CJ's Drum Blog: Gig Review : Wacken Open Air - Metal Battle feat. Hacride (France) and Cyanide Serenity (UK)

I haven't posted a review of anything yet, have I? despite me making blatant offerings of reviewing stuff. Well, today is a lucky day 'cuz I am gonna be reviewing a gig (yay!). A very special one, this gig, mainly because B69 had their first International Headliners and because I haven't been to a single gig for about 2 months now. What more could I ask for in order to break my hiatus from attending live gigs. Nothing.

So after a grueling 2 hr train ride from Mulund to Andheri. I finally reached B69 only to find out that Kohram and Elevation Dynamics had competed their sets. Being the major Prog Rock/Metal fan that I am, I felt sad that I had to miss ED. I've heard some of their samples on Reverbnation and they remind me of Spiral Architect in a way. Not to forget that distinct Carnatic/Middle Eastern influence in the guitars and vocals.

Moving on, Goddess Gagged was next. Currently they are a 5 piece band now. I've had the opportunity to catch the original line-up which had Arman on lead vocals and Ayan De on keys. Their sound then, was more mellow and smooth with the metal parts coming in the chorus. However, the new GG with Sid Basrur (ex-Kinky Sky Munky) on vocals has joined the latest Tech Metal/Djent bandwagon and they are definitely sounding more heavy from what I've heard in the previous encounter. I've been a big fan of their music since Day1 and I hope to catch them live again because obviously they have a lot more to offer. Their sheer talent earned them a spot in WOA-Metal Battle finals. I can only wish them good luck for the finals.

AbraXas from Pune were next and man, were they insane. They ripped through their entire set eventually getting an encore from the audience (they played the crowd favorite 'Sweet Suffering') . Props to Naman Sachdev for his precise and tight drumming. The tone from Negi and Joseph's 7 stringers caught everyone by the neck forcing a massive head banging session. A session that was enjoyed by everyone. Another well deserving band that earned a spot in the finals.

During my beer and smoking break, I met Gez from Cyanide Serenity. This fellow has no airs about himself and seemed to be very friendly. I had a nice time chatting on various issues regarding food, weather, music, etc.

After two flakes burnt up in smoke, it was time for the French juggernauts to take stage. Yes, it was time for Hacride to unleash some Prog Death they've been holding up for a long time. I am saying this because their gig in Goa was cancelled by yours truly - the cops. Anyway, It turned to be all good because the monsieurs from Poitiers destroyed the place and how? I tell you how. Being a learning drummer, obviously I was mesmerized by Mike "Batmike" Roponus's superbe drumming. Adrien Grousset on guitars was probably the best guitarist for the evening and Sam and Benoist played as if there were no stopping them. They had this stage presence which probably electrocuted most of us as everyone in the pit (including me) was stuck head banging. lol. They also got an encore and I think they played 'Pertubed' which was fucking A+. I definitely want them to come back and play more gigs in Mumbai preferably at B69 :D. Also, they are equally as nice as the guys in Cyanide Serenity and they happily posed for pictures with their newly formed Indian fan-base.

The clock struck 10:30 pm and it was finally time for Cyanide Serenity. These guys have a history with India. Dates back to Feb 2009 when they opened for Iron Maiden at Rock In India in Bangalore. These lads became instant favorites and ruled the mosh pit at that time. 2010 had them planning the 'Consuming India Tour' where they played at venues in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai (being the last leg). They too were supposed to play at IMC in Goa alongside Cynic, Hacride and DR which was unfortunately canned. Anyhow, back to the gig, their set-up being completed, they demanded people to crowd the front. I think now I should tell you that the turnout was pretty low despite two intl headliners (I was particularly worried about being denied entry to B69 as they bar people from getting in once it reaches max capacity). Their set however turned out to be brutal and gut kicking as Gez and Matt themselves took to mosh the fuck outta the audience. They started the mosh-party and body surfing to say the least. I found myself participating in the 'Wall of Death' albeit a small one ;) and on stage head-banging with the band on more than one occasion. Every one from Wyatt, Knight, Braddock, Dugmore, Jones and Mckay played to bring the place down and trust me those breakdowns pretty much did it. Their set ended with yet another encore along with enormous crowd support.

I couldn't stay late and take pictures with them as I had to get home. But they took a group photo from the stage with the whole crowd and I even got them to sign their setlist which I got as a souvenir. Brilliant (and completely worth all the money) gig this. I hope to see more of Hacride and Cyanide Serenity in the coming years..unless 2012 brings the end :P.

-CJs [♫ Hacride - Pertubed]

P.S. Some pics I took that evening.

Goddess Gagged