ROCK HARD FESTIVAL 2018 – Rocking A Personal Reminiscence

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Amon Amarth, Black Sabbath, Blues Pills, Bolt Thrower, Children of Bodom, Come To The Sabbath, Elin Larsson, Headliner, Hellfueled, Jörg Litges, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Ozzy Osbourne, Painkiller, Queen Of Spades Photography, Rock Am Ring, Rock Hard Festival, Rock Hard Megazine, Sodom, The Devil's Blood, Yorck Segatz

Blues Pills’ Elin in 2014 – On Sunday Morning

One morning in June some twenty years ago, I was…15 and this is a totally different story. It was the end of May actually some 14 years ago when it all started, my personal Rock Hard history. After the very first and supposed one-off event, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Rock Hard Megazine, the second coming came and would be my initial visit to what became and institution not just among the international Metal madness, but in my life as well. It was my very first “real” festival back then at the tender age of 21 – back in the days we didn’t have fucking facebook to keep up with what’s going on. Getting to know new people demanded to go to places and meet in person – it was a wild time and I loved it! The first two times as a more or less regular visitor and some time in between, attending Rock am Rind in 2006, being your typical broke student and a sick interlude, 2009 I finally had turned into one of those annoying media folks, attending RHF for ten consecutive years! 

Blues Pills in 2017 – Friday Headliner Bliss

It was that very year, 2009, that I immortalized myself as part of the Rock Hard history, performing on the main stage as a winner of the karaoke contest that took place the first few festival editions. And I hadn’t had it any other way than screaming my lungs out with the Judas Priest classic “Painkiller” – not to mention I would have needed some painkillers afterwards to sooth my sore throat from performing in front of a 6000 plus audience, let alone at an open air event! What a time to be alive. Just like the magazine, the festival itself has always been dedicated to a wide range of genres and as a support of the underground. We saw bands working their way up from tiny club shows to entering the charts on the pole position. Yes, this is the story of Blues Pills – a band I’ve always loved and that will have a special place in my heart forever and ever. I will spear your all the personal anecdotes for now.

Sodom in 2018 – Hairy Headliner For A Friday Night

Within the course of 14 years I had some of the best times ever, crowd surfing while Children Of Bodom played, banning my head hard for Amon Amarth and having my boobs signed by the Swedish sons of Ozzy Osbourne, Hellfueled, all in 2005. After a short absence in 2006, I also caught up with Bolt Thrower at their second time at RHF in 2012. And who could forget King Diamond‘s theatrical act in 2013, still gives me chills. But most memorable for me will be The Devil’s Blood, headlining in 2010, since no one wanted the stage after their blood-ridden ritual. Besides all these great bands, Rock Hard has always been a festival for families and friends and it really is and has been for me. Some folks I would just see once a year during the pentecoast weekend.

Partner in Crime & BFF – Queen Of Spades at RHF 2018

You’ve come a long way within the past 15 years, dear Rock Hard Festival and for the past ten years I couldn’t even imagine being anywhere else around this time of year, but now I feel that it’s time to move on. So much has changed and not all of it for the better. But I will always treasure my memories, specially of spending time with some of my best friends at the annual festivities. Most of all teaming up with my friend Susan at Queen Of Spades Photography in 2015 after the untimely demise of Jörg Litges, my former partner in crime of two years. And 2018 will always be a very special one to look back at as my former band mate Sonja joined in the fierce fun and my bestie Yorck made his debut as a real Rockstar and latest addition to Thrash legend Sodom. It might have been the last time for me for now, but it was one heck of a ride! Thanks.

