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Psychorizon

~ The Private Side Of Rock'n'Roll

Psychorizon

Tag Archives: Ván Records

Psychorizon Festival Fahrplan MMXX – Und der Wahnsinn geht weiter

29 Saturday Feb 2020

Posted by psychorizon in Live

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1996, 40th Band Anniversary, 90er, 90s, Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen, Ann-Sofie Hoyles, Bad Religion, Berlin, Bush, Crash Fest, Dave Grohl, Debut Album, Dortmund, Eddie Vedder, Eifel, Faith No More, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Greg Graffin, Grunge, Hamburger Schule, Headliner, Jens Peters, Kassette, Lükaz Lünen, Metal City Festival, Mike Patton, Nürburgring, Nürnberg, Neck Cemetery, Pearl Jam, Pfingsten, Platte, Punk, Ram, Rock Am Ring, Rock Hard Festival, Rock im Park, Seattle, Selig, Shadow’s Servants, Single, Spiders The Night Eternal, Swallowed, Tape, The Offspring, The Smashing Pumpkins, Ugly Kid Joe, Ván Records, Vinyl, Warm Up Party, Weezer, Westfalenhalle, Whitfield Crane, Zeppelinfeld, Zitadelle Spandau

Das noch immer junge Jahr 2020 verhält sich bisher sehr ruhig. Weder Parties noch Konzerte konnten mich in den vergangenen zwei Monaten vom Sofa locken oder dazu bringen, die Nacht zum Tag zu machen. Doch völlig untätig bin ich natürlich nicht und einige Events stehen bereits auf meiner Wunschliste. Auch in Sachen Festivals könnten die kommenden zehn Monate spannend werden. Und so möchte ich den heutigen Tag, der ausnahmsweise auf den 29. Februar fällt und somit schon Seltenheitswert besitzt, für einen kleinen Ausblick nutzen.Recht weit oben in meinem persönlichen Kalender und doch unmittelbar an der Jahresmitte liegt wenig überraschend das Rock Hard Festival. Für mich könnte es das nunmehr zwölfte Mal in Folge und insgesamt 14. Pfingstwochenende im Gelsenkirchener Amphitheater werden. Mir fehlt zu diesem Zeitpunkt allerdings noch ein echter Kracher, bei dem ich so richtig ausflippen kann. Dafür freue ich mich sehr über die Ankündigung der Lokalmatadore von Neck Cemetery, deren Erscheinen mehr als obligatorisch ist. Stellt sich nur die Frage, ob Frontmann und RHF-Inventar Jens Peters sich und seine Mitstreiter selbst singend ankündigt oder wem er dafür das Mikrofon freiwillig (oder eben auch gezwungener Maßen) überlässt. Wer nicht bis Ende Mai warten möchte, kann bereits zur Monatsmitte im Lükaz – dem Lüner Kultur- und Aktionszentrum auflaufen. Hier gibt es ein Schwedendoppel mit RAM und den wunderbaren Spiders, die 2016 selbst am Kanal rockten sowie DER Deutschen Nachwuchshoffnung der Stunde: The Night Eternal. Deren neue Single “Shadow’s Servants” kommt am 20. März bei Ván Records raus, während das Debut über den bandeigenen Shop auf Platte und Kassette erhältlich ist. Nur eine Woche nach dem RHF und somit praktischer Weise nicht zeitgleich, geht es auch im Süden heiß her.

Rock im Park wird 25 und hat einfach mal eine handvoll musikalischer Highlights eingeladen, die auch 1995 perfekt gepasst hätten. Die große Schwester Rock am Ring ging schon 1985 an den Start und wird somit im Sommer 35. Nach einschlägiger Erfahrung meines bisher einzigen Trips zum Nürburgring als Festivalbesucher 2006, ziehe ich jedoch das Zeppelinfeld in Nürnberg der Rennstrecke in der Eifel vor. Beim diesjährigen Lineup sticht vor allem der Sonntag hervor und zeichnet sich quasi als ultimativer 90er Trip aus: Green Day als Headliner, dazu noch The Offspring, Weezer und Bush. Also ich wäre damit mehr als zufrieden, wenngleich einige Acts der ersten Auflage mich ebenfalls in Ekstase versetzen würden. Vor allem Ugly Kid Joe, Selig, Faith No More und Bad Religion. Bis auf UKJ sind alle aber in den kommenden Monaten ohnehin auf Tour und vielleicht kann ich dann noch auf paar Haken auf meiner To-Watch-Liste machen. Die Punk-Veteranen Bad Religion habe ich immerhin bereits 1996 live erleben dürfen, im Alter von 13 beim zweiten Konzert meines Lebens. Im Rahmen ihres 40-jährigen Bühnenjubiläums gehen Greg Graffin und Co. auf ausgedehnte Europatour und sind zudem als Headliner und bisher einziger Act beim diesjährigen Crash Fest in Berlin angekündigt. Auch wenn ich nach zwei Trips 2019 nicht unbedingt wieder in die Hauptstadt möchte, weiß ich dank des einzigen Deutschlandkonzerts der Smashing Pumpinks, dass sich die Zitadelle Spandau als Location allemal lohnt. Whitfield Crane und seine Truppe gehören nach wie vor zu den aktivsten Zeitgenossen, die aber leider allzu oft unter der Woche auftreten. Auch der Deutsche Dauerbrenner Selig war nie so richtig weg, doch auch die Vorzeigekapelle der Hamburger Schule habe ich bisher verpasst. Und Faith No More waren tatsächlich ewig nicht mehr in Europa geschweige denn Deutschland unterwegs. Ob ich es schaffe, Mike Patton live und in Farbe anzuschmachten, bleibt abzuwarten. Möglichkeiten gibt es einige und im Gegensatz zu Dave *GRÖHL* Grohl und seinen Foo Fighters und den ewigen Pearl Jam um Grunge-Legende und Wahl-Seattle-Bewohner Eddie Vedder sind die weder restlos ausverkauft noch unverschämt überteuert.

