This year’s Wacken Festival was subjected to some seriously bad weather – the Gods were kind for the first day but after that, rain and mud prevailed. That didn’t stop 30,000 metallers from all over the world drinking plenty of beer and having a damn good time. Oh and there were some decent bands playing too! Here’s a snapshot of some of the music we witnessed over the 3 full days of the festival!
TRISTANIA
The festival music kicks off to quite a rare occurrence – sunshine. Shame then, that on this occasion, TRISTANIA’s opening salvo is woefully dull and at best totally lacklustre. A terrible sound mix means that almost all the vocals are barely audible and the only instruments that can be heard are the drum kit and a rumbling bass line. This is coupled with a less than energetic performance - with the band plodding through the same setlist they have been playing all year. I’ve seen this band shine – unfortunately the only thing shining while they are onstage today is the sun! I almost consider going back to my tent to change out of my TRISTANIA t-shirt…. [5]
CANDLEMASS
After a brief break – and in total contrast – CANDLEMASS are an incendiary wake up call. Messiah Marcolin - dressed in a mad monk’s robe & leaping between the white crucifixes positioned around the stage - brings his newly reformed crew to the afternoon sun – and with it, some epic, ground rumbling, gut shaking, riff-laden doom. And good lord, what a voice the guy has! The material from the new album sits well with old, “Born in a Tank” sounding particularly awesome, and the guitars – oh good lordy lord the guitars are just superbly heavy. The sound is also crystal clear to the point of studio perfection. Their hour-long set is over in a flash, and I’m left hungry for more. Bring on the UK tour!! [9]
OOMPH!
Somewhat curious to witness OOMPH! after hearing many comparisons to Rammstein, I am somewhat disappointed to find they are just a watered down eurovision-pop band with a few metal guitars thrown in for good measure. A kind of Backstreet Boys meets Rammstein, or a Take That meets KMFDM. The crowd obviously know them well (as they have several hundred albums) and the band are certainly full of beans – the lead singer giving mad stares and spinning continuously like a loon in what looks to be some sort of straight jacket. After 5 or 6 songs however, when every German pop-metal-sing-along starts to blend into the next, I find the lead singer spinning around is the only thing I’m concentrating on – and being a typically lazy English cretin I don’t speak a word of German, so their deep meaningful lyrics (I’m sure they must be) are lost on me. Without the lyrics, the music is left to keep my interest, and sadly it fails, and rather seems like the same song played 14 times. [6.5]
NIGHTWISH
As dusk settles in on the first day of Wacken, NIGHTWISH take to the stage as the first festival “Headliners”. This performance is my 5th time seeing the band in less than 18 months, and it comes as no surprise, and much to my annoyance, that even at a full arena show such as this - with all the whistles and bells on – they STILL can’t get the sound levels right on customary set opener “Dark Chest of Wonders”. Drums too loud, Bass too high, Guitars turned off, and Tarja inaudible. That is how I’ve always witnessed this song – and Wacken is no exception. Come on guys - you play it enough, surely you must have worked out how it should sound by now!!
