Life
is hard for Metal fans in Graz! Consequently the crowd seems to
be ravenous and longing for a show and the auditorium is quite
numerous in the time-honored Styrian venue. One reason for that
is the well-done organization and promotion by Vojo Concerts.
So the mood is hilarious and the expectations are high –
consequently only one question remains, caring for suspense before
every HAGGARD gig: can the Orpheum
offer the common brilliant sound, although the Metal orchestra
is very difficult to dub?
::
pics ::
NOSGOTH
– solid Gothic-Metal, with high pitched female singer
Before the answering of above mentioned question, the visitors
get the chance to listen to quite simple Gothic Metal from Austria
in form of :: NOSGOTH
::. The tracks do not offer many surprises, a few nice
guitar melodies flash through every now and then, but the songs
lack of a certain dynamic. Partly I can feel the rising of dynamics
during the double bass parts. Unfortunately female singer Isabella
performs in very high pitched regions and the felicitous musical
performance and joy in listening are affected in negative way.
In all, the lady is skilled concerning singing technique, but
the lilting is nothing for Gothic Metal gourmets. The band is
very glad to play the opening slot for Haggard and this good humor
is reflected by the convenient resonances from the visitors.
HAGGARD
– Of pestilence, Galileo and other brushable stories
After a surprising short scene changing interval the stage gets
crowded by Metal orchestra :: HAGGARD
::. No other artist manages better to combine classical
elements and heavy guitar chords. Intermediately the overall works
is kept together by spoken words passages. The changes between
calm strings arrangements with female vocals to harsh guitar walls
and growling timbre by Asis Nasseri are performed felicitously.
Continuously the suspenseful, theatrical build-up dominates the
dynamic compositions. The fans in Graz inhale musical jewels of
the early chapters with the same enthusiasm as tunes of later
releases. The set list offers a fine as well as representative
cross section and elates the audience. The most eye-catching actor
of the play are the two main vocalists, besides Fiffi with his
common hat, which seems to be accrued. He is smiling all the time
dispersing good humor. The bow of Ivica’s contrabass acts
also as animation’s instrument to clap along; al the other
strings are really capable of playing, guitars and bass players
whirl across fret board and stage. The kettledrums have an intense
and bombastic effect. There is a lot of action on stage and the
two hours of playing time do not last long. Some highlights are
amongst others the new piece Tales Of Ithiria, provoking
goose pimps with wonderful melodies and dynamic structures. The
well-known song Herr Mannelig comes into operation, Heavenly
Damnation or Awaking The Centuries (what a nice catchy
tune!) also stick out. The crowd cheers and says goodbye to the
artists and everyone had fun this evening. After the show the
fans can experience the musicians’ friendliness, because
Asis and company fulfill the one or other photo demand. In short:
HAGGARD is real consumption, as well as the well-balanced
sound and the moody light effects!
Setlist: Statement, The Day As Heaven Wept, The Observer,
De La Morte Noir, Per Aspera Ad Astra, In A Fullmoon Procession,
The Sleeping Child, Herr Mannelig, Upon Fallen Autumn Leaves,
Heavenly Damnation, The Final Victory, Tales Of Ithiria, Eppur
Si Muove, In A Pale Moon’s Shadow // Awaking The Centuries