Bad Religion, mein erstes Mal, bei einem Punk-Konzert: Es war 1996
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Psychorizon – Tour News MMXIX

03 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by psychorizon in Live

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(Dolch), Alexander Örn Númason, Óskar Logi Ágústsson, Black Mirrors, Bullet, City Girl, Coven, Demon Head, European Tour, Gateways, Guðmundur Óli Pálmason, Horisont, Jex Thoth, Jinx Doawson, Johanna Sadonis, King Dude, Linnéa Olsson, Look Into The Black Mirror, Lucifer, Maggot Heart, Magickal Chaos Tour 2019, Marcella Di Troia, Nicke Andersson, Pierre Lateur, Roadburn Festival, Spell, The Gateways Tour, The Hellacopters, The Oath, The Ruins Of Beverast, The Vintage Caravan, Ván Records, Wicked Woman, Witchcraft Destroys Minds And Reaps Souls, Wucan

Three months and three days into 2019 and so far there’s not too much on my schedule. But with spring ahead, some really decent tours are on the horizon and some will even head my way. While US-audiences always seem to get a much bigger piece of the cake, there’s no reason to complain on my end.

Kicking off 13 days from today, Sweden’s Lucifer will cross the big pond for an extended North-American tour with very special guests Spell. Furthermore the band will join forces with The Hellacopters to glance Europe with their collective Rock’n’Roll shenanigans.

Lucifer & The Hellacopters 

13.05. Cologne, Germany, E – Werk

14.05. Hamburg, Germany, Markthalle

15.05. Berlin, Germany, Astra

16.05. Copenhagen, Denmark, Vega

And as the US will be welcoming yet another amazing tour package featuring King Dude and Maggot Heart, traveling the opposite direction, will be none other than Coven. After I missed out on their headlining appearance at Roadburn 2017 as well as the entire tour last year, I hope to finally catch of with Jinx Dawson and her fellow musicians as they return to European soil this summer.

Teaming up again this year will be Iceland’s finest The Vintage Caravan and Belgium’s very own Black Mirrors. After the first part of The Gateways tour last year, the two bands will hit the road once more throughout April and early May. Two years ago on this day, Black Mirrors released their eponymous debut EP. Their full-length followup “Look Into The Black Mirror” came out on August 30th, 2018. With their third album at hand, The Vintage Caravan will also be supporting Swedish Heavy Metal outlaws Bullet for a few selected dates.

 

ROCK HARD FESTIVAL 2017 – Dinner For One

07 Friday Jul 2017

Posted by psychorizon in Live

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Adam Nergal Darski, Alia O'Brien, Amen, Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen, André Kvarnström, Angel Witch, Battle Hymn, Behemoth, Blood Ceremony, Blood Of My Enemies, Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel, Blues Pills, Bochum Total, Carcass, DAD, Deep Purple, Devil Man, Dinner For One, Dorian Sorriaux, Dust Bolt, Electric Wizard, Elin Larsson, Fighting The World, Furor Divinus, Hail And Kill, Hammong organ, Helene Fischer, Helvete Oberhausen, High Class Woman, Horisont, Iron Maiden, Jefferson Airplane, Jethro Tull, Ketzer, Kill With Power, Lady In Gold, Lord Of Misrule, Lucas Gadke, Manowar, Messe Noire, Michael Carrillo, Michael Kelso, Miss Sophie, Ora Pro Nonis Lucifer, Queen Of Spades Photography, Robert Pehrsson’s Humbucker, Rock Hard Festival, Rockspektakel, Ross The Boss, Sean Kennedy, Somebody To Love, Steven Hyde, That Seventies Show, The Dead Daisies, The Eldritch Dark, The Satanist, The Vintage Caravan, Ván Records, Wasted Years, Welcome To The Night, Zack Anderson

