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Intro
Well, thanks where thanks is due. So first off I'd like to thank my good friend M. for turning my crappy bicycle into a raging speed monster. Since I have no car, I rely on that thing to get me to places and it sure got me to Desertfest 2015, fast. Hell, I even passed some cycle tourists on the way. To be honest, riding back home was a lot slower, especially on Sunday when the fatigue took over again. But let's not whine about being tired and about sore feet and legs. Let's crawl back into the delightful three days I shared with many other people at Belgium's finest rock venue.
Like last year, and probably next year as well, the Trix stages were dubbed 'Vulture Stage', 'Canyon Stage' and 'Desert Stage', a bit to the confusion of some regular Trix visitors who just call them 'café', 'upstairs' or 'the big hall'. Next to the Vulture Stage was a place where people could get some cash, only to spend it all at the merchandise area or at the food trucks outside. About those food-trucks, these were great again but looking at the smoothies-guy's face, his fruit probably was kinda sour. No wonder he wasn't there anymore on Sunday.
But, rest assured. That was the only person with a sad/angry/bittered face on the whole festival. Everyone else's emotions ranged from 'quite happy to be here' to 'fuck yeah, Desert-fucking-fest'. Even the 'sanitary catering' people (yes, that's what was printed on their t-shirts) were smiling, hard working and very friendly. Besides, because drinks are now €2.40 at Trix, they decided to compensate by no longer asking money to pee or poo. So no piss-pass this year.
Although there were less people than last year, there was still a cozy chaos in and around the venue. People walking from stage to stage, journalists interviewing artists, security people who were having a good time, instruments being dragged everywhere... From the sky it must have looked like a very busy ant-colony. In a way it was fun to observe all those different characters move around in their own way, minding their own business.
In the midst of it all, there seemed to be one central plant in this Desert. I think many people should have been happy that there's was no police around. But what can you expect from a 'Stoner-rock' festival with names like 'Stoned Jesus', 'Belzebong' or 'Bongzilla' in the line-up? On Saturday I overheard two people who found each other because of a joint one of them was smoking talking about starting a band. Who knows, maybe we'll see them at Desertfest next year.
Right, on to the music then.
Like last year, and probably next year as well, the Trix stages were dubbed 'Vulture Stage', 'Canyon Stage' and 'Desert Stage', a bit to the confusion of some regular Trix visitors who just call them 'café', 'upstairs' or 'the big hall'. Next to the Vulture Stage was a place where people could get some cash, only to spend it all at the merchandise area or at the food trucks outside. About those food-trucks, these were great again but looking at the smoothies-guy's face, his fruit probably was kinda sour. No wonder he wasn't there anymore on Sunday.
But, rest assured. That was the only person with a sad/angry/bittered face on the whole festival. Everyone else's emotions ranged from 'quite happy to be here' to 'fuck yeah, Desert-fucking-fest'. Even the 'sanitary catering' people (yes, that's what was printed on their t-shirts) were smiling, hard working and very friendly. Besides, because drinks are now €2.40 at Trix, they decided to compensate by no longer asking money to pee or poo. So no piss-pass this year.
Although there were less people than last year, there was still a cozy chaos in and around the venue. People walking from stage to stage, journalists interviewing artists, security people who were having a good time, instruments being dragged everywhere... From the sky it must have looked like a very busy ant-colony. In a way it was fun to observe all those different characters move around in their own way, minding their own business.
In the midst of it all, there seemed to be one central plant in this Desert. I think many people should have been happy that there's was no police around. But what can you expect from a 'Stoner-rock' festival with names like 'Stoned Jesus', 'Belzebong' or 'Bongzilla' in the line-up? On Saturday I overheard two people who found each other because of a joint one of them was smoking talking about starting a band. Who knows, maybe we'll see them at Desertfest next year.
Right, on to the music then.