Festival, Fun & Friendships – Rock Hard Festival 2018

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PSYCHORIZON – Rollercoaster Of Rock

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Adam Lambert, Aura Noir, Axl Rose, Beastmaster, Beyondition, Bolt Thrower, Death Alley, Grave Pleasures, Guns N' Roses, In Solitude, Linnéa Olsson, Maggot Heart, Monsterpics, Old School Death Metal, Ozzy Osbourne, Procession, Psychorizon, Queen, Rock Hard Festival, Slash, Sodom, Tribulation, Uno Bruniusson, Wacken Open Air

Just a about a month ago my review on the past year was so much fun and I really look back on 2017 with a good feeling. And now that we’re well into February, 2018 has already been quite a ride already. First off, my best friend finally made his way into the Metal-Olymp by joining veteran Thrash band SODOM. Looks like he’s gonna be a real Rockstar after all. Besides, his own band BEYONDITION is much of a class act within the local underground itself. Offering a fine blend of Old School Death Metal in the vein of BOLT THROWER with a twist of Swedish Death to it. Guess I should try and do an interview with the guys to introduce them to the rest of the world. They are currently working on a debut album, with a 2017 demo sold out by now. Anyone who missed out on buying the tape: The demo is available as a full download via bandcamp. Totally looking forward to seeing them again soon!

BEYONDITION – Red Light Special

Speaking of which, it only took me a good month to spend more money on concerts than I have in the past few years. And the amount that other people are willing to pay for the entire Wacken weekend, I will be celebrating two days of pure Rock’n’Roll awesomeness. After my failed attempt to see one of my all-time favorite bands at Rock Am Ring in 2006, this year will totally make up for it, as I will finally see GUNS N’ ROSES with BOTH Axl and Slash sharing stages again! And to top it all, just one day later, QUEEN and ADAM LAMBERT are playing have a tour stop in Cologne. Only took me about eight years to catch up with Adam again. But I’m 100 percent sure that it will be totally worth the wait. Additionally, 2018 also marks my personal anniversary of ten consecutive years as an official press member at the annual Rock Hard Festival. Kicking off my run of live show shenanigans, will be the ever so amazing Linnéa Olsson with her very own MAGGOT HEART – featuring her former GRAVE PLEASURES bandmate Uno Bruniusson (PROCESSION, DEATH ALLEY, ex-IN SOLITUDE) on drums. With quite some more thins on my list of possible activities for the year ahead, including OZZY OSBOURNE, 2018 will really rock!

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PSYCHORIZON – Favourite Moments Of 2017

Wow, what a rollercoaster ride 2017 has been. Looking back on it now makes me feel mostly good. Tough there have been some setbacks as well, which turned out to be – at least in hindsight – bumps in the road less travelled by. The path of Psychorizon continues with the new year and some important changes as well. After my short-lived return to the booking business and it’s untimely demise in late November, I decided to fully leave organizing events to the professionals and enjoy the feeling I got from just being a fan and lover of music and everything about it. I always saw myself as a woman with a vision, but I had to face to facts that a mere idea and the harsh reality of trying to book bands just do not work well together. And I am totally fine with NOT getting involved anymore. I will always be a great supporter and enthusiast of female musicians, but I don’t have to overextend my own abilities, energy and strength for it.

Electric Fucking Wizard!

Still I’m very proud of all the things I accomplished over the years or rather decades and Psychorizon will remain my main work. 2017 offered some true highlights for me and I hope 2018 will be no different. There were many first times for me watching some of the best bands the planet currently has to offer and some of the best shows I have ever seen including Electric Wizard, Life Of Agony and Myrkur. My uttermost gratitude belongs to my friends who made 2017 an amazing experience!

Rock Fucking Hard!

See you all soon!

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PSYCHORIZON PRESENTS – BLACK MIRRORS & ARIEZ

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'77, Anouk, ArieZ, AZ Muelheim, Funky Queen, Garage Rock, Heavy Blues Rock, Helvete Oberhausen, Horisont, Jack White, Janis Joplin, Jex Thoth, Luis Martins, Marcella Di Troia, Michael "Ariez Vent du Nord", Napalm Records, Nirvana, Occult Rock, Pierre Lateur, Pitcher, Psychorizon Anniversary Event, Queen Of Spades Photography, Retro Rock, Ritual Doom, Rockpalast, Steffen Malessa, Sue Leafheart

After last years attempt to have an awesome anniversary show, I decided to up the ante with an all new location, more time to prepare and promote the event, the coolest flyer I could possibly think of and a much more kick ass proesque attitude.