Same procedure as last year, Miss Sophie? Same procedure as every year, James – Skål! This is not an untimely attempt to awake year festive spirit, which should be the case at least if you have the same country of origin as I do, but a bit of a nostalgic retrospect on the past 13 years of my annual event highlight. Though I missed the very first time of it, Rock Hard Festival has become the only event I have been visiting since 2004, skipped it three time between 2006 and 2008 (for very different reasons) and have been to every single year since 2009. This makes a total of eleven and nine consecutive years now and nine passes as well. Pretty excited to find out what bands will perform at my personal anniversary in 2018. But let’s take a look back on this years‘ event: The weather was amazing for the most, I watched quite some more bands than last year and met many old and new friends.

Love that Carcass shirt!

My plan for the first day was to hike all the way from my place in Essen to the Amphitheatre on Gelsenkirchen. But to the weather being at its very best, I feared to melt while in the sun and decided to drive as far as I could, using public transportation and just walk about half an hour through the Emscher Park. Thanks to the metal „dress code“ I didn’t even walk alone and arrived right on time to catch up with Susan – my sweet partner in crime, Queen Of Spades Photography. After a first bit of sight-seeing, it was time for the first few bands. Dust Bolt turned out to be a legit opener, while Robert Pehrsson’s Humbucker are more on the laid back side. A bit to „harmless“ if you ask me. Our great expectations regarding Mantar ended up sorely disappointed. This is just not the kind of music/band/stage acting, I enjoy and it’s not even that they are bad at what they do. It’s just not my thing. The Dead Daisies are the living proof that you can rock hard and enjoy yourself on stage even past an average age of 30. The current US „supergroup“ are easy on the ears and know how to entertain a sophisticated audience. After a rather sloppy dinner – well yeah, my pulled pork burger was really sloppy and lukewarm – it was time for Friday nights‘ headliner and my first must-see item: Blues Pills.

Don’t need anything to get high but their own music: Blues Pills

Can’t even say it for sure, but the last time I’ve seen Blues Pills must have been at Freak Valley Festival 2014 – the very same year they first appeared at Rock Hard. Back then they were a sweet afternoon treat and have been touring, promoting and working relentlessly for three years. Many discussions if they are worthy of headlining one of Germany’s most important metal festivals started upon their announcement. As someone who has known this band pretty much from the beginning and has worked with them in the past, I know that they do „deserve“ it. It’s not only that Blues Pills deliver, you can see, hear and feel during every single who how much they enjoy it themselves and not I single time I’ve seen them did Elin’s voice sound wornout. But let’s focus on what really matters: they were great! The setlist featured a very well selection of their two full-length records, EPs and two cover songs. Kicking off with the title track of their current album, „Lady In Gold“ which cracked the official German album charts on #1! Elin truly if a lady of gold with a golden voice and tonight she was also a lady in black, earning her the name „Helene Fischer of Metal“ from someone at the Deaf Forever forum. This is a great comparison, cuz both are blonde beauties from the north (in case you didn’t know, Helene was born in Siberia), great vocalists, talented performers and look amazing. Unfortunately I had to leave early, to catch a bus and missed out „Somebody To Love“ and one of my faves „Devil Man“. But I’ll be catching up with them at Bochum Total and Rockspektakel in Hamburg.

Setlist Blues Pills

Lady In Gold
Little Boy Preacher
Black Smoke
Bliss
Won’t Go Back
Little Sun
Outro
Elements And Things (Tony Joe White-Cover)
You Gotta Try
Astralplane
High Class Woman
Ain’t No Change
Gone So Long
——————
Somebody To Love (Jefferson Airplane-Cover)
Devil Man

Sweden’s sweetest temptation of Rock: Elin Larsson

Saturday started off as a wonderfully warm day with just two bands catching my attention. Not so much a day for a band like Ketzer to enter second one might think, but the Colonge-based five-piece. But hell, did they deliver. It might not have gotten dark across the waterside venue, but the spirit of their blackened trash was received by the masses. Weird to admit, but this was my first time watching and consciously hearing Ketzer and yes, they do have at least one new fan: me! And this will clearly not be the last time. Random note: Guitarist Chris has a cool The Devil’s Blood shirt and vocalist Gerrit (and yes, his last name is Schwarz, meaning „black“ in english!) has a pink kiddy umbrella, so cute!

