Text and Photos by Astrid Tonella
Saturday, Day 3
It is already day 3, and the program of the day is epic! As I am going through the running order, I realize the schedule is so tight that there is barely any room to eat!
Dark Buddha Rising
Once again, I hit the Green Room to start on the day with Dark Buddha Rising. We can say that this year Sweden and Finland have really been the pride of the place at Roadburn, which still pleases us, as those countries really have the skills and the style to deliver strong bands – and Dark Buddha Rising is one of them. My expectations for this show were high, and I was excited to witness one of their very few performances outside Finland. The five Finns join the stage, and the front man, shirtless and war-painted, dominates the stage, radiating an incredible charisma. The set starts with Ashtakra II, the which immediately gives me goodbumps. On stage, the fifth song is intense and very theatrical as the frontman covers himself of blood. To me, Dark Buddha Rising were able to deliver not a set, but a powerful and hypnotic ritual, absolutely brilliant.
Full report after the jump!
Jesu
Time to get back to earth and rapidly head up towards Het Patronaat to catch Jesu, which was for me an incontrovertible band to see. I come with much time ahead, as I suppose many Roadburners would crave to see the band, but surprisingly the room fills up to a medium capacity. Visually, there is not much going on, but the music speaks for itself and Jesu managed to perform an outstanding (and very loud) set, playing most of their famous songs, from Tired of Me to Friends are Evil.
Pelican
Once again, I have to leave quickly to be on time for Pelican. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed by the quality of the performance, the sounds were mashed potatoes from where I was standing, so I decided to leave and check on Belgium’s Alkerdeel playing the Batcave.
Alkerdeel
From the start, the band throws an apocalyptic wave of violence at the audience, and the flashing light definitely adds to the intensity. Alkerdeel plays loud, very loud, and their mix of sludge/doom and black metal really does it. Certainly a band I would like to see again.
Oranssi Pazuzu
Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and I need to catch the Finns from Oranssi Pazuzu. This young quartet is a very nice blend of psychedelia, atmospheric and black metal, and was definitely worth checking out. On stage, the band goes from wailing guitars and mellow atmosphere to fast timing drums in a second, without losing consistency. A nice and solid set, which is for me one of the surprises of the fest.
Sleep
The marathon continues as Sleep is preparing to get on stage. In the main stage, the excitement is palpable, even in the photographer pits. Matt Pike is one of the first entering the stage, and at that point, I feel like a kid about to see Santa Klaus! Smiles are on everyone’s faces and everyone knew we were about to witness an outstanding performance. Slowly, Pike starts the long and teasing intro to Dopesmoker. The drums and bass quickly complete the guitar, and at that point, Sleep is playing so loud that you better have your earplugs well pushed in! I can’t believe I have those giants playing a few meters away from me, it is unreal! Unfortunately, the 15 minute allowance to take pictures in the pit has past, and we all need to get out. The room is chock-a-block, but somehow I manage to find my way up to the top floor of the room. The view is incredible as Sleep starts its phenomenal Dragonaut. The whole venue is entranced, abandoning itself to the power of the riffs. On the side of the stage, many artists, including Mike Scheidt and Wino, have come to see the legends play and seem to enjoy themselves at least as much as we do. Tonight, the band is in harmony, and gave us the treat we all expected. Bravo.
Stay tuned for Day 4, Afterburner…
Kyle
April 25, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Ive been dying to see these sleep shots from the show so thank you very much for that! Could only wish i get to see them live one day.