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WOA
Aug 25, 2007 8:33:08 GMT
Post by lawlessgrandma on Aug 25, 2007 8:33:08 GMT
Well, aaaahhhhh, Grandma is back from the grave and indeed enjoyed the lil' diary of the Blade. First of all I have to state that I was fully satisfied with this year's festival. We were very, very lucky with the weather. On Tuesday the festival was almost cancelled. The rumors say that it was 7 to 4 votes of the mainmen to make it happen. Thanx to them. It was a great pleasure and honour for me to hook up with Mjolnir and Blade once again although we did not spent that much time together as our band preferences were slightly different. Never mind. We saw Saxon, Sodom, Overkill and the Kai together; all highlights of the weekend. The Helloween-Fest and Overkill, along with Sacred Reich made the greatest impact on me. To hear 'Heavy Meatal is the Law' (remember the prophecy?) was THE moment. The Overkill show was highly energetic 'cause on Thursday all the people still had the power to trash the whole place down. So rotten. Surfin-Party in the sun with a cocktail in my right hand and water in my left .... holidays. In the second row, and that means still excellent, stand the gigs of Dimension Zero, Heaven Shall Burn (check out the footage on the Wacken page; I never saw something like this running shit before;), Sodom (Outbreak of Evil), Dimmu Borgir (the place really exploded, all the 70 000, when they played 'Mourning Palace') and, yes, Iced Earth. They convinced me with a pure fuckin' Metal show. 'Pure Evil'! So many memories and anecdotes more to telll. E.g.: Blade's 'Masskrug' of piss! That one was delivered to a lil' guy from Duisburg on Sunday. Ha! More later...
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WOA
Sept 2, 2007 15:14:45 GMT
Post by lawlessgrandma on Sept 2, 2007 15:14:45 GMT
I think everybody knows that COB and Sonata Arctica were put on the billing some weeks ago. COB never convinced me with their live-performance, but I like some of their albums: blue and green. The cover of 'Hellion' rules. Wasn't Mjolnir into Sonata? Not my kind of music. This year many wishes got fullfilled. Espescially the setlists of Sodom, Overkill, Sacred Reich and even Saxon (as far as I remember) were nearly perfect. This reminds me of our wishlist for next year, on which is written: RAINBOW and HELLOWEEN. I put with RUNNING WILD another name on it, due to the fact that I am a big fan since I was 14 years old. I only saw them one time. On their 'Victory-Tour' and the gig was much too short. An imaginary, fan-friendly RW-set should look like follows: Riding the Storm Port Royal Diabolic Force The Rivalry Running Blood Raise your Fist Little Big Horn Freewind Rider Raging Fire Masquerade Black Hand Inn The Hussar White Masque Victim of States Power Chains and Leather Calico Jack
Under Jolly Roger The Privateer Bad to the Bone
We'll see if Rolf appears...
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WOA
Sept 2, 2007 20:36:42 GMT
Post by MetalBlade on Sept 2, 2007 20:36:42 GMT
Right, there is currently only ONE band I would like to see confirmed for W:O:A 2008, and my 2007 wrist band is staying on until I do eventually see them, be it Wacken or elsewhere. That band is MANOWAR!
I am determined to see manowar in the next 12 months, as I believe the next year will be the most important in the band's career, and I forsee a massive show of respect from the many naysayers of the last 25 years.
I've always been a Manowar fan, defending their image and lyrical content to the point of harsh words being said. However, since hearing their new opus Gods Of War, and coming to terms with it eventually after about half a dozen listens, I feel Manowar are now relevant in today's metal scene. It's hard to explain why, but I think a large part is because now, a quarter of a century after their debut, the band have proved every doubter wrong by sticking to the tried and tested formula of true metal. Finally the band are being seen as legitimate and not some cheesy gimmick band with their heads in the clouds and their egos in their wolfskin underpants.
They are more than that.
I challenge anyone to listen to Master Of The Wind or The Crown And The King and not feel some emotional connection, or find some relevance in the lyrics. Two fucking amazing songs by a fucking amazing band. And just you try standing there resisting the urge to thrust your fist into the air to the chorus of Warriors Of The World Unite.
Like I said, the time and current metal climate just seems so right for Manowar to dominate. Think about it, 3 Inches Of Blood, Amon Amarth and a host of other Scandinavian bands who have broken through in recent years owe a MASSIVE debt of gratitude to THE BAND WHO WILL NOT DIE.
If W:O:A don't book Manowar for next year's festival, they will miss a massive opportunity to put on the strongest bill ever seen at a festival. Judging by the sheer amount of shirts witnessed at this year's show, Manowar are seemingly the most popular band in Europe at the moment.
My wish list for W:O:A 2008 would closely resemble this...
