Bloodstock Open Air 2011
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th August 2011Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, South Derbyshire, DE12 8LN, England MAP
£105 incl camping
Triptykon's first appearance on UK land is highly anticipated. As if to introduce themselves, the band open with a number from mainman Tom G. Warrior's old band Celtic Frost, namely 'Procreation (of the Wicked)'. However, the tempo is frustratingly slowed down and the song loses its rough thrash charm. 'Circle of the Tyrants' is another Celtic Frost track that is played at more or less regular speed and incites rainfall that miraculously stops as the song concludes. The dark doom metal of 'Goetia' and 'The Prolonging' from Triptykon's own repertoire truly hit the spot, even in the day.
Triptykon's set is followed by fellow countrymen Coroner, also making their debut UK appearance since their reunion. Unsheathing their brain-bending technical prowess over the punters, the lack of a distinctive stage presence from these Swiss men is completely understandable. Beginning with 'Masked Jackal', an orgy of thrash metal virtuosity emanates from the trio in the form of 'Internal Conflicts', 'Semtex Revolution' and 'D.O.A.' among other numbers from the band's history. Sadly, the omission of possibly Coroner's most well-known favourite, 'Reborn Through Hate', feels glaringly obvious.
After having his set truncated due to sound issues last year, Devin Townsend Project is back at Bloodstock and the size of the crowd is testament to what a popular decision this is. A screen to the left of the stage depicts Townsend's alien friend Ziltoid and after a chat between the two, the set kicks off with 'By Your Command' from Devin Townsend, rather than the Devin Townsend Project.
Following an introduction where they are described as both the best and worst live band ever, Lawnmower Deth attempt to prove to the crowd why they are one of the most noticeable British grindcore bands going. And they succeed. With a live show involving Satan on a trampoline, inflated balls in the audience, Mexican waves, racing crowdsurfers and a bunny named Sumo, even those entirely unfamiliar with the band enjoyed the show tremendously. Of course they managed to slip in some songs amongst the madness, most notably: 'Satan's Trampoline', 'Weebles Wobble but They Don't Fall Down', 'Ooh Crikey!' and 'F.A.T. (Fascist and Tubby)' aimed at the generally despicable Billy Milano. With an explosive stage presence, bucketloads of original crowd interaction and old fashioned crusty grind, Lawnmower Deth certainly prove themselves to be one of the bands of the festivals and a stellar example of how a metal live show should be carried off.
The 'Babylon' release is well represented and prove W.A.S.P. have survived the test of time unlike so many of their peers. 'I Wanna Be Somebody' is frustratingly drawn out with feeble audience participation (repetition of the chorus line over and over and over ) and seemingly closes the set. However, the sound of a chainsaw some time later signifies that 'Chainsaw Charlie' is the first track on the encore. 'Blind in Texas' is, as for usual, fantastic fun and seals the show, leaving the audience desperately begging for more. Yet another sublime show under their belts but given the sheer volume of fantastic, grizzly anthems this band have in their storied career, it seems ridiculous that the setlist changes only ever so slightly for each tour.
review by: Elena Francis
photos by: Robert McGlade
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