Friday (I'm in fuzz)
Psychonaut When I arrived, Planet Of Zeus had just started their set at the Vulture Stage. It was definitely a worthy opener for this festival, providing the necessary energy to make it through they day. I really digged their stoner metal sound and caught myself thinking 'right, we have lift-off'. Upstairs, Psychonaut did something similar, but with a more massive sound. Not a lot of people showed up for these guys, which is too bad. They deserved a bigger audience but I'm sure we'll see them again.
At the Vulture Stage, Monolord succeeded where Electric Wizard failed last year: bringing a stunning set of stoner doom metal and a true homage to the power of the riff. Their music blasted out of the huge speakers, quickly turning these Swedes into the first highlight of the festival. In fact, their set was so great and intense, I completely forgot about The Heavy Crown. Instead I started a conversation with a German visitor who told me he drove seven hours, four from Germany to Antwerp and three hours blocked on the Antwerp Ring.
The first thing I noticed about all the bands so far, including The Machine, were the vocals. Either there was a problem with the PA or the vocalists were tired. Musically, everything was perfectly fine but there was always something with the voices. When I spoke to a friend, he agreed, something was wrong. Of course, that didn't apply to Moon Duo who became highlight number two with their brilliant immersive kraut-space-rock. At this point I suddenly came to a conclusion: stoner girls dance sexier than goth girls.
The first thing I noticed about all the bands so far, including The Machine, were the vocals. Either there was a problem with the PA or the vocalists were tired. Musically, everything was perfectly fine but there was always something with the voices. When I spoke to a friend, he agreed, something was wrong. Of course, that didn't apply to Moon Duo who became highlight number two with their brilliant immersive kraut-space-rock. At this point I suddenly came to a conclusion: stoner girls dance sexier than goth girls.
Moon Duo
The surprise of the day definitely was Wucan. Ancient hard rock with flute and mesmerizing female vocals. It seemed that this was just the thing people needed to come down from the crushing fuzz they've been exposed to all day. Unfortunately I couldn't see the entire set because my journalistic obligations drove me right to the front of the Canyon stage where Stoned Jesus were about to kick off. In short: they won Desert-friday, even though their set was a bit short. Yet, their energy, enthusiasm and well, fantastic music (and vocals) brought the entire venue in a state of ecstasy. Maybe Stoned Jesus is one of the best rock bands in existence today, certainly as far as live performances are concerned...
Downstairs, Dozer headlined this day and did quite good but, like many people, I was still heavily impressed with what I had witnessed upstairs so I didn't really get into it. Of course, Dozer is a highly experienced band who have been around for quite some time now and they certainly entertained the audience. Yet, no musical orgasms anymore on Friday. Others? Maybe, but I'm not going into that. In stead, I took my raging speed monster back home for a good sleep.
Downstairs, Dozer headlined this day and did quite good but, like many people, I was still heavily impressed with what I had witnessed upstairs so I didn't really get into it. Of course, Dozer is a highly experienced band who have been around for quite some time now and they certainly entertained the audience. Yet, no musical orgasms anymore on Friday. Others? Maybe, but I'm not going into that. In stead, I took my raging speed monster back home for a good sleep.
Saturday (Might)
Belzebong
At first, Saturday seemed to be quite similar to the day before: a very decent day with some headliners and a lot of mildly entertaining acts. Pendejo and Progerians came up with good sets but nothing that blew me away. Of course, it's not really a thankful task to open a second festival day when many people are still coping with waking up and getting over the hangover from the day before. Outside, the coffee-truck was the most successful and for a moment I joined the blackened fluid hordes.
But then Belzebong appeared on stage and really kicked off the day. Instrumental stoner doom, dedicated to the most beloved plant in the world, can't be bad, can it? Nope, this was massively crushing and so delightfully intense. They opened by raising their guitars up in the air, showing the words 'Smoke', 'Weed' and 'Now'. For once, the audience was very obedient and smoke started appearing everywhere. The security watched the whole thing with a smile on their faces and so did I. It seemed like this quartet was currently leading the ranks.
