certain: when an Italian opens mouth in English ,
you understand everything, it doesn't matter how the accent is. Joy for
my ears. while the venue is getting more and more crowded (good sign) we
go on with 1000 Eyes ' Show, always from their new album Scent of
human Desire. Rhythmed again, catchy, enjoyable. Headbangings are not
missed both on the stage and among the crowd . "Everything's all
right guys?" "Yes!!" "I can't hear you!
Everything's is ALL RIGHT?" "YEAHHHHH" and Under
the Flag of Mary Read is announced: dark keys, energetic guitars ,
tempo changings in a progressive speeding up with melodic
insertions.Lead guitar solos are well executed and detailed by Lonobile
and his Ibanez, pity that the above mentioned Lonobile seems to me a bit
"close"? He could be misunderstood for snobbish, anyway
he's got what it takes in order to be a first class guitarist
.
Now it's the turn of
Rain presented by Ramon through a question: "do you want a heavy
song?" No need to ask twice obviously . "this is
...Rain..." dark keys, good guitar riffs, melodic passages are
really embedded in a very heavy frame. The result is involving and
harmonic, and, above all, it gives a taste of metal. Ramon goes on
to act very confident, while those who like Circle II Circle i
presume are all here to value the show. Applauses. Seems that everything
is going successfully.
"Do you like sweet
songs?" the answer doesn't seem too persuasive..."or do you
like only heavy ones?" Dedicated to everybody but in particular to
girls starts now More than simple Emotions, a romantic ballad where a
certain Lacuna Coil influence is clear, or maybe it's simply cause it's
Italian. Whatever the audience likes this band , and me too in some .
"I hope you are not much tired from yesterday!" No problems,
easy! we are ready to listen to Runaway Train!
"Now it's time to say
hello (or goodbye maybe?- whatever, for us ciao is always ciao)
"we are happy to be here at the Metal Dayz! dedicated to all who
came here to see us: Lady of Silence!" wide ranging melodic, high
voice but not unbearable, with some final experimentation . Well
done: nice melodic songs, not boring, fresh, well played, harmonic and
with the necessary heaviness. There is hope for this genre. Ciao !
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me at the signing session |
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below other 2 shots of
Secret Sphere's signing time |
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| MYSTIC
CIRCLE www.mystic-circle.de |
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| 13:55
Second important moment for Black Metal lovers (considering that one of
yesterday with Belphegor). second band in the name of the
"Princeps Tenebrarum" playing in a very diurnal time. On
the outdoor -stage Beelzebub is greeting the crowd, fully repayed. Horns
up, the trio starts off fast , determined , crunchy , rhythmed ,
hypnotic, aggressive on a Black structure. I'm impressed and astounded:
already from the very beginning the band behaves so confidently, in full
shape like a well oiled machine, i saw Mystic Circle last
winter playing with Deicide,and they have played really very good,
straight to the goal, but this time they excel from the start.
Enthusiasm and aggresivity united to a remarkable mobility come out with
such a natural outburst , and the instrumental coordination
appears to be at once top notch. They seem not to suffer from the
heat, moreover their show is not negatively affected by the ruling day
light, on the contrary , the 3 German knights of the Black look
awsome sorrounded by the brightness . Brand new tracks ,
taken for the upcoming Open the gates of Hell, are ridden: Byond the
black Dawn, Satanic Rituals and Awaken by Blood , announced among
the well understandable satisfaction. it seems that Mystic Circle are
following an evolutive path , remaing anyway faithful to the cause: we
have here a mixture of Black and Heavy , with very rhythmed loops and
catchier passages: all this invites much more to the banging. Short
solos are provided by Ezpharess who is right in form like hell, while
vocals are extended to a wider spectrum. Obviously songs of the previous
releases are offered: 666 Mark of the Devil is announced with proud and
sung with brachial attitude. Beelzebub's eyes seem to be animated by
sinister , bright sparkles . With the same proud is announced God is
dead-Satan arise, again from the album Damien. it is sung with angriness,
energy , supported by the applauses of their fans. It follows
Dragonslayer and then King of the Nibelungenhord, both from Drachenblut.
King of the Nibelungenhord sounds crunchy, powered by excellent drums,
mastered perfectly though it's not easy , being not a short song.
It's time to get a breath back with a second intro: an atmospheric
background which will lead us to Hate . "Danke schön!"