Setlitst Ketzer

Satan’s Boundaries Unchained
Starless
The Fevers Tide
When Milk Runs Dry
Godface
He, Who Stands Behind The Rows
The Fire To Conquer The World

Master of Black Masses & Black Metal: Nergal

Taking the rest of the afternoon to relax on my couch, I return to the dusty grounds of RHF just as Exodus finished playing. Round two of festival food turns out to be a slightly overpriced case of asian noodles with hot sauce and a hint of veggies. Could have been worse, but it could have been better as well…And three songs and no flash of D.A.D. later, we find ourselves preparing for the second headliner. Another first time sees the night, as I finally see Polish Black Metal masters Behemoth for the first time (those few minutes at Wacken 2014 while passing by in the Hell band bus do not count!). And even though I haven’t really been that big of a fan in the past, I am totally intrigued by their 2014 massive musical monument „The Satanist.“ Right in time at dusk, the trio states its first plead with „Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel“, followed by „Furor Divinus“ and „Messe Noire“. My personal black mass peaks with the infernal hails of „Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer“. If my neck and fiercely flying hair won’t summon the dark lord, vocalist and guitarist Adam „Nergal“ Darski most certainly will. „Amen“ to that and yes, this pun is of course intended. And if you haven’t guessed it yet, the band is playing ist current record in its entirety. Nothing to complain imho, cuz it really is the only one I know song by song and happen to love it! Can’t even say at what point I leave the scene, but it’s my bus call again…worn-out, tired and sweaty, I take off happy as one full-time music nerd can possibly be.

Setlist Behemoth

Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel
Furor Divinus
Messe Noire
Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer
Amen
The Satanist
Ben Sahar
In The Absence Ov Light
O Father O Satan O Sun!
Ov Fire And The Void
Conquer All
Chant For Eschaton 2000

Gone pro with stage props: Behemoth

The final festival day begins with a band I just recently discovered. While they were on tour with Angel Witch, Susan and I have been hooked on Night Demon. They are such an awesome live band and some of the greatest people you’ll ever meet, if you have the chance to. After their show at Helvete metal club, we partied with them till 4:30am. Oh yeah! Starting their appearance with the opener of their latest output “Darkness Remains” might seem a bit strange, cuz it’s a bright sunny day. Still „Welcome To The Night“ is inviting the slighty zombified masses to join them to one heck of a show. If you enjoy straight forward Hard Rock with a touch of NWOBHM, Night Demon from Ventura is your new favourite band. Last into their set is a very well-known and heartwarming received Maiden classic: „Wasted Years“. But this time the Amphitheatre has an audience that some headliners will not attract and only few bands to play first on the last day will ever see.

Welcome to the Night Demon!

Setlist Night Demon

Welcome To The Night
Full Speed Ahead
Maiden Hell
Curse Of The Damned
Ritual
The Chalice
Screams In The Night
On Your Own
Night Demon
Black Widow
Wasted Years

I’m under their spell: Blood Ceremony

Up next my favourite Canadian export enters the stage to bring some early darkness to the city of Gelsenkirchen. Blood Ceremony are the ever so charming and living proof that a Hammond organ and flutes do contribute to contemporary music and are still as present as Deep Purple and Jethro Tull. Throw in some of the most endearing female vocals you can imagine and you know what to expect from these four musicians. Their six track setlist features songs from the 2013 album „The Eldritch Dark“ and their latest creation „Lord Of Misrule“ from 2016. The latter one sounds like something a 60s garage rock band could have done and all members of the band totally live the spirit oft he hippie era throughout the show: Guitarist Sean Kennedy with his blue jeans, BC band shirt and brown suede vest ist he epitome of cool and let’s me think of „That Seventies Show“ – just image Hyde with Kelso’s head! Michael Carrillo changed his shirt in favour of w black wife beater; good thinking cuz as the drummer he might be sweating the most and with arms like that he might as well show the (off). Bassplayer Lucas Gadke took off his shoes and rocks the barefoot style, way to go bro. And last but clearly not least there the enchanting chanteuse, flutist and organist Alia O’Brien. To quote Susan on this: I realised my closet is in need of a blue velvet turtleneck onesie!

Setlist Blood Ceremony

Old Fires
Goodbye Gemini
Drawing Down The Moon
Half Moon Street
Lord Of Misrule
I’m Coming With You
The Magician

Ready to fight for any battle hymn: Ross The Boss

The final serenade for me will be that one band playing songs from that other band no one wants to admit to like but in the end everyone will go all crazy when any of their songs will be played in any metal club. You know that one, the one with the fur bikinis, striking poses and high-pitched vocals many opera singers will be totally jealous of. In one word: Manowar. And in three words today: Ross The Boss. So very bosslike the old hymns work at this very present day. With „Blood Of My Enemies“ I just let go and get lost into the music like there is no tomorrow. Night Demon’s Armand who watches the band along side Susan and me is no stranger to those metal anthems either. Some „Kill With Power“, „Fighting The World“ and „Battle Hymn“ later, I’m good to go (home that is). And what better note to end the event than „Hail And Kill“?