Aside from the predictable fudged entrance, NIGHTWISH are as ever, the professional showmen I have come to know and love. An incredible lighting rig, pyros, several changes of costume from the leading lady, and even fireworks for the big finale further enhance proceedings. However, I have to admit if you minus the spectacle, what you have is a pretty regular show. The band definitely don’t play as tightly as I have seen in the past, and the recent setlists – far too heavy on “Once” material – are extremely tired and neglect some of their best material from the likes of “Wishmaster” and “Oceanborn”. Still, as the final chords of “Wish I had An Angel” ring out, it seems like a fitting end to a decent first day. [7.5]
NAGLFAR
Christ on a bike. After a night of heavy drinking, rain, and restless sleep in a soggy tent, NAGLFAR are simply the ultimate in “extreme breakfast wake-up calls”. Their harsh black metal sound - which you would think more fitting to some dark seedy venue – sounds truly epic and powerful in the early morning drizzle. Music of such speed and intensity requires decent sound, and thankfully the soundman has had his weetabix today. Lead singer Ollie cracks a few smiles amongst the hell and brimstone, seeming only slightly less psychotic than usual - and more than pleased to be kicking Wacken’s arse at 11am. Songs from new album “Pariah” are elevated to end-of-the-world proportions with their massive live sound, and the second the band leave the stage, several people – myself included – rush to the merch stand to grab a NAGLFAR shirt. (And yes, they had all bloody sold out!) [8]
SONATA ARCTICA
In a total mood contrast, kings of hi-octane happiness SONATA ARCTICA take to the stage next door and put on another cracking show. A perfect accompaniment to the fleeting lunchtime sun, Tony Kakko and Co. treat us to a relatively short but sweet set, consisting mainly of SONATA’s up-tempo numbers like “The Cage” and the fabulous “Misplaced”. The band are in high spirits and get the greatest amount of crowd interaction I have seen at the festival so far. The enjoyment is not only enhanced by great sound, but by yet more classic stage gaffes from Mr. Kakko – proclaiming “how are we tonight Wacken?!” around 7 times when it’s 1 in the afternoon - and the brilliant introduction to song “Victoria’s Secret” – “Who likes ladies underwear?”. Classic. Cheesy, but brilliant. [8]
BLOODBATH
BLOODBATH are probably the festival highlight for me – hands down and without question. This Wacken show is not only the FIRST time the band have EVER played live together, but it will be the ONLY time anyone will get to see Mikael Akerfeldt take on role as lead singer – as he is no longer a member of BLOODBATH (a band formed for a drunken bet by members of Katatonia, Opeth and the like, which has somehow snowballed to cult status). Naturally my expectations are high – but boy are they met with aplomb!
The band members take to the stage adorned with blood splattered white shirts, and rip into the first song “Cancer of the Soul” with such crushing precision you’d think they had been touring together for years. Their sound is harsh, clear and brutal to perfection. In between songs, Mikael Akerfeldts joking, sarcastic banter is a treat – proclaiming “BLOODBATH started as a drunken bet, now we are death metal elite. Thank you very much” and also “As you can see we haven’t been to the dry cleaners this week, but we look fucking fantastic anyway, thank you!” among many of the amusing moments. He even demands the crowd only answer him with a “death metal voice” – and when it isn’t high pitched enough demands people answer in “Dani Filth” style (to which everyone squeals like a big girl’s blouse naturally). And when you have songs called “Eaten” and “Omnious Bloodvomit” – how on earth could you take it seriously? And unlike your usual bog standard death metal, BLOODBATH’S blend of gore riddled comedy mayhem never gets tired.
Long time fans of the band are also treated to all 3 songs from their original EP, which sound brilliant, and may well be the only time they get played live. (To quote Mikael “We are going to play all the songs from our first EP – it doesn’t matter as there are only 3 of them – but if you don’t like it you can go fuck yourself! Thank you very much.” – Always the gent.) They even treat us to an encore – coming back to play firm fan favourite “Eaten”, a bizarre tale of cannibalism that literally everyone sings along to. Once the band finally leaves the stage, I am more than glad I was here today to witness this one of a kind show. Brilliant. [9]
METAL CHURCH
