The new generation of Heavy Metal is striking back again - and tonight even fourtimes. Again it is rather interesting to watch, how much young Metal fans differce from the usual true metal society. The Backstage Werk is crowded and almost sold out, I presume. Which again means - apros. 1.200 souls, who are here. And you won't find even one, who runs around with the old odd metal west with dozens of stickers of various bands placed on it. Nonone stands around with a dead serious face, not moving an inch accept banging his head. And even that one does only now and then show long hair. Only t-shirts with different logos show the preference of various bands , who wanna say: Hey I've been at the Metal Camp in 2006 in Slowenia or at Wacken in 2004. Or hey look, I cames exspecially for Maroon, or - I am here, but actually I rather go for Chimaira or whatsoever. 
This kids here are jumping around and thrash themselves to disaster to the soundorgy of those bands playing here, bands who are not much older than themselves. 
I assume I belong to the oldest visitors here, and some of these kids could be easiyl my sons. But who cares. Music doesn't know any age gaps and keeps young as we all know. And I always have the impression, when you accept things and go along with the youth, they you by yourself keep pretty much young at mind. Yes of course, I still go to see Deep Purple (who are still much older than me - just to mention it :-))) or a Black Sabbath concert. Those are legends. But exspecially when you're a musicjournalist like me, you should'nt be only living in the past and be open for every new kind of music. And I am very open. - 
Because very often the question aroses: what is  happening in 10 or 15 years, when Purple and Ozzy is gone? What is left? No, there will never be a band again, becoming a legend. Those times have gone and such a thing ain't possible anymore within our fast living nowadays musicbiz. But what is left? 
Now, left will be bands and artists, like the one's tonight. Young hopeful musicians, who are trying to pass on their music to other's of their generation. Band, of who we haven't got a clue, if they will be still around in 3 or 4 years. And that's why right now the only thing what counts is the very moment right now.
And that's what I'm doing right now with this all german package of young Heavy Metal bands. 

 
Let's start with Silent Decay,

... and this lot takes their bonus from beeing home in Munich anyway. You can easily make out, that they have pulled quite a few friends tonight, cheering them up and taking care for the band's motivation. This group doesn't think in draws. And that's why Silent Decay call their style simply - Metal,- that's it. 'World Of Lies' was the debut in 2005. INbetrween a second baby was born named 'the Pain Of Creation' and the constant slogan is: touring, touring and touring again. No matter, how much you like this musical entree', but you can realize, that these boys do their thing with all their heart and sould, which is one point for them. Unfortunately they've got only 30 minutes time, the usual set lenght for an opener. On the other hand, better this than nothing. ..

http://www.silentdecay.de/





The second Joker in the Line up foursome listens to the name  Deadlock.

This five piece was christened in 1997. In 99 the brought out a selftitled 7 inch vinyl record, followed by the debut EP ’ll Wake You When Spring Awakes'. In 2002 'The Arrival' came out and one year later 'Six Reasons To Kill'. to complete their discography, there is also 'Earth Revolt' from 2005 and the latest release 'wolves' from last year. 
This lot as well doesn't like to be put in a certain cathegory of stylistic, and they describe themselves as melodic metal with technical hints and a modern vibe.And of course the female aspect draws everybody's attention. Jes... she's almost competing with Montserrat Caballe' - yeah sort of :-))))

Deadlock have put their focus most probably on the contrasts. And those take care for even more attention within the audiance. Not that they are doing something new, but generally women within this kinda music are rather rare, and men are dominating the scenery. But I can make out that some people have come exspecially for this band tongight, that's for sure. And Deadlock are trying their best to please them - and they do.... So what?!

  http://www.xdeadlockx.com/main.html


All good things are three as we say so, and Maroon come on stage (Not exchange with Maroon 5) and let the dolls dance a metal squaredance. 

This name is already known in the genre. Founded in 1998, the first longplayer came out in 2000, and since then, another five CDs were released and rereleased. 'The Cold Heart Of Sun' is the lastest longplayer, which wants to be promoted. Maroon are also known for their animal rights encouragement and they are vegans all together. The call themselves - Vegan Straight-Edge Band. 

Maroon have already travelled all over the globe, that's probably where their reputation comes from. And you can see and feel, that they own quite a bit of routine during a performance. And as they can look back on a rather big back catalogue, their program is more variable compared to the other's who had played before. 
Singer Andre Moraeck and his brother tom-Eric (bass) are dominating the stage and do not miss out on anything. With Maroon the circle is closing for a full push up of energy for the headliner - yet to come on.....
http://www.myspace.com/maroonhate



and here they are  – Heaven Shall Burn.....

They come from the eastern part of Germany like Maroon, and started to grow their roots 11 years ago. The other thing combining them with the band, who played before them is the vegan way of life. 
Heaven Shall Burn are known to be one of the most important groups in Metal Core. They can look back on five albums so far, which are dominated by Hardcore, Death and Thrashmetal. But it  has also got some kinda melodic touch now and then, you'll be surprised. For me personally this band owns a huge potential and put out a pressure of at least 100.000 volt on their audiance. And they do have a huge individual aura as well, most of all their frontman singer Marcus Bischoff. Although he rather looks that - good boy image - with short hair and a plain black shirt. Reminds me some kind on Oasis (only the look - okay?!) 
But in the end I can't tell what it is  - the movement, the singing, the whole way he acts ..... I really don't know......

But this boy has got something about him, what other's don't have. And that's what gives the performance of Heaven Shall Burn this special little something from the very start 'till the last second. 

Marcus and Co. know exactly, how to get the kids crazy. Living rockets come flying across the barriere, and they are becoming a serious danger within the photopit. And my time spending there to get some decent shots is limited. Even the aura of Mr.Bischoff throws himself into the battlefield without mercy of his own condition. Holy shit... the battle of Waterloo is granny's coffee afternoon invite compared to this stage diving madness here. 

No praying helps, only the way back out of the dangerzone. But Heaven Shall Burn still push it up the limit and even beyond - 'till condition critical. And it is this Pressure, combined with the structure on the engine and the aura, which makes them somehow special. They play one encore, and then all those kiddies here are so exhausted, that they can't take more anyway, without fading away. 
Heaven is burning in the truest sense of Heavy Metal... and with a lot sex appeal. 
http://www.heavenshallburn.de/