Sincere applauses. Another cool moment of this wonderful show is
Medina (Satans Whore) : more than 6 minutes of enthralling relentless
and enjoyable attack. From the moment that Mystic Circle has played in
such exact and brilliant way, the various progresses and
developments of their musical path , from Morgenröte passing
through Great Beast and Damien till the newest one Open the Gates of
Hell, we distinguish the crunchier moments, the heavier , the more
melodic ones, without losing any connection with Black. Amazing! |
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| GURD
www.gurd.net |
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| GurD
will begin their show at 16:45 inside the mythical venue , but
hell, what do you think ? i'm placed since 16:00 under VO Pulver
microphone. After such an excellent show like the one given by Mystic
Circle, we will change genre but not clevernes and enthusiasm: every
GurD gig is for me more than an highlight, it is a living expression of
the metal spirit, it is to attend a gig played by such optimal
professionals that even don't think that have an instrument to play
during a concert, yes they master guitars, bass and drums so much.
If perfection doesn't exist, bands like GurD or Pro-Pain under the
technical point of view are very near to it, in my opinion. And if the
absolute happiness doesn't exist, and for a gothic doom based person
like me an excessive joy would be even shameful, it does exist a
warm friendly partecipation to the spirit of the music: having fun,
being involved together in an authentic wave length of extraordinary
emotion and excitement. I do believe in this , like all the metalheads
that know and appreciate this act. This will be my fourth GurD concert,
everytime a great time. I can imagine that today it will be not
different, on the contrary it should be even better, cause the Z7
will offer a majestic frame and a fit technical support enriched
by pyro effects. Everything well deserved for these giants of
thrash /hardcore that with their album Encounter strike back on the
European scene. New album, new label (Die Hard), successfull activity
for their recording studio (Little Creek) in which "Destruction
themselves" have set foot for their Metal Discharge, leaving behind
the Abyss studios. I'm happy for them, but we at gryphonmetal appreciate
and esteem them for their spirit, fo being so friendly, so near to the
fans, animated by that underground passion that makes you believe that
the authentic metal is still alive, and for being so incredibly good on
stage, for their involving music.
The stage is almost
prepared, bass player Frankie check the microphones and every
time, i mean e-ve-ry holy time i notice how incredibly superlative he is
in setting volume , tone and whatever: just hearing the sound,then a
quick indication -higher- or -lower - and it's done in seconds. He is
simply born as sound technician, i think.
The venue is crowded ,
16:45 Intro , very warmly welcomed by Swiss and not Swiss
metallers, the havy pulsing guitar riffs trigger the first
approvals.Very soon moshing and banging will be "set free". A
pyro effect is launched immediately . The crushing groove thrashy
hardcore rhythms make the crowd sing and jump. The show was
opened with Razorblade from the new album, and goes on with Learn and
finally comes "Rule the fucking Pit!" like VO announces it! It
is a classic track for GurD, a kind of symbol together with Skin up.
Moshing and moshing. VO's vocals are precise and biting. heaviness and
relentles shythm. it's time for What do you live for and A fucking
new War. And then Down the Drain and Control. VO speaks often with his
"Gürdlers", showing again he has likeable qualities of
interactivity . Sorrounded by such massive warmth, he
announces now Control, launches his plectrum , and make his band
proceed like a steamhammer. "We will RESIST!" another hit. the
crowd is totally high, on cloud nine, but the top of the top is reached
with Skin up, which closes the set including a nice pyro effect. Skin up
ends with a progressive braking in slow motion ,almost hyperdoom,
and even more impressive if you consider the previous faster grenades.
It's like a titanic tank that stops slowly and you measure all its
weight. Applauses , applauses and again applauses, approvals . The crowd
calls an encore "Zu-ga-be! Zu-ga-be! Zu-ga-be!" GurD come back
very gladly on the stage, acclaimed. it's now proposed Get up and then
their Kiss cover War Machine! The stage is guesting their previous
singer from Poltergeist if i understand well. Gurd are born on the ashes
of Poltergeist like a natural evolution, but the old soul is not
fogotten , i presume, so VO can look after his guitar exclusively,
letting the micro to the guest. VO, Frankie, Spring and Tschibu have
been excellent like always , again not a single mistake, if not a wrong
start for one of the first songs , blocked immediately, maybe it was a
misunderstanding in the set list,i don't know, but it was a small thing
which has not affected in any way the big success and the quality and
flowing of the concert. I'm really happy if i can say so. Do you have
another adjective for superb? F*ck the adjectives, join a GurD gig and
have FUN!!! |
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| GurD
signing session |
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me between Frankie (on your left) and VO Pulver: you "rule
da stage" guys!
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| END
OF GREEN www.endofgreen.de |
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| After
the exceptional good mood and charge that Gurd gave to me, i don't feel
for the moment like listening to alternative depressed subcore or whatever you want to call it.
Nevertheless End of Green remain intresting to me , so i lend an ear and one eye
to the outdoor stage . Passing
near the stage before, i had the impression that unfortunately
the sound was not set in an optimal way. The hit song Only One is proposed and, even
better,
End of Green prove that, besides rock depressive, they can also shoot
heavier loops in a more resolute metal direction. All in all their music
seems to me more than likeable and enjoyable.