After such a spectacular performance from BLOODBATH alleged legends METAL CHURCH do little to stir the imagination. Seemingly playing most of their classics in the first 15 minutes, the “Thrash Metal with Wailing Vocals” style they have perfected over the years soon begins to meld into one big song, and despite being relatively energetic, it soon becomes tiresome. The looming clouds signal even more doom for the band – letting loose the start of the weekend’s torrential rain (at the time we had no idea it would continue for 2 days solid!) We dash for cover as METAL CHURCH don’t seem worth it. [6]
OBITUARY
As the rain continues, we give up our cover to go and see death metal legends OBITUARY. Quite frankly it may have been favourable to stay in the beer tent. The band plod through a paint-by-numbers set, seeming on autopilot, bereft of energy or stage presence – their bass player looking positively bored throughout. It’s a stark contrast to the sort of show BLOODBATH put on, and even more annoying that OBITUARY are supposedly influential godfathers of death metal where BLOODBATH had never even played together! The material from new album “Frozen in Time” sounds adequate enough, but then that’s probably because the band are plodding through their other classics like maths homework. Yawn. [5]
SUIDAKRA
The Wacken indoor stage is rammed – I’d like to say this is all due to SUIDAKRA but a large part of it is most definitely because of the ongoing downpour outside. Still – it can’t hurt and means more people get to hear the band! SUIDAKRA are an uplifting blend of melodic death metal meets celtic folk – and opening salvo “Pendragon’s Fall” gets the tightly packed crowd headbanging instantly. However, I only work out what song is being played once it reaches the chorus – as the sound in the tent is particularly harsh and messy. While drum work and vocals are clear, a lot of the intricate riffs and celtic solos are sadly lost in a mess of treble and distortion. No fault of the band I would wager – just the dreadful acoustics of a glorified beer-tent. This doesn’t stop SUIDAKRA putting on a good performance - the band are fabulously upbeat and energetic – working the crowd and playing a good mix of new and old material. Their instrumental “Loch Lomont” track even gets an airing for good measure (Dead Man’s Reel). If only the sound was on their side, this would have been a great show – I look forward to hearing them sound a whole lot better at Bloodstock 05. [7]
WITHIN TEMPTATION
Playing amidst brief bouts of early evening drizzle, WITHIN TEMPTATION manage to brighten up proceedings with their blend of bombastic, gothic metal. Playing to a somewhat dampened audience, their BIG stage presence (matched only by the large Angel Statues adorning both sides of the stage) gets even the most disheartened of the soggy masses singing along with fists in the air. The band play a very good set as well – getting all of their new material (ie. Not as good) out of the way first before playing songs from “Enter” and “Mother Earth”. The addition of the song “The Other Half of Me” also makes this particular bunny very happy indeed. Special note goes to frontwoman Sharon for utilising the phrase “Ein Zwei Super Danke!” in between songs without anyone batting an eyelid. [8]
MACHINE HEAD
I have come to conclusion that MACHINE HEAD, whilst having lost their way somewhat in recent years, are a pretty decent live act to behold. Well they ARE when Robb Flynn shuts up for five minutes. In between songs we are treated to 5 minutes of “Fuck Yeahs!”, “Wacken! FUCK YEAH!” and “Prost!! Fuck Yeah! Fucking Prost Wacken!”. Does he not realise that we hear that all night in the campsite anyway? So yes when the big lug is quiet for a moment and the band play some music what you get is pretty damn tight, professional and intense. Opener “Imperium” sounds great as well as many of the old favourites from “Burn My Eyes” - and thankfully some of their more hokey nu-metal tosh is kept to a bare minimum. However, they are now in my bad books for doing yet more clichéd tributes to Dimebag and playing Pantera’s “Walk” – the most hideous and overrated knuckle dragging club anthem that I just can’t seem to get away from - ever! Bad MACHINE HEAD. Bad. [7]
APOCALYPTICA
Having “cello metal” gimmickry as a main headliner for the 2nd night of Wacken strikes me as a very odd, and somewhat risky choice. And it kind of works – KIND of. Having seen APOCALYPTICA support RAMMSTEIN earlier this year, I was very impressed with their 45 minute set and the energy created by 3 cello players and a drummer windmilling in unison. Things don’t really fare quite as impressively over a 90 minute festival headlining slot – going mostly to prove that the moments of brilliance involving both crowd and band only come during their cover versions of classic songs – such as their reworkings on Metallica. When the band play their own material, and with songs often lacking the vocals supplied by guests on their albums, a lot of the crowd interest is lost – as quite frankly some of the material isn’t all that strong – and you can’t help but feel people are just waiting for them to play something like “Master of Puppets” again. Still – a definite thumbs up to the band for their stage presence and ability to swing cellos all over the place. [6.5]