But then Belzebong appeared on stage and really kicked off the day. Instrumental stoner doom, dedicated to the most beloved plant in the world, can't be bad, can it? Nope, this was massively crushing and so delightfully intense. They opened by raising their guitars up in the air, showing the words 'Smoke', 'Weed' and 'Now'. For once, the audience was very obedient and smoke started appearing everywhere. The security watched the whole thing with a smile on their faces and so did I. It seemed like this quartet was currently leading the ranks.
Banda De La Muerte Upstairs again, Banda De La Muerte raised the tempo to hardcore punk level, much to the delight of the audience. People already seemed to know that crowdsurfing was allowed so suddenly we were in the midst of a stoner punk party with all the right toppings to make it memorable. Excellent set from these Argentinians, rocking our socks off. In fact, they were so intense, I was happy that Monomyth was about to start at the Desert stage.
I enjoyed Monomyth sitting down, floating along with the brilliant sounds that this Dutch band created. I remember mentioning 'instrumental rock from Holland' as an absolute pro in my review for their album a while ago and here it was no different. Monomyth is awesome and entranced the entire Desert Stage, both with their music and with their visuals. And yes, those sexy stoner girls were dancing again. Another highlight.
I enjoyed Monomyth sitting down, floating along with the brilliant sounds that this Dutch band created. I remember mentioning 'instrumental rock from Holland' as an absolute pro in my review for their album a while ago and here it was no different. Monomyth is awesome and entranced the entire Desert Stage, both with their music and with their visuals. And yes, those sexy stoner girls were dancing again. Another highlight.
Monomyth
Vandal X More highlights? Well, what to think about Belgian steamroller Vandal X. In a way this duo were the outsiders of the festival, having little to do with stoner rock but there intense noise rock was fantastic. I was extremely thrilled to see them again, especially since it's been twelve years or so. As far as stage performance is concerned, Vandal X is still one of the top-acts in our little country and I really hope they will be around much more frequently in the near future. This actually made me proud of being born in the beautiful province of Limburg. Remember that last sentence, because it damn well returns.
By now I had seen so many bands killing it on stage that Greenleaf became as mildly entertaining as Dozer was the day before. Again, decent set but nothing memorable at this time. It seems that some bands just fall victim to the vast amount of quality bands on other stages. Even though I really wanted to see every single band (I deliberately didn't schedule any interviews in order to focus on the performances), I still missed a few. I did have some nice conversations with people, so nothing's lost.
By now I had seen so many bands killing it on stage that Greenleaf became as mildly entertaining as Dozer was the day before. Again, decent set but nothing memorable at this time. It seems that some bands just fall victim to the vast amount of quality bands on other stages. Even though I really wanted to see every single band (I deliberately didn't schedule any interviews in order to focus on the performances), I still missed a few. I did have some nice conversations with people, so nothing's lost.
Bathsheba Remember me being proud of Limburg? Well, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present you the best act on Saturday, Bathsheba, also hailing from that province. This was occult doom metal at its best, perhaps starting off a bit hesitant but definitely smashing the competition when the set moved on. Massive riffs, pounding drums and a surprisingly versatile vocalist made up for fourty minutes of extatic musical bliss, causing a stampede to the merchandise booth. This day was just getting better and better.
Because Bathsheba was so damn good, I only witnessed the last minutes of the Mars Red Sky set so I can't review their entire performance. However, what I heard was more than decent psychedelic doom, brought in an almost full Canyon Stage. I'd really like to see them again soon. Same goes for USA Out Of Vietnam by the way. Back in the Vulture Stage they came up with something really good, judging from outside. Yet, just coming back from a splendid Orange Goblin performance, I needed a moment of rest.
Yes, Orange Goblin was great as Orange Goblin is always great. These stoner rockers have been around for years and they still deliver. Yet, for some reason I have never been a big fan. In fact, for me the band has always had the 'nice festival band' reputation. I always watch them when they're at a festival where I am and they're always good but for some reason they're never the best. Yet, you don't have to be the best to entertain a large audience. 'Very good' is good enough, right?
