Location: Hall of Fame, Tilburg (NL)
4 November 2011

My good friend and folk-metal.nl colleague Nick asked me to take a look when he has a gig with his band in Tilburg, together with another nice Dutch Folk-metal act. It’s quite a trip, but of course, I’ll be there.

Shade of Hatred
Shadow of Hatred has to kick of this evening, and at a point they’re mentioning it themselves, it’s not pagan metal. But despite of this they play a couple of covers from Amon Amarth. During the rest of their performance they’re aiming at high musical violence. I wish them the best, but I’ve nothing more to say about them.

Amorgen
Amorgen hits the stage, awesome I got the chance to see this guys live finally. I was slightly disappointed during he song The last drops of our pagan blood’ because this was already their final song, but I’ll start at the beginning. These guys are dressed in damaged trousers and with Finntroll like stripes across their bodies. From the start the gentlemen lay down a very solid performance, an act which can’t be blown away. A pity was the fact there weren’t many people in the hall, a loaded venue would suit them more, and would benefit the atmosphere with these tasty fast music. Of course we got to listen to the known songs of the demo ‘Awake the Iron’. But another fine announcement, there will be an real EP soon! I can’t wait!
A nice strong gig of Amorgen. Lets hope there will be a whole lot of ‘Last drops of our pagan blood”s.
Score: 4/5

Druantia
After Amorgen left he stage is time for Nick, with his band Druantia. I’ve heard a lot about it, except for the music itself. It’s time to bring some change into that. They haven’t already written enough song by themselves, but with covers like ‘Wooden Pints’ and ‘Trollhammaren’ this problem is solved in a nice way. Their own songs sound nice, especially the flute is a welcome part of their music! Very catchy rhythms, lyrics about ancient gods, and a delicious folk-sauce over it. Personally I think the song ‘Death of a god’ is a very good one. Now we’ll have to wait for a demo by Druantia. Oh, I almost forgot to the highlight of the show, “WICKIE DE VIKING!”
It was a perfect evening in Tilburg for me, but I had to go to the station quickly after Druantia.
Score: 4/5

Viatora
Because of the fact Colin couldn’t stay ’till the end, but there was a band after Druantia, it was up to me (Nick) to review the last band. I can be brief about Viatora, it was famous! Despite of the fact the sound was not very good, the greatest flaw was the acoustic guitar which could be heard barely., the band was very enthusiastic and they play their songs very committed. The band’s songs are very easy listening but are also nicely build up.
The audience picked up the merry melodies very soon, and there was a lot of headbanging, partying and singing along. When singer/flute player Thijs announced a song, which would be a ‘true Norwegian Black metal song, I feared the worst. This turned out to be a big joke and they played the ‘Barbra Streisand’ cover of Duck Sauce.
After quite a number of songs, like the strong Ensiferum cover ‘Wanderer’ it was time for Viatora to stop. The audience was of a different opinion and began to beg for an encore loudly. Viatora decided to play one of their songs again, and they turned the hall over in one big dancing, partying crowd once more.
Score: 4/5

All in all a very successful evening with good bands and a nice audience. Despite of the fact the sound was not always great. The atmosphere was good from the beginning ’till the end.