Setlist Ross The Boss

Blood Of The Kings
Death Tone
The Oath
Blood Of My Enemies
Kill With Power
Thor (The Powerhead)
Sign Of The Hammer
Fighting The World
Metal Daze
Battle Hymn
Hail And Kill

The event for the whole family: Rock Hard Festival!

All pictures courtesy of Queen Of Spades Photography

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Rock Hard Festival Homepage

Rock Hard Festival Facebook Page

THE RUINS OF BEVERAST / KING DUDE / (D O L C H) – Invading Central Europe In Autumn

15 Monday May 2017

Posted by psychorizon in Live

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Tags

(Dolch), Acherontic Arts Fest, Alexander Frohn, Alexander von Meilenwald, Arioch, Asakku, Bifröst, Death in June, Europan Tour, G.ST, Gold, Helvegr, I Wanna Die At 69, Job Bos, John Grumptmann, Johnny Cash, Kathaaria, King Dude, Leonard Cohen, Licht, Licht. Maschine. Herz., Meilenwald, Michael Zech, Not Just Religious Music, Paria, Sex, The Devil's Blood, The Ruins Of Beverast, Thomas Jefferson Cowgill, Thomas Tomsen, Tour Dates, Towards Malakia, Urfaust, Ván Records, Woody Guthrie

Just as the third edition of the now annual Acherontic Arts Festival closes its doors, yet another live announcement comes from Germany’s very own (oc)cult label Ván Records. In October and November two of the rosters most relentlessly touring artists – King Dude and The Ruins Of Beverast – will be en route through central Europe. Joining in on the stage shenanigans will be one of the most mysterious acts, the label has to offer: (D O L C H).

As reverent as it is prophetic and stark, Burning Daylight pulls together the biblical sound and isolation of the northwest. King Dude draws from artists akin to Death in June & Leonard Cohen but sews together a hybrid of true folk tradition alongside the likes of Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash. Last year’s release of King Dude’s debut full-length masterpiece, Love, saw a beautiful vision of what was in store for the future…and what future is now. Burning Daylight is the newest edition to the King Dude canon. Coal dust spirituals mined from the haunting backwoods landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Stories of the constant struggle of man’s turbulent affair with his Lord and the Devil. Burning Daylight produces a maturity and direction that is unparalleled…showing us the word, and way and the light.

Atmospheric and sustained music for the heart, soul and brain. (D O L C H)´s first two demos (Demo I + “Licht. Maschine. Herz.” ) showed a very melancholic soundscape, accompanied by sad voices and lyrics. Their live performances are as intense and honest as their songs, to say the very least.

“Beverast” is Meilenwald’s own derivation of the word “Bifröst” influenced by the old Norse term for the bridge between Midgard and Asgard. Thou art now profane in death.

Check out the flyer below for all confirmed dates of this prestigious package!

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KING DUDE on Facebook

(D O L C H) on Bandcamp

THE RUINS OF BEVERAST on Facebook

GOLD – “Optimist” Out Today

24 Friday Feb 2017

Posted by psychorizon in Current

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Album Release, Amsterdam Recording Company, Ash Borer, Be Good, Come With Me, Donald Trump, Earth, Europan Tour, Gold, I Do My Own Stunts, Interbellum, King Dude, Marissa Nadler, Milena Eva, New Album, New York Times, No Image, No Shadow, Optimist, Pim Top, Randall Dunn, Rotown Rotterdam, Sulphurous Visions, Summer Thunder, Sunn O))), Tear, Teenage Lust, The Devil's Blood, Thomas Sciarone, Tour Dates, Track List, V11, Ván Records, White Noise, You Too Must Die

With their third full-length, Dutch quintet GOLD further establishes its focus on form and content, where their instruments are mere means to express – this contemporary rock band is heavy because of the songs, not because of the sound.

The songwriting core of GOLD exists of guitarist Thomas Sciarone (ex-The Devil’s Blood) and singer Milena Eva. Longtime friends Igor Wouters and Harm Haverman provide a rock steady yet adventurous foundation and new kid on the block Nick Polak completes the bunch with his talent for harmony and melody. On “Interbellum” GOLD have clearly crafted their own style with elements not unfamiliar to man. Milena Eva sets herself apart from other singers in modern rock music with her warm and soulful voice. She’s supported by a heavy rocking band whose effect is undeniable, but so is their joy in playing. Together they form an ambitious force that is eager to share its music with the crowds.

After the artistic success of 2015’s “No Image” – which united journalists, musicians, music lovers and even a pro-wrestler in its appraisal – GOLD returns with its successor. Together with producer Randall Dunn (a.o. Sunn O))), Earth, Ash Borer, Marissa Nadler), GOLD have put their angular drive, their blackened guitar textures, and the composed yet vulnerable vocal delivery of Milena Eva in an even broader context. GOLD have created an almost unlimited space for their unique unity of beauty and cruelty to crush and confuse even more.

