Paganfest
review by John Cole

Warning! The long ships are coming! The Vikings have come from afar, to bring about destruction and the abuse of alcohol, all in the name of Odin! Most, if not all, are well aware of the great history of the Vikings, and once again an interest has been expressed in the lifestyle, mythology, and of course, the music. This was a night of pure Viking revelry; a celebration of man’s ancestry and tunes that speak to the ancestral part of our soul.

The fates have once again forbid me from seeing Oakhelm, the opener and only local band. This is not the first time, and am sure will not be the last. This is maybe the fourth time this has happened, which completely sucks, as this is a great band that should be witnessed by all. From what was overheard though, they put on a great show as always. Maybe one day I shall be graced with witnessing them live.

 Suidakra was the first band on the tour, and for some reason just did not click with me. This is the perfect example of a band with great ideas that are simply not executed correctly. In all fairness, they recently did lose a key member, so this of course had a huge effect. Regardless of this fact, all throughout the set certain riffs would stick out, admits what seemed to be a bunch of filler. This band is much better on album than live, which is rare for this style of music.

Eluveitie was simply too much for Studio Seven’s PA, with seven members that included accordion, violins, bagpipes, flutes, and various other traditional instruments. This of course was along with the typical guitars and drums you find in metal. They looked like they just came from a Renaissance Fair, which gave then an air of authenticity. The music is very joyous at times, and then switches to all-out insanity. A feeling of celebration filled the air, as the crowd switched into Berzerker mode while wearing a huge evil grin. The battlefield was starting to appear, as we all celebrated our heritage in traditional violent, yet exuberant, activity. Unfortunately, all that was going on musically kept fading in and out, but this venue - as great as it is - has probably never had a band like this on stage.

 Many people cling to their Heathen ancestry, but few actually live it day to day. Tyr comes from a place called the Faroe Islands. While things may have become more civilized in recent times, this is the one place that is closest to the old Viking ways when it comes to culture. This is clearly reflected in the music. The odd thing is, Tyr uses only guitar, bass, drums, and of course, vocals. Somehow, they have created Metal music that is almost folk, while almost being a Prog band at times with how incredibly talented they are at instrumentation. The vocals are sung in their native language, and have a huge part in creating the atmosphere. Tyr will be back soon, and I highly suggest anyone who has an interest in Viking music, from folk to metal, to check them out.

 You may have seen the odd red and black painted warriors known as Turisas. Covered in fur and blood, they have come straight from battle to bring you tunes of victory and conquest. Once again, accordion and other folk instruments are brought on stage. This was the band many came to see, so the crowd instantly went nuts as soon as they started to play. The showmanship of this band is undeniable, and while personally they are not my favorite in this genre, they know how to get the drunken crowd going. Once again, there was a mixture of people slamming into each other, while some only danced. As we cheered in ecstasy for the resurrection of our olden ways, thoughts of battle and loss were brought into our hearts. Singing along to the addictive songs, as one we marched into battle, leaving us tired and weary. Still, victory was at hand.

 They call themselves battle metal, and this truly says it all. Imagine standing in a field, and all you see are your fallen enemies. Ensiferum is the celebration after the battle, where you embrace those who have survived and mourn the loss of those who gave their lives. This full-on assault had us all marching like Vikings, singing along, and letting those who are unfortunate enough to be our enemies know that we shall once again rise, for we have no fear of Valhalla and will gladly die to bring back our ways.

 It only makes sense that the interest in this music has increased in recent times. In the origins of man, both spirituality and music existed. Today, we have many great bands that sing about gods of older days, and times when the Vikings ruled the land and the seas. Take this as you will, but the long ships are coming, and these are the songs of battle and victory. Hail Odin!

Stahlmantel - Satan Snuff Machine
review by John Cole

MUSICAL BOUNDARIES have always existed, and even more so in the world of today. Our perception of what a band can and cannot do is based off traditionalist view points. Now and again, a band comes around who has no interest in doing what has been done, nor following the rules created by the media and music fans. Stahlmantel is a band that has appeal to both the Industrial and Black Metal crowds, while being none of these terms yet simultaneously both.

