Half a dozen heavy metal bands for Haus Hannah. The hospice in a small town known as Emsdetten has certainly never seen anything like that. Of course, the bands didn't play in the hospice itself, but around the corner, in Stroetmann's factory, virtually in the heart of the small Westphalian town.
The concert was initiated by Frank “Lampy” Weinberg, who wanted to give something back to the :: Hospiz Haus Hannah :: hospice after his brother had spent the last weeks of his life there, well cared for.
And Lampy managed to sign none other than former Iron Maiden singer BLAZE BAYLEY, who stopped with his solo band on his way from festival to festival in the countryside of Muenster :) How freakin’ cool is that! There were also five local bands, bands from North Rhine-Westphalia, who conjured up a thoroughly brutal evening. All for a good cause. Because all proceeds from this concert will go to Haus Hannah. That’s something I liked to join and I like to support, especially since the cause is very close to my heart (for reasons).
So, off to Emsdetten... Which wasn't that easy. October 3, German Unity Day, a public holiday, and the traditional Münsterland Giro (a bigger road cycling race) was taking place in my hometown. That meant many roads in Muenster and the surrounding area were closed. Fine, I'll just take a detour. So I thought. No sooner had I stepped out the front door than I was stuck in traffic. And the detours were also tricky, with closed roads and town centers. Anyway, I arrived on time :)
:: Stroetmanns Fabrik :: was absolutely new to me - I'd never been there before. Well, it’s a place where usually Pop concerts and family-friendly events take place. A heavy metal concert seems to be a rather strange matter. You could clearly see that in the faces of the locals walking by... ;) Of course, the COMPASSION METAL FEST was also a family-friendly event, see the photos for proof ;)
I have to say, this building is a very nice, refurbished old factory with modern equipment and event technology. Even BLAZE BAYLEY's guitarist let slip “he's a magician” when the sound engineer adjusted the sound in no time with his tablet. And yes, sound and lighting were really good :)
The fans turned out in large numbers (although there could easily have been 200 more) and somehow everyone knew everyone else, so a very familiar atmosphere quickly developed. Each band had its own merch stand in the foyer, along with stands by Johnny Säsch, who exhibited his pictures and figurines, Metality e.V., and a local festival.
Each band had 45 minutes of playing time (except for the headliner) and a 30-minute break for change-over. This resulted in an easy-to-remember running order and a fair set for each band.
:: pics :: FINAL ERROR ::
To kick off the festival evening :: FINAL ERROR :: los. took the stage on 3:30 p.m. sharp.
Those guys have just released their third album, Daemonium In Nobis, from which they played most of the songs. So, right off the bat, we got our first heavy dose of death and thrash metal, with both fast parts and groovy stompers. Technically and musically quite convincing, but somehow the spark didn't ignite yet.
This was because the audience inside was still standing quite shyly five meters away from the stage and most of them preferred to check out the merch outside and sip a cold drink. On the other hand, singer Nico was unable to connect with the audience. Announcements were few and far between, and in terms of stage acting, he tended to turn away from the audience. A little better it worked with the string section, who posed a lot, but in a rather rehearsed manner and also without any contact with the audience. Overall, musically top-notch, but a bit too reserved in terms of atmosphere.
Band: Nico (vox), Juan (git), Fabian (git), Hammer (bass), Börgy (drums - Burkhard Fabian)
Setlist: Bloodrush, Longpig, Silence, Hellbrain, Mortify, Curse Of Death, Enough Is Enough, Desolated Gorefest, Hell's Fire
:: Fotos :: CRYPTS ::
Muenster-based band :: CRYPTS ::, did a much better job, drawing the audience closer to the stage during the line check and getting laughs during singer L.Gore's vocal exercises (for the sound check). The band also had some nice stage decorations, but like everything else, they disappeared in the thick smoke during the sound check.
Under dark red static lighting, CRYPTS played brutal old school death metal, a homage to the early days of the genre, which was very well received. The fans in front of the stage were more numerous, came closer and let themselves be carried away by the singer and the band. You just couldn't see anything, only a red wall of smoke with occasional flashes of moving shadows.