Within her lyrics Milena Eva lays bare her insecurities, internal struggles and self-doubt, as a means to reach out and connect. To ultimately inspire acceptance and love of the self, of the known and of the alien. To resist the apathy as expressed in the album’s first lyric – ‘Binge-watching the world collapse’ – and to include. With their nonconformist outsider approach, which the New York Times strikingly defined as “serenely intense… near-metal”, GOLD has managed to find a previously uninhabited spot that is truly their own. To achieve this in the heart of such a densely populated musical landscape, rather than at its outskirts, is the exciting result of intense years of performing and self-reflection.

“Optimist” is an adventurous confirmation of GOLD’s reputation as an enthralling band, on stage and on record and will be presented to European audiences in March & April at the following dates displayed on the flyer.

gold_______________________________________________________________

GOLD Homepage

GOLD on Facebook

GOLD on Ván Records

Psychorizon – Favourite Moments Of 2016

31 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by psychorizon in Internal

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

(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.

grave-pleasures-linneaLiz 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)

psychorizon-and-queen-of-spades-photographyPartners 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. 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!

European Summer 2016Energetic 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 Homepage

PSYCHORIZON on Facebook

PSYCHORIZON on Twitter

GOLD – New Album “Optimist” And European Tour Announced

28 Wednesday Dec 2016

Posted by psychorizon in Current

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Album Release, Amsterdam Recording Company, Ash Borer, Be Good, Come With Me, Donald Trump, Earth, Europan Tour, Gold, I Do My Own Stunts, Interbellum, King Dude, Marissa Nadler, Milena Eva, New Album, New York Times, No Image, No Shadow, Optimist, Pim Top, Randall Dunn, Rotown Rotterdam, Sulphurous Visions, Summer Thunder, Sunn O))), Tear, Teenage Lust, Thomas Sciarone, Tour Dates, Track List, V11, Ván Records, White Noise, You Too Must Die

goldPhotography by Pim Top

Dutch “post-everything” sextet, Gold, have today confirmed details of their third full length album entitled “Optimist”. The LP will be released on February 24, 2017 via Ván Records. Recorded with Randall Dunn at Amsterdam Recording Company, the release party will take place on March 16th at V11/Rotown Rotterdam, which is the kick off of our European tour:

16.03 – NL – Rotterdam @ V11
17.03 – CH – Winterthur @ Gaswerk
18.03 – CH – Olten @ Le Coq d’Or
19.03 – AT – Linz @ Willy*Fred
20.03 – AT – Wien @ Venster 99
21.03 – DE – Leipzig @ 4rooms
22.03 – DE – Göttingen @ Freihafen
23.03 – DE – Rostock @ JAZ
24.03 – DK – Kopenhagen @ Stengarde
25.03 – NO – Oslo @ Blitz
27.03 – DE- Kiel @ Alte Meierei
28.03 – DE – Hamburg @ Hafenklang
29.03 – DE – Erlangen @ JUKUZ
30.03 – FR – Lille @ El Diablo
31.03 – TBC
01.04 – BE – Antwerpen @ Antwerp Music City

After the artistic success of 2015’s No Image – which united journalists, musicians, music lovers and even a pro-wrestler in its appraisal – Gold returns with its successor. Together with producer Randall Dunn (a.o. Sunn O))), Earth, Ash Borer, Marissa Nadler), Gold have put their angular drive, their blackened guitar textures, and the composed yet vulnerable vocal delivery of Milena Eva in an even broader context. Gold have created an almost unlimited space for their unique unity of beauty and cruelty to crush and confuse even more.

Within her lyrics Milena Eva lays bare her insecurities, internal struggles and self-doubt, as a means to reach out and connect. To ultimately inspire acceptance and love of the self, of the known and of the alien. To resist the apathy as expressed in the album’s first lyric – ‘Binge-watching the world collapse’ – and to include.

Thomas Sciarone comments: “Our activism and socio-criticism is strongly rooted in self-reflection and improving our selves. We do not only intend to break down walls and bridge gaps between scenes and genres, but also – more importantly – between people. And if it’s necessary to call out those who want to stand between us, we artistically will. It’s no coincidence that the last shot of the last video we took from No Image shows an awkwardly confident Donald Trump.”

With their nonconformist outsider approach, which the New York Times strikingly defined as “serenely intense… near-metal”, Gold has managed to find a previously uninhabited spot that is truly their own. To achieve this in the heart of such a densely populated musical landscape, rather than at its outskirts, is the exciting result of intense years of performing and self-reflection.

Optimist is an adventurous confirmation of Gold’s reputation as an enthralling band, on stage and on record.

