I was so disappointed with last year edition that I realize I didn't post a review. That's probably a good thing since it would be mostly about the rain, mud, weather conditions, etc...so much so that this year I waited until the last minute to buy the tickets. I think many also did since it was sold-out on Friday. Despite the insanely late headliners (finishing at 1:30 am) and some hiccups to get inside, this edition was one of the best in years...
Top Shows
Rotting Christ: Fantastic set-list based mostly on the last two great albums. Great atmosphere created by this top band.
Solstafir: A unique band and a different show. Very intimate post-metal Icelandic progressive sound.
The Dillinger Escape Plan: As usually those guys know how to put a show. The Metal Dome is the perfect stage for them at a festival.
Emperor: I'm gonna be selfish here, since this is by far not a mainstream band but a cult band adored by its fans, the crowed was disperse with the ones staying fully committed to the show. So much so that we, fans, could enjoy a headliner in a intimate fashion. And Emperor live was better than I ever expected! Fantastic musicianship, a black metal master class.
Architects: One of the few great metalcore bands, Architects delivered a great show based on the last two fantastic albums. I hope that despite the passing of the guitar player and music writer Tom Searle, they can continue to ascent as one of the best bands of their generation.
Gojira: They are one of the darlings of the metal media for a reason, they are a fantastic band and their show was awesome. The best songs from the latest album plus 4 or 5 classics. Perfect.
Hatebreed: A perfect fit for a sunny festival day. Big hits that make the crowd jump up and down and pump their fists while drinking beers.
Steel Panther: Also a fun band for a festival! But if you have seen them a few times, their jokes are getting repetitive. With that said, I did laugh and also enjoyed the setlist a lot.
Good Shows
Tribulation: Too early for a Tribulation show, 12:00 on a Friday...the vibe wasn't strong enough.
Decapitated: Also suffered from being a bit early.
Dee Snider: Good show but mostly predictable. TS classics, plus some covers (notably Outshined) and solo album tracks.
Scorpions: 3rd time I see them at Graspop. Good setlist but very similar to the last time. I can't blame them for lacking the energy...
Rhapsody: Suffered from a terrible sound and technical problems, also too early, too short.
MAX & IGGOR CAVALERA: It was fun, but the guy can't sing anymore...
Grave Digger: Also poor setlist and worst sound of the weekend.
Top Shows
Rotting Christ: Fantastic set-list based mostly on the last two great albums. Great atmosphere created by this top band.
Solstafir: A unique band and a different show. Very intimate post-metal Icelandic progressive sound.
The Dillinger Escape Plan: As usually those guys know how to put a show. The Metal Dome is the perfect stage for them at a festival.
Emperor: I'm gonna be selfish here, since this is by far not a mainstream band but a cult band adored by its fans, the crowed was disperse with the ones staying fully committed to the show. So much so that we, fans, could enjoy a headliner in a intimate fashion. And Emperor live was better than I ever expected! Fantastic musicianship, a black metal master class.
Architects: One of the few great metalcore bands, Architects delivered a great show based on the last two fantastic albums. I hope that despite the passing of the guitar player and music writer Tom Searle, they can continue to ascent as one of the best bands of their generation.
Gojira: They are one of the darlings of the metal media for a reason, they are a fantastic band and their show was awesome. The best songs from the latest album plus 4 or 5 classics. Perfect.
Hatebreed: A perfect fit for a sunny festival day. Big hits that make the crowd jump up and down and pump their fists while drinking beers.
Steel Panther: Also a fun band for a festival! But if you have seen them a few times, their jokes are getting repetitive. With that said, I did laugh and also enjoyed the setlist a lot.
Mastodon: One of the best modern prog bands did not disappoint live. If you like the last album, this show was great.
Queensryche: This show was so good that left me wanting to see them in a headline tour. The musicianship and specially the singer, Todd, were superb. The setlist made the fully packed Metal Dome go crazy! Only one new song, for the rest many classic gems of which several from the classic Operation: Mindcrime.
Opeth: Regulars at GMM, they closed the Marquee with a technically perfect show. One hour is so short for this band, that they could only play 5 songs, 3 being from the latest albums (meaning no death metal vocals).
Tribulation: Too early for a Tribulation show, 12:00 on a Friday...the vibe wasn't strong enough.
Decapitated: Also suffered from being a bit early.
Dee Snider: Good show but mostly predictable. TS classics, plus some covers (notably Outshined) and solo album tracks.
TBDM: I love the albums I have from these guys, but whenever I see them live the songs blend all together and I always feel that my favorites are left out.
Scorpions: 3rd time I see them at Graspop. Good setlist but very similar to the last time. I can't blame them for lacking the energy...
Disappointments:
Axel Rudi Pell: Played too early, singer was not hitting the high notes, setlist wasn't greatRhapsody: Suffered from a terrible sound and technical problems, also too early, too short.
MAX & IGGOR CAVALERA: It was fun, but the guy can't sing anymore...
Grave Digger: Also poor setlist and worst sound of the weekend.