Featuring our very own Nihilist from In Memorium on vocals, and Jurgen Bartsch of Bethlehem and Deionychous fame, the line up alone will raise the interest of many. Creating a soundtrack to your nightmares, you wake up shivering and covered in sweat. Upon the recollection of what filled you with this fear, a smile shows on your face as you shake your head. As you prepare to awaken from your slumber, you suddenly realize the monster is very real, and somehow you are infected with this desire to dance. Yes, I said dance. Now move your feet and grab the blade! As the shrieks from Cameron fill the night air, your body is no longer your own. Somehow you have ended up a pile on the floor, laughing in hysterics while carving the sigil of Lucifer into your flesh.

All this seem a little too much? lt is at times, as this is far from an easy listen. Nothing worth anything should be easy though. As you sink further and further into this album you realize its genius lies in its ability to walk the thin line between comedy and pure insanity. If you are brave enough to lose your mind for a few moments, check out Satan Snuff Machine. You may just discover things about yourself.

The Ronz

THE RONZ (Thomas LaBay, Willhelm Hendershot) formed in late October 2006 in Seattle WA. Originally a Thrash punk band, “The Face Melter’s”, this drum/guitar duo shares the responsibility of alternating between instruments and singing. It’s a surprisingly smooth transition and refreshing stylistic change when they switch drum and guitar duties. Although aspects of the music bespeak of genres dating back to the days of these guy’s parents, the intensity and fervor of the music bring new life to a known sound.

After only a little over a year together they’re releasing their debut full length, “Fatal Panda” and are planning a southwest tour for late in the summer. You can check them out at www.myspace.com/therockinronz or see them live July 13 at Bop Street Records  In Ballard

Thee Emergency CD Release Party
review by John Cole

It was a packed house at the King Cobra for a Saturday night, May 17.  Camel was giving away free cigarettes and free drink tickets, which I thought was genius.  My husband smokes, and I normally don’t drink, but I’m not one to pass up free drinks, so I was pleased.  We took our two packs of Camels, and our two free drinks and settled in to a house filled with regulars. 

The Valley took the stage first.  Guitar Doug has done a full story on them so you may remember the particulars on them.  They don’t have a regular sized kick drum; they have this monster kick drum that is so insane.  The drums for this band blew me away.  I know I’m going to get a lot of crap for saying this but the way their guitarist goes from playing clean to distortion in his cool but unpretentious fashion really reminds me of early Nirvana.  The Valley was great. 

Next up was The Hands.  I have to say they do what they do with precision and grace, but they are not my favorite band of the moment.  Now here’s a confession.  Every night my husband and I listen to Love Line on 107.7 The End.  Sometimes afterwards, we listen to upcoming new “alternative” bands.  The Hands could clearly make a living being one of these bands.  They are great sounding and very professional.  I heard The Hands a long time ago and they have definitely come a long way in producing their sound to be a more professional and more listener friendly.  Go The Hands.  More power to you. 

Follow that up with a set by Thee Emergency.  I was more than ready for this.  I had seen the flyers pasted all over Cap Hill for weeks for Operation Bright Pink.  I had read Guitar Doug’s blog and I was ready to be blown out of the water.  Nobody rocks a mohawk quite like Dita Vox. 

When I saw the guitar player bring out what seemed to be a hollow body of some sort I was extra stoked.  I have a certain affinity for semi and full hollow body guitars and their sound.  Thee Emergency really took the stage by storm with full on flag waving and no, I’m not kidding there was an actual flag flying from the guitar, rock and roll. 

My only beef was, I couldn’t hear the vocals well enough.  But, by this time, I had enough alcohol in me to sink a ship, so maybe it was just me, no beef with Greg, the coolest sound guy in town.  They brought out a keyboardist for some of the set, and it was amazing, but I didn’t see any cello player as promised in Guitar Doug’s blog.  Maybe next time.

The flag wasn’t the only thing flying from that awesome guitar, the riffs were just pouring out.  And the bass was ripping out a sound that was right in line with the guitar parts.  The drummer was pounding away like a mad man to the pleasure of all, keeping time to this tightly knit group.  Keeping this all together was Dita Vox and her throaty, lusty vocals with the occasional backups of both the guitarist and bassist.  Dita was definitely the diva of the stage but there is no one star in this band. They all produce a rock and roll show that is not to be stopped.

I was pleasantly surprised that they offered six free songs for download off their new album for those of us not in the cash market to buy it, with a secret code on the back of a card.  How cool.  They played an encore to a packed house and they probably could have played another full set to the mesmerized audience, as it looked like they were going no place; an awesome show from all three bands.  Way to release a CD, Thee Emergency, with class and style.