Metalfest West Review

This June I was happy to attend a new for me metal festival:
Metalfest West

The bands which inspired me are worth being commented: 

Ensiferum  - usually if one has seen a band live already, the second time is not that thrilling. This was not the case for me with Ensiferum. The Finns showed terrific scene performance in every aspect: instrument mastery, dynamic show, contact with the audience - the audience was literally humming continuously the folk refrains of their songs. Ensiferum are one of the masters of the atmospheric Kantele spirit. The balance between the instruments - they complement each other to build a diverse harmony. Interesting is that their bass player is by far the only metal bass player that plays only with fingers and further I bet that even Steve Harris would be inspired by his technique. As well interesting is that all band members (except the drummer) sing along and this way build a choral ambiance.

 Dark Tranquility  - Although their music is dark, they did quite a lively performance. The vocalist was crossing the stage and clapping the fans' hands ceaselessly. I was surprised by his rich timbre, when I heard him sing with clean vocals on the piece "therein". The sound was brilliant.

In Extremo - Not only aurally but as well visually a performce to remember - a show of original sound, light effects and fire. Like a mediaeval fair - exhibition of awkward instruments, the approapriate clothing,  dancing and marching artists. The setlist was very well balanced - alternating between slow and fast pieces, hard and soft, a wide diversity - as is actually their repertoire. Amazing is how they manage to synchronize 7 insturuments (like a mini symphonic orchestra) without a conductor while moving at the same time around the stage.

Heidevolk - Melodic, mystic, magestic - so is not only their music, but as well as the atmosphere of their concert. I dare to say they were the mostly-well acceoted act on the second stage for the last day of the festival. The small tent-covered-stage was overcrowded with fans. Very good contact with the audience. Two monolitic vocals and two guitars simultaneously created a pagan harmonic journey.
The style of Heidevolk is like a  well-spiced dish of heavy, pagan, folk, viking ingredients that has unique taste. Once you taste it, you are addicted and want more.  Finer than Amon Amarth, more harmonic than Tyr and more monolitic than Finntrol.