Opening the evening again will be the areas finest, ArieZ. Founded in 2013 by guitarist Michael ”Ariez Vent du Nord”, ArieZ play their own blend of Psychedelic, Heavy Blues Rock and Ritual Doom. With only two members – Michael and bassplayer Steffen – Ariez started jamming and wrote the first couple of songs. With the addition of drummer Luis and vocalist Sue Leafheart, the band was finally completed. The sound of ArieZ displays the roots and influences of all four musicians. They take inspiration from different forms of arts, the lifestyle of the 60s & 70s, mysticism, spirituality, love of nature and an altogether alternative way of life. After their live debut in 2015 at renowned Rockpalast, which is part of club Matrix in Bochum, ArieZ are slowly making their way as an up and coming underground act – a name to keep in mind!

ArieZ live at AZ Muelheim – pic by VooDooM

This years headliner will be none other than Belgian Whiz Kids Black Mirrors! My first encounter was at the sold out show at Pitcher Duesseldorf, when they opened up for Horisont und ’77 in March. The are Belgium’s answer to pretty much every Rock band out there. The fuzzy four-piece offers a great blend of groove enthused Garage Rock. If Janis Joplin, Jack White, Anouk, Nirvana and Queens Of The Stone Age ever had the chance to breed, Black Mirrors would have been their favorite creation. Vocalist Marcella Di Troia impresses with her vigorous and well-trained voice, looking like a younger version or younger sister of Jex Thoth. Their self-titled debut EP has been released on March 3rd via Napalm Records and with songs like the funktastic “Funky Queen” a full-length record is only a matter of time. This one’s a keeper!

Black Mirrors live at Pitcher Duesseldorf – pic by Queen Of Spades Photography

For the aftershow party, I myself will be hosting the night as DJ Thoth at Tales From The Crypt Party. Tickets for the concerts are available on pre sale at 16€. Feel free to RSVP via the Facebook event page. See you in November!

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Psychorizon – Favourite Moments Of 2016

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(Dolch), Acherontic Arts Fest, Anniversary, ArieZ, Beastmilk, Drain, Electric Wizard, Gold, Grave Pleasures, Helvete, In Solitude, Kadavar, King Dude, Linnéa Olsson, Liz Buckingham, Path Of Samsara, Psychorizon, Queen Of Spades Photography, Rock Hard Festival 2016, The Ruins Of Beverast, Thränenkind, Tribulation, TuRock, Uno Bruniusson, Urfaust, Ván Records, Völur

2016 started off with a rare moment as I had the first and unfortunately final chance the see Grave Pleasures in their best lineup, featuring Swedish guitarist Linnéa Olsson and former In Solitude drummer Uno Bruniusson. The now newly formed band was touring alongside Tribulation in January and gladly played a brilliant show at TuRock, Essen – not shying away from including several tunes from their former incarnation Beastmilk. Later this year I was lucky enough to see Tribulation again at Rock Hard Festival.

Liz Buckingham’s long-lost Swedish twin-sister – Linnéa Olsson

But before the outdoor season started, one of many indoor festivals caught my attention and had me attending – attempted pun intended – the second edition of Ván Records’ very own Acherontic Arts Festival which took place in early May. Gathering the brightest shining gems of his artist roster, Sven clearly knows his way around a brilliant billing. Urfaust, Gold, the recently disbanded Path Of Samsara, The Ruins Of Beverast, to name but a few. My personal highlights have to be King Dude, who gave me all those emotions, from goosebumps, to shivers to tears and the outstanding performance of Germany’s very own (D O L C H) – leaving me speechless and that rarely ever happens!