Optimist – track list

1. You Too Must Die
2. Summer Thunder
3. White Noise
4. Teenage Lust
5. No Shadow
6. I Do My Own Stunts
7. Be Good
8. Come With Me
9. Tear

gold-evaby Sulphurous Visions

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GOLD Homepage

GOLD on Facebook

GOLD on Ván Records

ROCK HARD FESTIVAL 2016 – Kicking Ass, All Seasons Included

16 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by psychorizon in Live

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

All Our Thoughts, Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen, Bartelt, Berlin, Black Sabbath, Black Trip, Bouteloup, Come Back Life, Deep Purple, Deserted Fear, Dismember, Doomsday Machine, Enforcer, Entombed, Fredrik “Trisse” Liefvendahl, Gateway To The Antisphere, Goddess Of Dawn, Grand Magus, Grave Pleasures, Hammer Of The North, JB Christofferson, Kadavar, Linda Åkerberg, Lindemann, Manowar, Mats “Fox” Skinner, Melancholia, Necrophobic, Nifelheim, Queen Of Spades Photography, Rock Hard Festival 2016, Sulphur Aeon, The Children Of The Night, The Wailing Dead Tour, Tribulation, Triumph And Power, Vampire, Ván Records, Wayne Stock, Waynes World, Year Of The Goat

Sometimes Germany becomes a land of wonders, as the 2016 edition of Rock Hard Festival features all four seasons in just one single weekend, whereas the remaining 362 days seem to know but a warm and a cold rain season…Friday has little to offer for me, as I have never been that much into Thrash Metal. But on the plus side, there is much time to stroll around for some sight-seeing (not that anything much changes, but just in case). This year also marks the second time, Psychorizon teams up with our partner in crime, Queen Of Spades Photography. So we did stroll and strut around and ran into all kinds of folks. One, who caught our attention right away, was the owner of the battle jacket displayed below, due to one certain patch. Guess you’ll figure out which one it is yourselves.

RHF_2Party on Wayne!

As much as the event itself has become well established within the past twelve years, things do change in time, like the short-lived Metal Karaoke, that vanished into oblivion and the rather new trade of featuring at least one up-and-coming local act. Just where Deserted Fear left off last year, we now become victim of an evenly brilliant onslaught delivered by Sulphur Aeon. Being part of the constantly growing Ván Records family, this band got an instant reputation and easily proves it to be just. Though I’m not too much into this particular vocal style, the brutal three-piece manages to gather a pretty massive crowd in the early afternoon, presenting its very own blend of Death Metal with lyrics based around the Cthulhu myth.

RHF_Sulphur AeonSetlist Sulphur Aeon

1. Cthulhu Rites (Intro)
2. Incantation
3. Abysshex
4. Titans
5. Swallowed By The Ocean’s Tide
6. Inexorable Spirits
7. Gateway To The Antisphere
8. Onwards… Towards Kadath!

RHF_1RHF kicks ass!

Up next with  the sun is still relentlessly shining bright from the sky, another pathway to darkness opens with Swedish sensation Tribulation (rhyme intended). After they caused quite a stir in late January, touring alongside the recently reformed Grave Pleasures, audiences at club TuRock, Essen totally fell in love with their slightly punkish style – regarding both sound and looks – and are eager to relive the sweaty atmosphere of a fully packed venue today. The Arvika-based Quartette is looking back on over a decade of band history already and has gained international success with ist most recent releases “The Children Of The Night” (2015) and the 2016-EP “Melancholia”. Emerging from the darkness of the Swedish Death Metal abyss in 2004, the band immediately stood apart from what was already a crowded scene, betraying an uncompromising vision that refused to be shackled by any genre stereotypes. With a willful drive, an irresistible groove, bewitching melodies and a haunting atmosphere, “The Children Of The Night” captures a true sense of drama and heaviness despite the strangely accessible nature of its compositions.

RHF_Tribulation_1 RHF_Tribulation_2 RHF_Tribulation_3 RHF_Tribulation_4 RHF_Tribulation_5Setlist Tribulation

1. Intro
2. Strange Gateways Beckon
3. Melancholia
4. In The Dreams Of The Dead
5. Rånda
6. Ultra Silvam
7. The Motherhood Of God
8. When The Sky Is Black With Devils

RHF_Grand Magus_1 RHF_Grand Magus_2 RHF_Grand Magus_3The band Manowar will never be!

Another part of this years’ Swedish invasion might have taken the train from Stockholm or came riding down on hooves of gold – either way, Grand Magus embody the spirit of Heavy Metal in a most authentic manner. Founded by frontman JB Christofferson and bassplayer Mats “Fox” Skinner in 1996, the band was completed two years later with drummer Fredrik “Trisse” Liefvendahl joining and the first two demos were released. In 2001 the self-titled debut album – obviously inspired by the late creative period of bands such as Black Sabbath or Deep Purple came out. 15 years and seven records in their books, Grand Magus just got their latest attempt out in time for the festival season – on Friday, May 13th 2016.

