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Wauw, I almost cant believe it. Is it really 15 years now, that I've seen the dutch guys last time on stage? But friends it is true. And if there wasn't the visual aspect, which has changed most (well, we all don't get younger, do we :-) then I might think, that just some very few lightyears have passed. Mind me, these guys haven't lost any of their condition...and are still up to date and fully present.

However, it's a fact, that Pestilence once did a lot for establishing the Death Metal within the Genre. And once doesn't just mean 15 year ago, but at least 10 more years, which was in 1985, when Death Metal just started to evolve. We were lynched by our parents and grandparents for listening to this neat music. thanks go, I was already far beyound youth and was privileged to take a sunbath in Death Metal as often as I wanted to. 
On the whole I've seen Pestilence... oh christ.. I dun' know, how often... But who cares. My grey brain cells ain't that fit anymore. But during this evening here, I get some memory flashes - hey I luv it. Because as old as I am, I don't feel it, not like some of my conservative mates at same age. 
And I guess, these guys from the Netherlands feel the same like me. At some point, they mention up there about something - getting old etc. But to be honest, nobody here believes 'em, most of all the youngsters here, who could easily be their kids.

The small intimate rendevouz of the 3 acts, has already started, when I arrive. And my surprise about a crowded parking space get's destroyed soon, by discovering  the fact, that here at the Backstage area, there are 3 events going on tonight, whereby our's is the somehow smallest one. I guess, there are aprox. 200 Headbangers here. And I bet my castle, that there are not even 10 kids, who have received a Pestilence brain shake before in the past 

But well, that's why we are here for. And the happy warm up is started by 'the New Dominon' who also come from the country of Tilburger cheese, presenting us a 7/8 rhythm and other's in many varieties. 

Singer Bart, no not the one of the Simpsons, shows proudly his muscles, and reminds me a little on a clon of Dolph Lundgren. The band was founded in 2006, and recently they released their first studioalbum named '... and Kindling Deadly Slumber'. Well, I have to confess, I have missed about half of the set, because of beeing late, and 2) I assume, I've gotta get used to it a little to what I hear. But well, have a look and listen at the clip I filmed and make your own mind up. And like I always use to say: to be an opener of a band package ain't the easiest job. There is potential, no doubt about that, so let's wait and see, whether we hear more of them in the future. 

http://www.myspace.com/thenewdominion



Voila’ numero due within this threesome is named Vreid and comes from Norway.

And wauw, I'm stunned. Because this front paradisebird of the norwegian Death Metal Vikings is probably the most attractive example you find in this musical style.  -  no kiddin'. - Yeah well I know that's not the point, but 1) of all I'm a woman and have eyes in my head, and 2) the eye is always eating as well, if you know what I mean. Apart from that, the show and music of Sture (voc/Guit), Hvàll (Bass), Ese (Guit) and Steingrim (Drums) ain't that bad at all. And they do not come from ancient times like tyranno saurus rex and their collegues of Pestilence, but were born in 2004. Therefore, the black metal heads are probably just about in their thirties - well I guess so... Anyway, it's pretty interesting stuff and easy to sing along with, yeah well - almost. And you can see and feel it what's up to the generell movement in the audiance, letting their wisdom tooth dance Rock'n'Roll....

My only real critics is once again going towards the light technician. The whole stage aura rather reminds me on a funeral mood missing to put the pretty vision of Mr.Universum into the right light and my cam ain't able to catch the right image. (and I hate using flashes - no no no....) What a shame.
However, Sture should really think about going for a job in the model biz and call Karl Lagerfeld. I assume his chances would be not bad at all :-)))

But back to the music, I really wanna say, that you should remember the name Vreid. Their stuff, sung in english or norwegian (never mind, we don't understand a word anyway) but it sticks in our heads. And there is no acid to wipe it away. So I advise you in each case to put a note in your memory and check it out. You won't get dissappointed. 

http://www.myspace.com/thepitchblackbrigade



And here they come.... Pestilence like always, a little heavier in weight and a little less hair, but otherwise there ain't anything missing. 

Our choirboy Patrick Marneli looks like Peter Bywaters twinbrother (Peter & The Testtube Babies). Well who knows, nowadays, everyone is related to someone else around 150 corners. But I guess in that case rather not....
In each case, Pestilence start off without big fuzz, but with an energy, as if the fujijama develops within seconds in the sahara dessert. Next to Pe.. sorry Patrick of course, up there you find Patrick Uterwijk on guitar, Tony Choy on bass and last but not least Peter Wilderer on drums. And within this circle of egg heads,  he is the only guy, who still owns some hair... again... who cares...

The desease has a suitable name, and everybody in here gets infected immidiately. And again... although I'm not too enthusiastic personally about this musical style, I  have to say, there is a clear structure exspecially with the old songs. Whereby the new records, the first one for 15 years named 'Ressurection Macabre' should get promoted. Well, it does in a way, but only with a few songs. Apart from that, it's mainly the classic tunes dominating the programm, most of all 'Lost Souls' and of course the encore 'Out Of The Body'. That song is almost a hymn for the band with it's repeating beat. 
By the way, there is one more curiosity tonight, which proves once more, that music is just music, it's only gotta be good. Bassist Tony Choy (who also does a jazz project) does a solo inbetween, that Miles Davis would renovate his mausoleum, if he could hear that. And our fans here still headbang their heads off... so what - Jazz or Death Metal... - it doesn't matter it seems.... 

                                                                             
So you see, it all goes well down at our bavarian metalfreaks, and even some austrians have found their way across the mountains to this event... with a little jodeling... It just has to be served well chilled with an excellent taste... and it does...

So well, our dutch pest brothers appreciate the obvious love of the fans, and they know exactly why... Because it ain't that easy to jump up the wagon again after such a long time, though the name is truly well established. 
My personal prayer tonight before going home is - well done, long live the eighties Death Metal with all it's colours and a modern touch, but also a little nostalgic mood. And let's face it, all these young Death Metal bands, should first try to do the same like our oldies here...and then we will see... 
Amen and sleep well ...

http://www.pestilence.nl/