Thursday True Metal Stage ... RAINBOW & DIO - A Night To Remember Black Stage ... MERCYFUL FATE & KING DIAMOND - Another Night To Remember Party Stage ... DOWN W.E.T Stage ... 3 INCHES OF BLOOD
Friday True Metal Stage ... ANNIHILATOR ... JUDAS PRIEST (Priest WOULD play under Maiden) ... IRON MAIDEN Black Stage ... CORONER (I beg thee) ... KREATOR ... SEPULTURA Reunion with The Cavs (it WILL happen) Party Stage ... GWAR ... CARCASS W.E.T Stage ... MELECHESH (check them out - they are amazing) ... MACABRE
Saturday True Metal Stage ... DEATH ANGEL ... EXODUS ... MANOWAR Black Stage ... SATYRICON ... NILE ... VENOM - Cronos. Abaddon. Mantas - original lineup Party Stage ... STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH ... TANKARD W.E.T Stage ... VOIVOD ... VADER (they need to escape from The Room)
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WOA
Nov 2, 2007 21:45:21 GMT
Post by lawlessgrandma on Nov 2, 2007 21:45:21 GMT
The last three new bands on the billing will give me some space for beerdrinking: Excrementory, Krypteria and Crematory; however Lord Belial should be worth watching. Saw them three years ago at Partysan-Festival. Kinda Doom-Death. Mix 'Blessed Are The Sick' with early St. Vitus and you get Lord Belia's sound. By the way, the name rules. And not to forget the At The Gates reunion. I always loved the Slaughter of the Soul material. Could be fun...
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WOA
Nov 3, 2007 2:43:55 GMT
Post by MetalBlade on Nov 3, 2007 2:43:55 GMT
It's all about Carcass for me mate. I foretold it, and it will come to be.
Plus, I'm thinking seriously about going to the Magic Circle Festival, three weeks prior to Wacken. But how the fuck do I get to Bad Arolsen? The nearest city is Dortmund I believe, which is almost 100km away...
Manowar are playing their first SIX albums in their entirety over two nights.
Back to Wacken though, and At The Gates is indeed a sweet deal for me. I like The Haunted a lot, but At The Gates is where it's at. And it looks like we may see Forbidden in there also. They are plying their trade throughout the Euro festivals next year, so the chances are good.
People talk a lot of trash about reformations, but I am all for it. It's what the fans want, and after all, why play music in the first place? To entertain other people and feel good about yourself, which is exactly what I believe the recent reunions are accomplishing.
People say we are living in the past, but I say nay, we are celebrating the past. We are not afraid of the future, we simply choose to wait and see what the future brings, but not at the expense of neglecting the past. But... I ramble on.
I already booked my flight to Hamburg - a mere £45 from Manc. The actual flight only cost one pound each way, but with fuel surcharges and taxes etc, it became £45. Hell, I regularly spend twice that amount on a good night out on the pop, so as they say in Istanbul - "bargain - much cheapness!"
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WOA
Nov 3, 2007 14:20:32 GMT
Post by lawlessgrandma on Nov 3, 2007 14:20:32 GMT
Ha, ha. Bargain indeed is cheapness. Galatasaray or Besiktas?? And yeah, you're so damn right in saying that we celebrate the past and in doing so we carry it right into the present. Of course there is a difference in having seen e.g. Testament in the eighties and seeing them today. It is a different vibe nowadays, but the cent stays on and drops something of it in present shows. But the song remains the same. Just take Sabbath (Dio-version): I do not really care that Ronnie looks more granny than ol' grandma herself. He still means heaven or hell. Entertainment! A keyword. Remember Rind's constant smile during the show? This is what I mean. Magic Circle: Believe it or not I am carrying that thought with me, too. A unique chance. Plus the cheap prices. Sounds very good to me. However I will wait until all the billings are reveiled, as I am planning to trip to Swedenrock as well. Could be Van Halen and Ciderella this year. I also heard rumors that Bobby Blitz tries to put together a 3-piece with Testament and Agent Steel. And last, but definetely not least I bought 'Give Me Your Soul ... Please. Vinyl. Picture shape. I believe the first six songs even top 'The Puppet Master'. King kills you with the hooks and La Roque is God anyway.
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WOA
Jan 15, 2008 14:41:10 GMT
Post by MetalBlade on Jan 15, 2008 14:41:10 GMT
EXODUS just got confirmed. SWEEEEET!
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WOA
Jan 19, 2008 19:52:21 GMT
Post by dittohead on Jan 19, 2008 19:52:21 GMT
Sweet indeed - but have you seen the Hellfest lineup? - good god its enough to make you want to spend an weekend in the country who see surrender as a first option!
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WOA
Jan 30, 2008 21:01:55 GMT
Post by lawlessgrandma on Jan 30, 2008 21:01:55 GMT
UUUUUaaargh, believe it or not, but I had to suffer a 3-month computer-breakdown. I only was able to receive some news when I got to a PC at the university. Holy shit, but Exodus means good news, also As I Lay Dying and Destructor, but on the whole I am a lil' disappointed with the billing so far, all the highlights have been announced very early - Carcass, At The Gates, Maiden, Avantasia. Read the rumors that Kiss are planning some European shows? In three weeks I am heading out to see Hanoi Rocks and a few days later OVERKILL as a headliner along with the superb Drone. I also will go to the Headbanger's OpenAir which is taking place in Itzehoe ONE WEEK BEFORE Wacken. So I will stay a lil' longer in the north this year to see the likes of Sweat Savage, Axehammer, Amulance, Rebellion, WILD DOGS, Paradox and many other forgotten heroes. This festival is always dedicated to the underground. Looking forward to it.