The smoke was used so heavily that everything was completely obscured, so much that even the individual band members couldn't find their way around and bumped into the decorations as they moved. Guys, that might be cool in some ways, but less is more here!
Musically, CRYPTS started with the 2023 EP Necropolis, playing 3 of 4 tracks, topped off with songs from their debut Coven Of The Dead. Anyone who had hoped for a new song was unfortunately disappointed.
That was awesome music, indeed. But, guys, next time I’d also love to see more than just shadows.
Band: L.Gore (vox), F.ortex (git), F.rantic (drums)
Setlist: Tomb Of The Revenant, Deathking Coronation, Haunted Ruins, Necropolis, Hallucinations, Nuclear Vengeance, Coven Of The Dead, Paura
:: pics :: FLESHWORKS ::
Next up was :: FLESHWORKS :: whose singer Dirk stomped onto the stage wearing a butcher's apron, as befits his profession. This man is a real entertainer. In no time at all, the hall was full, the fans were right in front of the stage, and the party got started.
This is brutal death metal, just the way I like. The British way. Lively, fast, varied, insane power from the drums, a few beautiful melodies and lots of groovy parts in between, where you can really bang your head off. That's how it should be! Singer Dirk talked his head off, made people laugh, animated the audience and thanked Lampy in a heartwarming way. Now the fans were wide awake and enthusiastically went along with it.
This was basically a best-of mix from all three albums with a certain emphasis on the (still) current work Diabolus Ex Machina. After a 45-minute excursion into brutal death metal, the fans were sent off into the next break with “we love you all.” How cute ;) ♥
Band: Dirk Frenking (vox), Sven Sievering (git), Sven Rahe (git), Jens Wendlandt (bass), Alexander Schmidt (drums)
Setlist: Intro, Behavourial Sink, Thy Kingdom Fall, Death By Autopsy, The Misery, Hydraulic, Shadows, Clockwork Of The Empires, Diabolus Ex Machina, The Awakening Of The Ghoul
Before the next band took the stage, BLAZE BAYLEY had showed up for a signing session in the foyer. He actually only wanted to sign autographs to save his voice, but that didn't really work out ;) In fact, there was a huge crowd - many fans came with the two Iron Maiden albums The X Factor (1995) and Virtual XI (1998) to have them signed. You could literally see how happy this made the Brit :)
:: pics :: NIGHT IN GALES ::
For decades I haven’t seen them playing live. About two months ago, I finally did at Party.San, and now :: NIGHT IN GALES ::. The second time. Yay. And this time, no hot tent to melt in, but an equally intense set. In fact, it was the same set, but in the end, it was even better than at PSOA ;) There were many fans among the crowd who created a great atmosphere and knew all the songs and lyrics. There were also many friends of the band present, so the individual band members couldn't stop greeting and smiling. NIGHT IN GALES had so much fun on stage, and it was contagious.
Here, too, there were many warm words for Lampy and the cause itself.
Otherwise, fans were encouraged to check out the band’s debut EP Sylphlike, which was originally released in 1995 and was now re-recorded for its 30th anniversary. It will be released on October 31. There will also be a 30th anniversary Show on November 29 in Duisburg, with free drinking. So, you're better be there ;)
Band: Christian Müller (vox), Frank Basten (git), Jens Basten (git), Tobias Bruchmann (bass), Adriano Ricci (drums)
Setlist: Intro, The Black Stream, Dawnlight Garden, The Spears Within, Into The Evergrey, Transition To Doom, Razor, Autumn Water, Sylphlike, Iron Maiden
While the band was still removing their equipment, Lampy took to the stage, together with Martin Brumley (Burning Steel) and Dirk Pauly from Haus Hannah. Now things got very emotional. Lampy thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart for the fantastic evening and the fans' generosity.
Advance ticket sales and donations from companies alone raised €5,000, which was handed over to the charity. Added to this will be the funds from the box office and donations made on site.