The final band I went to see was the mighty Earth, and yes, they were mighty. Just like Moon Duo a day earlier, I enjoyed most of the show sitting down, eyes closed and drifting away with the masterful psychedelic drones. This was a perfect closer for what turned out to be the top-day of Desertfest Belgium. Once again, and still with the sound of Earth stuck in my head, I drove back home.
Yes, Orange Goblin was great as Orange Goblin is always great. These stoner rockers have been around for years and they still deliver. Yet, for some reason I have never been a big fan. In fact, for me the band has always had the 'nice festival band' reputation. I always watch them when they're at a festival where I am and they're always good but for some reason they're never the best. Yet, you don't have to be the best to entertain a large audience. 'Very good' is good enough, right?
The final band I went to see was the mighty Earth, and yes, they were mighty. Just like Moon Duo a day earlier, I enjoyed most of the show sitting down, eyes closed and drifting away with the masterful psychedelic drones. This was a perfect closer for what turned out to be the top-day of Desertfest Belgium. Once again, and still with the sound of Earth stuck in my head, I drove back home.
Sunday (Hazy Sunday)
Black-Bone I was tired on Sunday, getting up early because we had company coming over. So riding to Trix didn't go as fast as the days before (and riding back home, a got laughed at by turtles). However, when I entered the Vulture Stage, I was suddenly wide awake and full of energy thanks to the kinetic performance by Dutch trio Black-Bone. My god, these guys rocked. Even though I never heard them before, I can still sing along with 'You're not the enemy'. This day was kicking off great, promising good things.
Yet, soon after, I experienced a little dip. As a result Crystal Head, FeverDog and Tangled Horns quickly faded away in my memory. I do recall decent sets but very vaguely. It couldn't have been the alcohol since I was still completely sober. Maybe that was the problem, being too sober. I do remember seeing a great set from Glowsun. Instrumental stoner rock with hints of psychedelica is always welcome here so I decided to stick around for a while.
Yet, soon after, I experienced a little dip. As a result Crystal Head, FeverDog and Tangled Horns quickly faded away in my memory. I do recall decent sets but very vaguely. It couldn't have been the alcohol since I was still completely sober. Maybe that was the problem, being too sober. I do remember seeing a great set from Glowsun. Instrumental stoner rock with hints of psychedelica is always welcome here so I decided to stick around for a while.
Valient Thorr
Over the past few days, I'd seen many Valiant Thorr t-shirts and I was really curious about who they were. In a way, judging from the band logo and description in the booklet, this was something different from most of the bands and it really was. Somewhere between thrash, punk and heavy metal, this quintet actually came up with a massive set, be it a little chaotic and strange. I stayed for a while until I decided to go eat something. I don't think Valiant Thorr will find the way to my speakers a lot but I definitely respect their enthousiasm, their stage performance and everything the vocalist says in between the songs.
Both Maudlin and Papir came up with great sets. For Maudlin it had been a long time and it was the first time I saw Papir. I can't say that I'm nows a big fan of both bands but I do feel like they both have something special going on, each in their own way. Maudlin eventually won the battle between the two and I was glad to be able to listen to some decent post-rock related music for a change.
Both Maudlin and Papir came up with great sets. For Maudlin it had been a long time and it was the first time I saw Papir. I can't say that I'm nows a big fan of both bands but I do feel like they both have something special going on, each in their own way. Maudlin eventually won the battle between the two and I was glad to be able to listen to some decent post-rock related music for a change.
Ufomammut But, like most people, I was slowly going to the Desert Stage where the absolute highlight of Desertfest Belgium 2015 was about to kick off. Ufomammut will be forever etched in my head as the massive steamrollers they are. I regard these Italians as one of the best bands in the genre and they definitely proved worthy of that spot. Immediately after the gig, I needed to get my hands on the new album and so should every single doom-sludge fan. What they did was nothing short of stunning, a classic concert and maybe even one of the best gigs I've ever witnessed.
