Intro
Another thing: it's remarkably easy to get from Berchem to Lier by bus. It's about seventeen kilometers apart but I only had to walk 360 meters, according to my walk-logging thing. I know, for most of you this is completely useless information but for me, it's good to know, I can go to gigs in Lier more often. My range-of-action just expanded, hurray...

Muddler
Dead End Path

Incinerate
Fractured Insanity

Witch Trail

Devastation
Uptil now, I had seen some excellent concerts on Rocktoberfest but none of them had the "kick" I was expecting. That was until Devastation climbed on stage, and there are two reasons for that. One, of course, Devastation plays highly convincing thrash metal in the vein of Overkill, Sacred Reich and company and they play it with a lot of energy. But the second reason: the sound engineers. |
Distillator

Deepshow
(sorry, no photo because I relocated to the back of the venue and my phone can't handle that distance)
Bliksem

Bliksem delivered an awesome performance, which shouldn't really be a surprise. They are excellent musicians, fronted by a woman who has a massive heavy metal charisma and a voice to match. Plus, for them it was a gig in front of friends, family and fans, what could possibly go wrong? Nothing, and nothing did.
Izegrim

Oceans Ate Alaska
Conclusion
But in the end, I can only conclude that everybody won on this edition of Rocktoberfest. Everybody seemed to have a blast. The few times I looked into the Dungeon, where the hard- & metalcore bands played, I could see the audience having a great time, jumping up and down to the music. Like I said, I'm not a fan of those particular genres but that doesn't keep me from being happy for the people who are, happy that they had a smashing time as well.
Of course, there are a few people I'd like to thank. First off, I'd like to send my regards to Robrecht for inviting me and the entire Rocktoberfest team for making this thing happen. The organization seemed spotless, even though the food truck could have stayed a bit longer. Yes, that's the only remark I have, isn't that great?
I also like to thank Erik, not only for the ride home but also for keeping an eye on my Metal Decks when I needed some food or nicotine or a urinal. He's a good guy, and all of you should buy him a drink when you see him.
Of course, I'd like to thank the people who purchased the Metal Decks. Thank you for making sure Merchants Of Air will stay what it is, independent. I hope you have a great time playing games and listening to the two free downloads we included.
My final remark is this: people, please, turn up early at shows. Give the young, beginning bands a chance. They work just as hard as your favorite ones and frankly, some of them deserve just as much success and attention. It's sad to see people giving it all on stage in front of eight people, including the sound engineer. You pay the same amount of money, so why not go see six bands instead of three? You don't need to go shopping before, you can purchase awesome band merch inside. There's no decent reason not to show up early, unless you have a shitty job.
Thank you and have a good weekend...
Serge