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and again the scandinavians are trying to conquer our territory in a double edition this time (thanks god not in 4-5 variations) One band comes from Norway, the others from Sweden. And again it's the dark side, which is celebrated. A very dark one by the way. My god, the black man for kids is sandman - compared to those Doom Gothic metal heroes here.

Starting at 9 p.m. Mortiis, the norwegian zombies go on. In fact, I presume, they have invented the chanel - make-up once again. A slight bloodred eyeliner with black frames is sparkling in the Geisha - pale face of the singer - who is Mortiis himself. There's only a small change within his outfit compared to earlier times. This funny nose and ears are gone and probably are past tense now. The rest of the gang did it a bit more simple by just smearing some funny mud on to their faces and clothes. However, you got the attention boys, that's for sure. 

Just a quick word to the band history, which was not  too spectacular for the rest of world so far. A young, - just grown up Mortiis, who actually listens to the name of Havard Elefsen in real life, buys his first very own keyboard and starts to experiment around, with the help of all these heavy metal influences of the early ninties. His first band was named Emperor, who he left pretty soon again to do his own thing. Soon he really got himself a name in the norwegian independend scene. And this musician started to compose major-long songs to receive soon the reputation of a genius. Including all side projects he released10 albums in a very short time . And at this point he was only 25 years young. But then Mortiis closed chapter two of his life and founded a band including Levi Gavron on guitar/bass, Asmund Sweinunggard also on guitar and Leo Troy on drums. 


The group carries the latest release 'Some Kind Of Heroine' with them, which is a pure remix-album, where you find songs recorded in 2 or 3 different way. Noone needs that really except maybe Hardcore fans. But never mind, they are here tonight, and I don't let myself beeing influenced by any CDs or whatsoever. 
And what shall I say, these boys up there are really good. It's as simple as that. Mortiis are offering us very hard, straight, clear Heavy Metal, not too dark, not too scandinavian with a bit americanised Hard Rock'n'Roll influence. And they play their set without breathing even once. I must say, the visual Death Metal Image ain't expressing nessacerily the music. However, there is not a second boredom. No - these usually support- 45 minutes are way too short. This is entertainment pure, and I'm nicely impressed by this band, who I only knew  from the name so far. No setlist available unfortunately. That's why I haven't got one for here. But one thing is for sure, whenever Mortiis is coming back to here, I'll certainly be there again...

 http://www.mortiis.com/

Please click on this Pic below for some more Live Pics.

 

 

But as soon as we have a bit relaxed, another annoyment comes along. Because the space inbetween the two gigs lasts as long as the supportband played. And that's simply too long. 

The DeathStars I've seen before live on stage  beeing support for Cradle of Filth last autumn. But I couldn't check 'em out properly then, because of some work with the headliner press wise. That's why I decided to check this lot out again properly playing a solo set. But unfortunately I'm not very impressed by this performance here. Sorry boys, but this here is shite. 

Beeing on the way since 2000 with two albums in the back, the band describes their own style as Death Glam and russion Deaht Pop, whatever is meant by that. I rather have the impression, singer Whiplasher is a huge fan of the Sisters of Mercy, because his voice is 100% copy of Andrew Eldrich one's. No I'd rather think, that the DeathStars try to transfer a mixture of dark depri rock, who they wanna put out in a wild way. But it doesn't really work. Most of all, because the frontman has probably enjoyed a bit too much some kind of liquid before - or whatsoever, which obviously did'nd too well on him. 



One thing is for sure, the good man, can almost not keep himself on two legs, and tends to crawl into the microphone, goes on his knees pretty often, and seems to have problems to stand up again. Jes.... the condition of this guy seems to be more than just critical. The rest of the crew can't catch up with that. Most of all,  because, the stage choreography let's them most of the times perform in one row with not much movement within the show. Everything is too static. Only the bassist is a bit of a focus with headbanging his dreadlocks off. Halleluja a sleeping pill is an energizer compared to this here. 

But the fact disturbing me even more, is the fact, that there are too many playback lines used here. No full playback, but a second voice, the keyboard and all those special effects. Too much ! And this doesn't help to blow more life into those men in black up there. I wouldn't be surprised, if the frontman did a suicide attempt as a little show effect. The funeral mood is almost perfect. 

The DeathStars are truly some kind of mourning trees (as we say so in german), - and the promoters would have done better to exchange the two bands in their roles. Because between the performance of Mortiis and the one of the DeathStars there are worlds apart. And Mortiis certainly played the headliner into the ground. Well, I guess, experiences are there to be doned. So what?! This is also Rock'n'Roll, and we gotta live with it. Good Night....

http://www.deathstars.net/