Feel the dagger – (D O L C H)

Partners in crime – Psychorizon & Queen Of Spades Photography

And then there was this: Rock Hard Festival – the only event I’ve been at almost every year since 2004. Second time watching Tribulation and for the first time in a while I could finally catch up with Kadavar again. Great to see these guys, that I’ve been a fan of and working with in a past life, making their way towards the big stages. This year also saw a premier, as I officially teamed up with Queen Of Spades Photography – run by my good friend and talented photographer Susan – to cover the mandatory reports.

ArieZ warming up for the show

In August it was finally time to look back the first five years of Psychorizon with a little festival. Four bands from three countries gathered at a local youth club to celebrate with me and my friends, fans, readers and the audience for one night. Even though only a handful of folks actually came around to enjoy the event, there shall be more live action to go about in the future. Special thanks to those who joined the party, my catering chef Cati and all members of the most brilliant opening act ArieZ, Swiss Stoner crew Drain and of course my amazing Canadian headliner Völur. Couldn’t have done it without you, thanks so much! Spread the love and hope to see you all soon again!!!

Vocalist Nils becomes one with the music & his microphone

And last but certainly not least, another most memorable night featured Ghost Bath and Thränenkind, who played at Helvete, Oberhausen on August 28th. While the main part of the audience was eagerly waiting to see the headliner, all I wanted was to finally see the band that created my personal favourite album of the year. Due to some scheduling difficulties, bass player Matthias and vocalist Nils had to borrow some stand-in musicians and still managed to deliver a stunning show. Hope they’ll return to my area again soon!

Energetic Anarchy: Matthias the bass-machine!

This year has been a crazy ride and I’m really looking forward to all the adventures the next one will bring – hope we’ll all make it a good one.

See you all in 2017

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PSYCHORIZON – Celebrating Five Years

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Anniversary, ArieZ, AZ Muelheim, Basel, Blood Ceremony, Breit, Canada, Deaf Forever, Doom, Drain, Event, Festival, Jimmy P Lightning, Laura C. Bates, Live, Lucas Gadke, Luis Martins, Michael "Ariez Vent du Nord", Occult, Psychorizon, ritual, Steffen Malessa, Stoner, Sue Leafheart, Switzerland, The Devil's Blood, Toronto, Völur

Who would have thought that this idea would last longer than any relationship I’ve ever had to this date – not me, that’s for sure! But this year, on August 1st, 2016, Psychorizon celebrates its fifth anniversary and what better way to do so, as to have a nice little party?

Without further ado, here now is the official flyer for Psychorizons celebratory event, coming up on July 31st, 2016 – joining me and all guests, will be four bands from three countries. Full coverage on all of them will follow in the upcoming weeks.

In the meantime you may check out their Facebook pages, as listed below.

Live on stage:

ArieZ – Psychedelic-Heavy-Blues-Rock and Ritual Doom from Gelsenkirchen

BREIT – “Weed is our history” from Leipzig

DRAIN – Stoner/Doom Rock from Basel

Völur – Doom from Toronto

RSVP to the event via facebook.

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Psychorizon – Featured on Rock’n’Vintage

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Almost Famous, Alunah, Apocalypse Now, Blood Ceremony, Clerical architecture, Courtney Love, Crucified Barbara, Elvis Presley, Essen, Full Metal Jacket, Gallons Of Mud, Grand Magus, Groan, Grunge, Harasai, Hole, Interview, Jefferson Airplane, Jex Thoth, L7, Motorjesus, Northrhine-Westfalia, Orchid, Pop Art, Psychorizon, Rock'n'Vintage, Romanticism, Sigiriya, Soph Alunah Day, Surrealism, The B52s, The Byrds, The Cement Garden, The Devil's Blood, The Donnas, The Mamas And The Papas, Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats

Well I might not have done so much for the page during the last few days, but check out this really cool Interview I did with the fabulous Rock’n’Vintage Blog.

It was great fun to be on “the other side” for a change and it might answer some of your questions as well.

 

Thanks to Soph and enjoy it!