FRIDAY
Jeff Scott Soto
The good surprise of the weekend, as Devil You Know cancelled, I decided to see JSS whom I know very well from other bands (ARP, Maslmsteen, etc). The songs from those bands were the highlight – besides the medley Frozen/Crazy unexpected covers from his very good covers album.
Primal Fear
I’m a fan from their first album and this show confirmed that Ralf is one of the best power metal singers until today. Old classics and new songs from this year’s good album were a perfect blend…just too early and too short!
Triptykon
Dark, deep and intense show, as their outstanding new Album is! Two songs from it and two from the first CD and that was it, leaving the fans with a taste of “I want more” – but with songs typically over 10 minutes long, a festival set is too short for this magnificent band.
Steel Panther
Not the best show I have seen from them. First, I felt that the set list was suboptimal, then maybe the jokes are becoming repetitive? and finally too sexist and borderline offensive. They can make great songs and are obviously funny – but seems like they are going a downhill path…
Slayer
What’s left to say? Despite missing 50% of the original line-up, they are still an awesome live band – especially for festivals. No BS, thrash metal classics from the first minute to the very end. Thanks for the soar neck and damaged vocal chords!
Opeth
Another band that can only fit a few songs in a festival set, but that’s totally fine because they are awesome. The set list was very balanced, and luckily some very heavy tunes such as Heir Apparent. Those guys are such good musicians, great to watch.
A7X
I must confess I like their music, except for the new album which is a fabricated BS and it irritates me. But apart from that, the show was quite good and their performance flawless.
I also saw good shows from Annihilator and Sepultura.
SATURDAY
In Solitude
Good way to start day 2, In Solitude presenting a good show containing only songs (6) from the latest album (Sister). Musically it was great, but lacked a bit of connection with the audience, which at 12pm was pretty reduced.
Protest the Hero
I’m still working my way through their latest albums, progressive and complex – it does take time to fully appreciate them. Fortunately, this performance only helped! Outstanding musicianship, charismatic frontman and energetic songs
Gamma Ray
I’m a long term fan and have all their albums. But quite often I’m disappointed with their set lists. Rebellion In Dreamland is always worth the show, and now they also have the fantastic Avalon from the new album.
Mastodon
No question about how good they are. The new album, Once More 'Round The Sun, was presented with 3 great songs. Also great classics such as Crystal Skull and Megalodon. But the show lacked some connection with the audience. Maybe because it was relatively early and a sunny main stage.
TDEP
Maybe the best show of the festival. Pretty awesome set list, highly energetic (as usually), destruction on stage and the crowed going nuts.
Carcass
My 3rd show since the new album came out in 2013. No surprises, again a heavy metal class.
I also saw the shows from Nails, Trivium, and Dark Tranquility. None of each really impressed.
SUNDAY
letlive.
How good are those guys? The singer is so charismatic and spontaneous. The highlight was when he broke the watch that was there to keep bands on time. The set list was very energetic and balancing their both albums.
Anthrax
Every time I see them, it's one of my favorite shows. Of course I'm biased and screamed my lungs out! More thresh metal please!
Hatebreed
Played while Belgium was playing int he World Cup and I guess that drove the attention away a bit. But always an energetic metalcore show with their best hits.
Meshuggah
Unfortunately, I don't know their old stuff too well, so I didn't get into the mood. Additionally, by that time I was pretty tired (the age...)
Black Sabbath
I was impressed. I didn't think those guys can still pull it off. First time I saw Ozzy with Tommi...regardless of their age, priceless.
I also saw good shows from TBDM (too early), Comeback Kid, Black Label Society (not as good as previous appearances), BMTH and Architects (very good band!)
Jeff Scott Soto
The good surprise of the weekend, as Devil You Know cancelled, I decided to see JSS whom I know very well from other bands (ARP, Maslmsteen, etc). The songs from those bands were the highlight – besides the medley Frozen/Crazy unexpected covers from his very good covers album.
Primal Fear
I’m a fan from their first album and this show confirmed that Ralf is one of the best power metal singers until today. Old classics and new songs from this year’s good album were a perfect blend…just too early and too short!
Triptykon
Dark, deep and intense show, as their outstanding new Album is! Two songs from it and two from the first CD and that was it, leaving the fans with a taste of “I want more” – but with songs typically over 10 minutes long, a festival set is too short for this magnificent band.
Steel Panther
Not the best show I have seen from them. First, I felt that the set list was suboptimal, then maybe the jokes are becoming repetitive? and finally too sexist and borderline offensive. They can make great songs and are obviously funny – but seems like they are going a downhill path…
Slayer
What’s left to say? Despite missing 50% of the original line-up, they are still an awesome live band – especially for festivals. No BS, thrash metal classics from the first minute to the very end. Thanks for the soar neck and damaged vocal chords!
Opeth
Another band that can only fit a few songs in a festival set, but that’s totally fine because they are awesome. The set list was very balanced, and luckily some very heavy tunes such as Heir Apparent. Those guys are such good musicians, great to watch.
A7X
I must confess I like their music, except for the new album which is a fabricated BS and it irritates me. But apart from that, the show was quite good and their performance flawless.
I also saw good shows from Annihilator and Sepultura.
SATURDAY
In Solitude
Good way to start day 2, In Solitude presenting a good show containing only songs (6) from the latest album (Sister). Musically it was great, but lacked a bit of connection with the audience, which at 12pm was pretty reduced.
Protest the Hero
I’m still working my way through their latest albums, progressive and complex – it does take time to fully appreciate them. Fortunately, this performance only helped! Outstanding musicianship, charismatic frontman and energetic songs
Gamma Ray
I’m a long term fan and have all their albums. But quite often I’m disappointed with their set lists. Rebellion In Dreamland is always worth the show, and now they also have the fantastic Avalon from the new album.
Mastodon
No question about how good they are. The new album, Once More 'Round The Sun, was presented with 3 great songs. Also great classics such as Crystal Skull and Megalodon. But the show lacked some connection with the audience. Maybe because it was relatively early and a sunny main stage.
TDEP
Maybe the best show of the festival. Pretty awesome set list, highly energetic (as usually), destruction on stage and the crowed going nuts.
Carcass
My 3rd show since the new album came out in 2013. No surprises, again a heavy metal class.
I also saw the shows from Nails, Trivium, and Dark Tranquility. None of each really impressed.
SUNDAY
letlive.
How good are those guys? The singer is so charismatic and spontaneous. The highlight was when he broke the watch that was there to keep bands on time. The set list was very energetic and balancing their both albums.
Anthrax
Every time I see them, it's one of my favorite shows. Of course I'm biased and screamed my lungs out! More thresh metal please!
Hatebreed
Played while Belgium was playing int he World Cup and I guess that drove the attention away a bit. But always an energetic metalcore show with their best hits.
Meshuggah
Unfortunately, I don't know their old stuff too well, so I didn't get into the mood. Additionally, by that time I was pretty tired (the age...)
Black Sabbath
I was impressed. I didn't think those guys can still pull it off. First time I saw Ozzy with Tommi...regardless of their age, priceless.
I also saw good shows from TBDM (too early), Comeback Kid, Black Label Society (not as good as previous appearances), BMTH and Architects (very good band!)
