23-01-10
Baroeg Rotterdam

The first band of the evening, Ctulu, already had started to play when we arrived at the Baroeg. Fortunately we didn’t miss much of it. Though the band performed well, we have to admit that this band doesn’t play as good live as they do on cd. Their album Freie Geister is very good and has a great atmosphere, but this didn’t translate on stage. Maybe this was because their performance didn’t really fit with their music: the band was energetic, especially their singer (who talked in German to the audience). This did however make it an enjoyable show and opening act.

And now for something completely different (although also black metal): the second band Inquisition. They were supposed to play at the Winternoise festival, but since this was cancelled, they got the opportunity to play in the Baroeg this evening. Therefore, lots of fans of them came to the Baroeg only to see this band. And after seeing them play, we understand why. Being only with two members, they sure know how to make great music, the true rough Black Metal sound, with interesting vocals. It had tremendous atmosphere (also thanks to the smoke and the nicely done lighting) and the audience obviously enjoyed it. We were amazed what this band was able to give us, being with just a drummer and a singer/guitarist. A bit annoying though was the fangirl that jumped on stage every time, but the band didn’t seem to be bothered.
Last but certainly not least, Melechesh was up! We from Metal-Exposure really looked forward to this show, and we certainly weren’t disappointed. The front man Ashmedi got the audience excited and the music did the rest. The melodious Mesopotamian metal was catchy and brutal. They started with Of Mercury and Mercury, then followed (amongst others) Leper Jerusalem, Ladders to Sumeria and Triangular Tattvic Fire. However, during a few songs it seemed that the band couldn’t keep up with the drummer Xul. Although he is a fine drummer, maybe he is too much of a death metal drummer, therefore playing to fast sometimes and missing a bit of the groovyness so typical for Melechesh.

As encore, Melechesh treated us with Rebirth of the Nemesis, a favourite for a lot of the fans, and therefore it was surprising that they let this song depend on a ‘we want more’. Luckily for your metal-exposure crew, the audience was persistent enough not to let the band leave without sufficient encores, so we got our favourite song, and more, because were also treated on a song from the album Melechesh is working on at the moment, called: New Song. It didn’t have any vocals yet but it sounded very promising and the audience was very enthusiastic about it. A fantastic evening!
Hopfully, Melechesh will release the new album soon. After all, we have been waiting since 2007! In the mean time, you can enjoy the video of the performance of the new song in the Baroeg on Melechesh’s Myspace.

By: Ingrid & Tabitha.