TURISAS
TURISAS take to the party stage at a ridiculous hour – 2.05 am to be precise - but after a day of rain and mud, there really isn’t a better way to end the day than the “hearty party” metal of these crazy Finnish warmongers. It also helps that having sunk a fair few Steins of German ale during the proceedings – I am now rather jollied up. The band – covered in furs and war paint – seem to have everyone from their crew onstage tonight! Accordion players, violin players, medieval drummers, even a guest vocalist for the female section of “Midnight Sunrise” - all taking part & making for some seriously crazy party metal antics. The crowd are also up for it despite the late hour - fists are flying in the air; people are leaping like loons and singing along in unison. The band play brilliantly, the songs sound spot on, and we are even treated to a heavy metal and violin adaptation of the “Lambada”. And it works!! “One More!” goes the song - and it’s what we are left gagging for when the 50-minute set is over. Sadly, it’s now time for bed – there are hangovers to cultivate! [9]
ZYKLON
In stark contrast to NAGLFAR’s “spill your weetabix wake-up call of face-shredding satanic fury” – ZYKLON open up the final day metaphorically more akin to making a cup of coffee and watching GMTV. While I like the band on CD, their stage show has a worrying lack of energy. While the musicianship is top notch, and the sound crystal clear for such an intense, frenzied style of death metal music, there is just something missing that makes it all very dull indeed. It definitely has something to do with the electronica and industrial elements of the songs being missing – the four guys just play their instruments creating a basic sound - there are no samplers utilised to play the other backing sounds.
This stripped down approach causes a lot of the songs to sound flat and generic – whereas on the albums (particularly on songs like “Electric Current” and “Psyklon Aeon”) the electronic element is integral to creating that feeling of chaos, or the ZYKLON effect, if you will. It also doesn’t help that as well as a rather dull set the band just sort of stand there – the “legendary” Samoth of Emperor content to be hiding in the corner and not doing much at all. Perhaps it would be better to see this band in a smaller venue. [6]
DISSECTION
DISSECTION start the proceedings in typical fashion by making some poor taste comments about “killing people rather than dying for your beliefs” (especially poor as the tosspot has just got out of prison for murder) and he also tells us “that’s what pentagrams and satanic symbols mean, for those of you that wear them.” Rather than the rapturous applause he was probably expecting it merely makes the entire crowd kind of shuffle awkwardly in silence – as we all know 99.9% people just wear symbols like that because its “metal” or it looks pretty (myself, guilty as charged). Despite my opinion of the guy, once he shuts up DISSECTION actually manage to play an enjoyable set of surprisingly melodic metal – often coming closer to classic melo-death like “At the Gates” and even some “Iron Maiden” styled hooks - than any sort of “anti-cosmic” blackest metal of ultimate doom. While it still has that cold, black metal basis at it’s root – it’s actually far more melodic and folky than the sort of thing you tend to expect from a band with such an extreme history. Still, atmospheric and intriguing – just not exactly end-of-the-world and anti-cosmic. [7]
FINNTROLL
Our enjoyment of what LOOKED like a fabulous FINNTROLL set (as usual) is somewhat marred by arriving rather late, and finding the crowd ready and waiting at the Party Stage - stretching back to somewhere near Hamburg. I think perhaps the organisers under-estimated the popularity of these Huumpa-Metal maniacs.
When the music starts, it isn’t loud enough to carry through the wind and rain and we can hardly hear a thing. Still, the set seems excellent as ever and they play plenty of material from each album – even including a rare airing of “Forsvinn Du Som Lyser” from the Trollhammaren EP. People are even climbing trees up on the bank to get a glimpse of the band, and the crowd are buzzing and active. (Apart from where we are – five miles back – where we seem to have picked the public right of way for people leaving the crowd instead!) Had I not already witnessed two stellar shows from FINNTROLL this year I would have been super-pissed, but as it happens I wasn’t too disappointed. [7]
To see PART ONE & TWO of our Official Photos of the WACKEN OPEN AIR Festival please visit our full Photography section HERE.
Overall Score: 8.5 /10