Setlist Grand Magus

1. I, The Jury
2. Sword Of The Ocean
3. Like The Oar Strikes The Water
4. Varangian
5. Steel Versus Steel
6. Arv
7. Triumph And Power
8. Iron Will
9. Hammer Of The North

RHF_Kadavar_1 RHF_Kadavar_2 RHF_Kadavar_3 RHF_Kadavar_4 RHF_Kadavar_5 RHF_Kadavar_6Berlin, Baby!

Sometimes the basics is all you need: One guitar, a bass, drums and one voice – or in other words: Kadavar. It‘s the enormous emotional energy that is unleashed show after show, combined with unforgettable memories and impressions of continuous touring one can feel on “Berlin” in every line and every strum. Though recorded live in the studio on the band‘s own analog gear again, it‘s distinctly audible that this time round the record turned out even deeper regarding songwriting and arrangements – and that Lindemann, Bartelt and Bouteloup have actually spent more time on the recordings than ever before.

Setlist Kadavar

1. Lord Of The Sky
2. Pale Blue Eyes
3. Doomsday Machine
4. The Old Man
5. Last Living Dinosaur
6. Living In Your Head
7. Black Sun
8. Goddess Of Dawn
9. Thousand Miles Away From Home
10. All Our Thoughts
11. Come Back Life

And that’s all for this year – see you all again in 2017!!!

RHF_3All pictures courtesy of Queen Of Spades Photography

_______________________________________________________________

Rock Hard Festival Homepage

Rock Hard Festival Facebook Page

RHF_4

KING DUDE & GOLD – Live Impressions

14 Sunday Aug 2016

Posted by psychorizon in Live

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

August Johnson, Black Chrome Productions, Chelsea Wolfe, Clan Destine, Dais, David Fitt, Deal With The Devil, European Tour, Exit Duesseldorf, Fields Of The Nephilim, Gold, Heavy Nova Presents, Johnny Cash, King Dude, Light, Live Date, Live Impressions, Not Just Relegious Music, Raynham Hall, Sex, Sweet Ermengarde, The Mission, TJ Cowgill, Tosten Larson, Ván Records

GOLD IGOLD IIKing Dude IKing Dude IIKing Dude IIIKing Dude XKing Dude VKing Dude VIKing Dude VIIIPictures taken at Exit Duesseldorf, 13.08.2016 – Pascal Norgall for Psychorizon

_______________________________________________________________

KING DUDE on Facebook

GOLD on Facebook

KING DUDE – Sex

11 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by psychorizon in Current

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

And Also The Trees, August Johnson, Avant!, Équinoxe Records, Bathetic, Black Chrome Productions, Chelsea Wolfe, Clan Destine, Dais, David Fitt, Deal With The Devil, Exit Duesseldorf, Fields Of The Nephilim, Heavy Nova Presents, Johnny Cash, King Dude, Light, Live Date, Not Just Relegious Music, Raynham Hall, Sex, Sweet Ermengarde, The Mission, TJ Cowgill, Tosten Larson, Ván Records

King Dude returns with his latest meditation in eleven parts entitled “Sex”. Following his tradition of song writing by divination from his good Lord Lucifer, the King challenges the listener to explore the theme of sexuality through nothing other than spiritual rock n’ roll (of course). From the opening track you can tell that King Dude is out for blood and sweat and that he wants to drag you down an amphetimine and whiskey soaked joyride in a dune buggy through the darkest depths of his bizarre mind.

“Sex” was recorded in Seattle Washington by T.J. Cowgill at the end of 2015 through the middle of 2016 except for “Who Taught You How To Love” which was recorded by Drab Majesty in L.A. and “Prisoners” which was recorded by Michael Wollenhaupt probably in Berlin. All other drums were performed by August Johnson except on “Our Love Will Carry On” and the tambourine on “Swedish Boys” which were both played by T.J. Foie Gras sings on “Holy Christos”, “Swedish Boys” and “Prisoners”. “Shine Your Light” features back up vocals by Alicia Reid.

All other instruments played by T.J. Cowgill. All lyrics written and performed by T.J. Cowgill. Mixed by T.J. Cowgill and mastered by Blake Bickel at Dynamic Sound Services. Album cover taken by Ellen Jane Rogers – check it out below.

Album pre-orders are available at Seattle- based NOT JUST RELIGIOUS MUSIC and also over at Ván Records. “Sex” is due out on October 28, 2016.

King Dude - Sex_______________________________________________________________

KING DUDE on Facebook

KING DUDE on Bandcamp

KING DUDE on YouTube

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