Back in the club, 3rd Ear Experience surprised me in a similar way as Wucan did earlier. They once again provided a save, original and soothing haven in the middle of this loud, chaotic and quite crowded day. I didn't see the entire set but I really like what I saw and heard. So I decided to put my ass down and enjoy this psychedelic trip for a while. However, suddenly I found myself in the middle of an animated conversation again with someone I have no idea who he is and with some friends.
Back in the club, 3rd Ear Experience surprised me in a similar way as Wucan did earlier. They once again provided a save, original and soothing haven in the middle of this loud, chaotic and quite crowded day. I didn't see the entire set but I really like what I saw and heard. So I decided to put my ass down and enjoy this psychedelic trip for a while. However, suddenly I found myself in the middle of an animated conversation again with someone I have no idea who he is and with some friends.
Bongzilla was the very first band I knew within the genre and they have actually been the reason why I never gave stoner rock and sludge a lot of attention until a few years back. I really dig the music but I can't stand the vocals. On stage, it's a bit different. There I can handle the vocals if the performance is good enough, which it was for a while. What I expected, happened. Bongzilla couldn't win from Ufomammut, at least not for me. The audience however was extatic again, which proves that Bongzilla is a solid played in the scene, regardless of what I think about the vocals.
After that, I went to see Child for a few minutes, decided to see what Fatso Jetson was doing upstairs, only to end back downstairs, being completely amazed by the fuzzy blues rock of Child. Where I wasn't really into their music in the first few minutes, by the end of their set I was become a fan. Well-played, great raw vocals and a very strong atmosphere made Child another great surprise on this already packed festival. And Fatso Jetson? Well, I know they're the godfathers of stoner rock as we know it but I wasn't really into it.
After that, I went to see Child for a few minutes, decided to see what Fatso Jetson was doing upstairs, only to end back downstairs, being completely amazed by the fuzzy blues rock of Child. Where I wasn't really into their music in the first few minutes, by the end of their set I was become a fan. Well-played, great raw vocals and a very strong atmosphere made Child another great surprise on this already packed festival. And Fatso Jetson? Well, I know they're the godfathers of stoner rock as we know it but I wasn't really into it.
Goatsnake
Same goes for Goatsnake by the way. I really dig their latest album. I gave it quite a good review and their show was ok but not good enough to make me stay for more than a few songs. While I was riding back home, I wondered if that was because Goatsnake just wasn't that good or because I've been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of fuzz, distortion and pounding drums I've been exposed to all weekend. I decided it to be the latter. Maybe three days is a bit much and maybe Desertfest should add a few other styles to their theme in order to provide more variation, perhaps adding some drone-ambient acts for instance.
However, in all, this was an excellent trip with some amazing highlights and little to no disappointments. As usual, the whole was very well organised and everyone had a great time. I have to say that the 2014 edition was slightly better but you can't always win I guess. The exclusivity-contract that Incubate had with Melvins, surely damaged the line-up a bit but King Buzzo and company will probably show up next year and the rest of the bands made up for a great weekend anyway.
Finally: my Top-10 of the festival
1. Ufomammut
2. Bathsheba
3. Earth
4. Stoned Jesus
5. Monomyth
6. Vandal X
7. Belzebong
8. Wucan
9. Moon Duo
10. Black-Bone
Serge
p.s. Sorry about the bad photos. I didn't feel like dragging along my camera :-)
However, in all, this was an excellent trip with some amazing highlights and little to no disappointments. As usual, the whole was very well organised and everyone had a great time. I have to say that the 2014 edition was slightly better but you can't always win I guess. The exclusivity-contract that Incubate had with Melvins, surely damaged the line-up a bit but King Buzzo and company will probably show up next year and the rest of the bands made up for a great weekend anyway.
Finally: my Top-10 of the festival
1. Ufomammut
2. Bathsheba
3. Earth
4. Stoned Jesus
5. Monomyth
6. Vandal X
7. Belzebong
8. Wucan
9. Moon Duo
10. Black-Bone
Serge
p.s. Sorry about the bad photos. I didn't feel like dragging along my camera :-)