For all who are interetested, here a couple of pics. |
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| WITHIN
TEMPTATION www.within-temptation.com |
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| An
no, no, please no more! My readers know since long that Within
Temptation is nothing for me. Anyway i followed them gladly when they
supported Paradise Lost this spring: 3 days from Switzerland to Italy
when i could realize how nice and able Sharon den Adel is, and how
really good this band works with its romantic world. But no one will
drag me to follow them again today! their fans will understand me
once more , and, from the moment they have really devoted admirers (by
the way i meet again Mike of their Official French Forum, it was
fine to see you again! ) we have not forgotten to gift them with some pics again ,
taken during the gig and during the signing
session. I can add that WT's scenery on the outdoor stage is
simply awsome . |
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| CIRCLE
II CIRCLE www.circle2circle.net |
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| Let's make
immediately one thing clear: i don't like that much Savatage, i saw them
once in Wien in february 2002, if i remember well, and i appreciated the
show, i listen to some of their songs from time to time , but nothing
more cause i don't care about, though deeply respecting Mr Jon Oliva's
career and work. Consequently ..yes, right! i'm not very thrilled
about Circle II Circle concept. Volumes have been written on this
subject: "..after having been a member of Savatage for many years
bla bla , bla bla, and then being out of the music scene bla bla
bla bla Zak Stevens is back with a new band of his own, like a kinda
osmosis and help from the old circle of friends (see Savatage) and the
new one (see this new band), bla bla . Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery
have given a big contribution to song -writing and production bla bla
bla bla. Due to his glorious past, Zak and new band Circle II Circle (why
not Savatage 2 Savatage , tout court? ) deliver only one CD but tons of
fame , opportunities and chances, many fans , or at least, many
who are enormously interested. I will try to look at them like a new
entity and not like a Savatage's rib. Difficult task , from the fact
that in the setlist many songs of the Savatage era are included, like
Turns to me and Follow me, if i have heard well, being this an even more
difficult undertaking. : i am near the huge speakers of the indoor stage
, well it happens, i hold a similar place also when brutal and extremely
aggressive Death metal bands lauch their attacks and i have no problems,
i don't use ear plugs. But damnation if it is unbearable now . Since
when the band took the stage at 21:10 i had a terrifying ear pain
listening to their high tuned instruments, in particular the lead solos
were a torture. A torture for me!! that i shoot in my ear decibels and
decibels! Therefore to enjoy songs and to listen to the words (especially
for a not fan) was difficult and annoying from my position. I damn hate
when i must use my ear plugs: it is a sign for me, that the sound is set
in order to suck bollox or that the band doesn't play well. In this case,
i honestly would exclude however this last option, from the moment that
i firmly believe that behind , in the last part of the venue, the effect
might be strong and very good. Moreover the band has able artists.
Circle II Circle can result roaring, mighty , heavy and clear there ,
near to door , or to the food tent, but sorry, there are also the first
rows, usually full with die hard fans. A young man near to me, who
was singing along all the concert, headbanging like hell, complained a
kind of tinnitus when the gig was over. I can believe it! Anyway
let's go back to music in itself and stage acting. All in all Circle II
Circle are not that bad: the mobility of the band is very good, Zak
sings with passion and care, one can see that there is preparation and
hope behind the curtains of this project. The crowd liked the gig a lot
(sorry but for the above mentioned reasons , please keep me out from the
general enthusiasm) . It seems to me that Zak feels the importance of
this venue and of this audience, so he is not very relaxed, but he
really tries his best. The style is so much ballad-esque, placed
in a solide melodic power prog frame. In one word: those good heavy
rock/metal songs that let you dream. The setlist presented a lot of
songs taken obviously by the album Watching in Silence. The
romanticism in these tracks is nice, i like the piano intros or outros ,
the timbre of the voice, and in general all the short moments when the
lead sound was silent . I was anyway surprised in enjoying really very
much three songs: Face to Face , Sea of White and Fields of Sorrow..
Face to Face in particular is awsome, you could say is the more
commercial track, but whatever. "...time to hate you, i
forsake you,but i could never replace you..." eh yes, sweet ,
melancholic , balladesque with a touch of heaviness you will not resist
this song, and its lyrics too. The concerts ends with a Metallica
"cover": cannot believe ! Circle II Circle play Sanitarium.
I'm astonished. And Sanitarium goes straight under the skin of everybody,
those who are near the entrance not giving a flying f*ck to the gig
included. Laudato si, oh thou Saint Metallica |
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written
by dalia di
giacomo 08.07.2003
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