Z7 Konzertfabrik in Pratteln, Switzerland, is one of THE venues for heavy music in the tristate area of Germany, France and Switzerland. The former barn has excellent sound and a great atmosphere, and visitors are coming from all three countries. So I was very excited to go back there and see a brilliant package of three of my favorite melodeath bands: Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquillity and Omnium Gatherum in a sold-out venue.
This awesome evening was started with a 35 minute set of the Finns of Omnium Gatherum. Just like last time, when I saw them on tour with Amorphis in 013 (Tilburg, NL (review)), you could clearly tell that the guys really enjoyed themselves, as did the audience. The sound was perfect too, and with many songs taken from their latest album Grey Heavens, such as Skyline and Frontiers, the stage time passed way too quickly.
After a short tag break Dark Tranquillity climbed the stage. It was my second time seeing them, and this concert proved to be even better than their very small, intimate one in Baroeg (Rotterdam, NL) some years ago! Kicking off with Force Of Hand, the audience was immersed in this great fusion of melody and death metal that is the trademark of the band. Next to older songs, such as ThereIn and, of course, Misery’s Crown, the band also played some pieces from their latest album Atoma, including the title track and the first single, Forward Momentum. In addition, Dark Tranquillity played Terminus (where death is most alive) as a sort of “tribute” to their hometown of Gothenburg, as well as Science Of Noise in relation to the current political happenings. The total of 10 songs again just flew by, and then, sadly, it was already time to say goodbye. Until the next tour!
At 21:30 it was time for the headliner of the night, Amon Amarth. The Swedes are currently touring in promotion of their latest album, Jomsviking, and so the audience had the privilege to enjoy many songs from this album, including One Thousand Burning Arrows, First Kill and At Dawn’s First Light. Next to these, lots of songs from the past two albums could be heard as well, for instance Deceiver Of The Gods or Father Of The Wolf, as well as pretty old ones, such as Death In Fire. The stage setting was amazing as well, with the drums resting on top of a viking’s helmet, and even some enacted battles as well as Loki himself to be perceived on stage! After 1,5 hours, Amon Amarth closed off this awesome evening with Twilight Of The Thunder God. In conclusion: this evening was perfect! A shame if you missed these kick-ass shows, but if you did be sure to catch these three on the road soon, you won’t regret it!
Amon Amarth Official Website
Amon Amarth Facebook
Amon Amarth Twitter
Dark Tranquillity Official Website
Dark Tranquillity Facebook
Dark Tranquillity Twitter
Omnium Gatherum Official Website
Omnium Gatherum Facebook
Omnium Gatherum Twitter
[…] can read our earlier review of Dark Tranquillity, with Amon Amarth and Omnium Gatherum here, as well as our interview with Samael’s Vorph […]
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