Text and Photos by Astrid Tonella
Sunday, Day 4: Afterburner
Within 24 hours, I got to see Bongripper twice! What else can I say, except that they were probably high up in my “absolutely need to see” band list. For their first set on Friday, I was nervous to see how the band would deliver but after a few minutes, my fears completely disappeared. The band takes the stage, and as they start their set, you understand the trio is definitely not here to twiddle their thumbs. They start moving all over the place, ready to explode, and they kinda did. The whole set rises to a crescendo, going from low-paced riffs to fast-paced drumming, guitars are responding to each other, it was just mind-blowing. The set ends up like a firework: guitars are getting hit, distorted, one of the two guitarists kneels and screams on his guitars, what a breathtaking end. I leave the venue with a big smile on my face, looking forward to see their second set.
Full gallery & review after the jump…
The second set continued on the same note, but this time Bongripper is playing their famous Satan Worshipping Doom. I was afraid that seeing another set so quickly would spoil my Bongripper experience, but their sound is so solid that I came to the conclusion that you can not get enough of this band. The four dudes came and tore the place apart. The sound was so loud that I could feel the vibrations of the bass in my chest. Bongripper did it once again, even though the energy was slightly different from the previous set, but well done boys!
No rest after that as YOB is playing one more time the main stage. This time, they played their album Catharsis released in 2003. Once again, a fantastic performance but I have to slip away if I want to get the chance to see Dragged into Sunlight. The room completely packed doesn’t surprise me anymore and I manage as best one can to make my way up to the front stage. The band starts to play almost in the dark until the flashing light came to blind us. Dragged into Sunlight definitely spreads chaos over the room and you better hang on. Unfortunately, the experience turns short as the band barely played 45mn, what a shame.
Bong
After the show, I decide to stay in the Green Room to see Bong closing the festivities. I knew the performance live would be amazing as I have been blown away listening to their Live at Roadburn 2010. The set was very ritualistic, percussions are powerful, the guitars are intoxicating and the sound of the Shahi Baaja reinforce the ritual and psychedelic aspect of the performance, a real moment meditation and a good way to close the festival.
TOMBS
DRAGGED INTO SUNLIGHT
CORONER
Outro
Monday, it is now time to pack and get back to reality after four days of pure madness. There are loads of bands I regret not having seen, but I guess there is nothing less to expect when the bill is so exceptional. Roadburn has already announced Jus Oborn as curator for the 2013 edition and Electric Wizard to perform an exclusive headline show, which makes me believe that getting a ticket next year will be like winning the lottery! A massive thank you to Walter, his crew and the bands for making those four days such an incredible musical and personal experience. This festival definitely has a special place in my heart, and I am already looking forward to next year! Once again, thank you!
CVLT Nation wants to thank Astrid Tonella for her awesome photos and coverage of Roadburn 2012, and everyone at Roadburn for putting together one of our favorite festivals!
Pedro
April 26, 2012 at 7:10 am
Tombs played on day3, and it was killer.