At this point, I can say that the COMPASSION METAL FEST was a complete success. The organization was fantastic, the venue, sound, lighting, the bands... everything worked out great. Bands and fans really had a wonderful evening.
At this point, I can also say that the COMPASSION METAL FEST will be repeated next year. Then in favor of a volunteer organization that fulfills the last wishes of dying people. ♥♥♥
:: pics :: BONDED ::
I was particularly looking forward to :: BONDED ::, the new band around ex-Sodom guitarist Bernemann and ex-Kreator bassist Speesy. They already have two records out, nonetheless, I haven't seen them live yet. In addition, there are two other well-known musicians in the band, frontman Manuel Bigus, I know well from one of his previous bands, and drummer Cornelius Rambadt. Not to forget former Suicide Angels guitarist Christos. What a crazy combination of musicians. Two old hands and three “youngsters.” Musically an illustrious mix of influences. I guess, songwriting and rehearsals might be pretty exciting ;) Stylistically, it should be clear what's coming ;) German thrash metal as its best, of course. No need to explain.
At the beginning, there were a few minor sound problems that had to be fixed before the band could mercilessly tear the venue down. The band left nothing but scorched earth. And they did it with a smile in their faces. But you could already notice that a certain tiredness was slowly creeping in. Singer Manuel had quite to push the crowd to get them going again. He perfectly mastered them at the end. Also great to see the love and dedication for Speesy.
Band: Manuel Bigus (vox), Bernd “Bernemann“ Kost (git), Chris Tsitsis (git), Christian "Speesy" Giesler (bass), Cornelius Rambadt (drums)
Setlist: Arsonist, Watch (While The World Burns), Godgiven, Je suis Charlie, Lilith (Queen Of Blood), Galaxy M87, Rest In Violence, Suit Murderer, Into the Blackness Of A Wartime Night, CoG
:: Fotos :: BLAZE BAYLEY ::
Although it was still quite early, the fans were clearly showing signs of fatigue when headliner :: :: BLAZE BAYLEY :: :: took to the stage. The hall had visibly emptied. What a shame. I have rarely seen such a dedicated musician, who deserves a packed venue with a likewise dedicated crowd.
Each song had a story behind it, which always contained a profound thought or meaning. It was about being different, about crazy dreams, about fears, loneliness, and depression, and about the great solidarity in the metal community, which can be a source of support and comfort. It was about (metal) music itself, which can lift you out of any low point. It was clear that many of the aspects he talked about were autobiographical, which made his performance all the more intense. Everyone could identify with it. BLAZE BAYLEY spoke slowly and clearly so that even fans who weren't so fluent in English could understand his words.
Two years ago, the man had a heart attack and underwent quadruple bypass surgery, from which he has thankfully recovered. BLAZE BAYLEY is a man of grand gestures and facial expressions. He doesn't just sing, he performs. BAYLEY acts like a theater actor who lives his songs in all their facets. It's no coincidence that he's a legend.
The evening was dominated by his first solo album, Silicon Messiah, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary and was played in its entirety. I had never heard it before. Perhaps a single track, surely not in one go. At least, I can't remember it. To me, on this evening, the album sounded fresh and crisp and not old at all. Well, BLAZE BAYLEY also has an excellently rehearsed and talented band. In addition, there was a tribute to former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno, who passed away last year, with Wrathchild from the 1981 second album Killers, and two tracks from his own Maiden career.
Musically, it may not be quite my thing, but the way BLAZE BAYLEY presented his performance, his gratitude for still being alive, his gratitude to the fans who never forgot him and still support and celebrate him... that's touching.
Band: Blaze Bayley (vox), Luke Appleton (git), Chris Appleton (git), Martin McNee (drums)
Setlist: 10 Seconds, Ghost In The Machine, Evolution, Silicon Messiah, Born As A Stranger, The Brave, The Hunger, Identity, Reach For The Horizon, The Launch, Stare At The Sun, Virus, Wrathchild, Man On The Edge, Futureal, Doctor Doctor
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