The Austrian -American dark package with Agalloch, Dornenreich, Mely stopped in Vosselaar, at Belgium's best known metal venue Biebob. According to the local promoter the Austrians of Mely play melodic metal, whether they were right or not you can read in a few lines. Austrian band Dornenreich finally decided to tour in metal line-up for the first time in ages and were in Vosselaar to debut songs of their upcoming release "Flammentriebe" and present songs of their 13-year-history. Agalloch was the headliner of the evening and it was the 3rd last concert of their only and last European tour supporting the 2006-release "Ashes Against the Grain".
Mely looked on the stage like a dark power metal band but sounded more like a progressive metal band. The tour with Agalloch and Dornenreich was especially a good opportunity to support their fourth full length "Portrait Of A Porcelain Doll". The album was welcomed by mixed reactions of the metal press because of the (surprising?) progressive rock influences. Your reporter saw their "new" style as an interesting addition to the band's sound. Sometimes the band sounded very power metal-ish because of the keys and drums but on the other hand the special rhythms, tripping guitars and very clear voice of vocalist Andreas Mataln made the ensemble sound as an emotional progressive rock band. The three vocalists' singing parts could also define their melancholic hymns. The band enjoyed their debut gig in Belgium, so the (quiet) audience did!
Dornenreich might have been the stranger of the evening. Despite their existence of 13 years and black metal styled discography there are sometimes forgotten in the scene. Mastermind Eviga (vocals and guitar) and Inve (violins) also released a beautiful dark folk album "In Luft Geritzt" in 2008. To tour Europe they chose for a metal line-up so "double bass"-drummer Gilvan joined the band. The trio played a very dark and powerful black metal set which the full crowded Biebob could appreciate. Black metal drums, Eviga's deep grunts and -above all- Inve's stunning and fast violins attracted the people's ears. The first head bangers at the front demonstrated their neck muscles as Eviga did it very passionately. Climax of the set was definitely an ultimate "in metal" redefined version of "Jagd" (appearing on "In Luft Geritzt"). Eviga's vocals in the lyrical discovery "Wolf schläft in mir, wolf schleicht in mir, wolf scharrt in mir" carved in many impressed metal head's mind. Second band, second good shot of the evening !
Last year, last weekend of March, the Biebob was also the place-to-be for passionate Agalloch -disciples. The band recorded their long-awaited live DVD and brought a burning Biebob in another universe with an unforgettable "blackened post-rock" set.
On that Friday the Biebob was a more comfortable place in comparison to the (over)crowded venue of one year ago and moreover the audience had another year to know all their best tracks. Front man and mastermind John Haughm also seemed to be more relaxed as we can remember the strict and nervous man of last year. But the band's musical nonchalance and messy sound transformed their atmospheric songs into disappointing recreations. Luckily the songs were still recognizable as the most of the long haired metal heads could enjoy the gig or close their eyes for the clumsy sound. A great pity, because the band chose a pleasant mix of songs of their three impressive full lengths, some examples are "Dead Winter Days", "Falling Snow", "Not Unlike the Waves" and "Bloodbirds". "Limbs" sounded last year as pure as on the album "Ashes Against the Grain" contrasting to the misshaped version of that Friday.
Many fans will virtually burn this review if I conclude the third concert of Friday 27th was disappointing. Nevertheless, Agalloch was Agalloch and they showed their typical style on that Friday. Let's blame the sound man and the tour's end!
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AUTHOR: Messy Ass
Lennert Hoedaert loves loads of music genres. Since he got back from an adventure in Wales, he has become even more eclectic. You will find him on the website as reviewer of concerts, "postmetal" and other eccentric genres. Besides enjoying the musical side of life he likes reading about politics and history, experiencing sport and socializing.