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WOA
Jan 31, 2008 1:15:05 GMT
Post by MetalBlade on Jan 31, 2008 1:15:05 GMT
Paradox? I remember them. They were awesome!
Some big names yet to be confirmed for Wacken, but I expect at least one of the following to be announced shortly. FORBIDDEN (currently being confirmed for every other festival) JUDAS PRIEST (see above) CAGE (with a white-hot new album, they are on a high) ONSLAUGHT (riding high on the back of superb reformation shows and a great new album) TESTAMENT (putting the finishing touches to the new album, and will be eager to get back out on the road in the summer) MELECHESH (experienced disappointment at the cancellation of last year's shows with Kataklysm, Keep Of Kalessin and Marduk, so they are eager to play some major shows) KATAKLYSM (who should have been supporting Behemoth next week, but meh...) ICED EARTH (maybe two years on the trot is rare, but with Barlow returning to the fold, who knows?) HELLOWEEN (currently on tour with Gamma Ray, so the nostalgia factor will be very high on the agenda) NAGLFAR (it's been too long since they graced the Black Stage)
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WOA
Feb 2, 2008 21:19:03 GMT
Post by lawlessgrandma on Feb 2, 2008 21:19:03 GMT
I agree on Kataklysm (lost my focus on them after the Shadows and Dust album, but would be very spicy) and of course hope for Naglfar. Testament is possible, but I do not thik that Priest will show up. They are playin Swedenrock, Graspop and Bang-Your-Head (which i will vist; Great Whit, Forbidden, Onslaught, Agent Steel are the further highlights) and hopefully the so-called Helloween will not spread their post-Kiske bullshit on the WOA. Meanest crap I ever was forced to listen to. My predictions are: Dismember (Heard the new album? It kills!), Dying Fetus (They are playing PartySan one week afterwards), Savatage-Light (The Mountain King!), Carnal Forge (Saw them in Sweden. Excellent aggro-thrashers.) and maybe Satyricon (It has been a long time.) But even if all these predictions came true something surprising, unforseen - just like Overkill last year - still would be missing. Who is going to headline beside of Maiden? Nightwish would be ridiculous. And Avantasia? Yes, if Sammet brings out all the musicians he played with, e.g. Cooper. Spend some money and get Kiss and Van Halen for a Saturday Night. Otherwise it means to many beers for ol' grandma. Hmmmh I'm giving that another thought...
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WOA
Feb 3, 2008 22:40:21 GMT
Post by MetalBlade on Feb 3, 2008 22:40:21 GMT
Or don't bother with Kiss and Van Helen, but get Manowar and Heaven And Hell.
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WOA
Feb 7, 2008 23:11:45 GMT
Post by lawlessgrandma on Feb 7, 2008 23:11:45 GMT
Holy hell. I raised my voice a lil' too high and the surprise was delivered from way, way up north. Precisely from Sölvesbourgh. It will be a long and exremely expensive journey for Grandma the sleaze-rockin, glamming annd glittering extra-posing bitch she always was, to see a band she has waited to see 15 long years: It's POISON. Will be exciting to see them on the same bill with Carcass, Testament, At the Gates nad the mighty Ministry. Argh, I already started saving Euros. Starvin' in spring... and means no Balingen.
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WOA
Feb 8, 2008 18:02:37 GMT
Post by Mjolnir on Feb 8, 2008 18:02:37 GMT
I loved reading your Wacken Diary Metal,Mjolnir will do one for 2008 ok. I will add an insight to your Municipal Waste Review if i may! Sweaty Grimacing Hairy Beardy Tough Metallers Drooling with anticipation,Hundreds of em and all facing Me!! Oh Shit! Ive just realised that when the crowd sepperated into Two i was in the middle and now im right at the front to the right facing all those Drooling Thrashers,and believe me there were some big nasty looking dudes in there.Oh well,theres nothing else to do but to Hulk up and hope all my years training in the Exodus,Nuclear Assault,Anthrax(sic) Testement Pits in the 80s have paid off?? Boom,it just went off and both sides now meet and Fuck me Sideways,its like being hit by a multi legged Truck!Then we start going round and round,there was a bloke going the other way for a laugh so i did a big sid clothesline on him as i went past at 30 miles an hour(not an act of random violence,He was in the way,sorry). This was the most fun ive had in years that was both not illegal nor moral,next time the tagteam of Metal and Mjolnir with thrash with the best Once again?? Mjolnir from inside the Wall of Death,Wacken 2007.
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WOA
Mar 5, 2008 20:42:30 GMT
Post by lawlessgrandma on Mar 5, 2008 20:42:30 GMT
After some weeks finally a band got confirmed that is of major interest for Grandma: THE HAUNTED. Nicely aggressive. Due to the fact that At The Gates are on the bill this one came almost naturally. And by the way it reminds me of being in The Haunted's Room of Death 'cause I had the chance to see them at the WFF twice. Whiskey an' ale washed away The Haunted then. Not this time!
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