BRUTAL ASSAULT FESTIVAL 2008

Pleasurable Adventure

14-16.08. Jaromer (CZ)

For the second year in row long-haired and dressed in black metal troops occupied Josefov fortress near Jaromer (20 km from Hades Kralove and 2o0 km from polish border). Those who are superstitious say that 13 is a unlucky number, but not this time. Joined forces of Czech, Slovak, Polish, German, Austrian, Lithuanian, Russian, Bulgarian and even Swedish metalists were stronger than in 2007. In my opinion definitely more than 10 thousands of dedicated maniacs came to celebrate the biggest metal fest in eastern and central Europe. Without any doubts there’s no other festival in that area with such a strong line-up.

When our team arrived at fest site we could hear the distant sounds of italian technical death metal masters SADIST. Unfortunately a little mess at acredittaion point and long line of journalists and people waiting for picking up of their pre-reserved tickets at only one desk – succesfully precluded us from watching the show. I almost exploded when I’ve heard the first notes of „Sometimes They’re Come Back” from legendary debut „Above the Light”. Now I can only say my bitter „thank you” to the person who came up with such a senseless idea.

When we finally entered the site the crowd was crushed by extreme surgeons from GENERAL SURGERY. Dressed in blood stained medical uniforms Stockholm’s creators of „Left Hand Pathology” couldn’t complain. Band was very warmly welcomed by fans of musical sickness. Instead of crawling in blood & guts we decided to take a look arround. However two stages – this year named: Obscure and Nosferatu – stood at the same place there were few important changes. First of all in front of the stages we could see a new natural tribune situated on the top on protective wall. Not only a good observation point but also a nice place to take a little rest after few hours of metal madness. Music shops – frankly speaking I was little disappointed with CD offer and prices - were removed to the more quiet part of fortress. Organisers decided to create there a horror movie cinema where maniacs could enjoy such a classics like „Evil Dead”.

When we came back Martin Schirenc of PUNGENT STENCH and his comrades from HOLLENTHON ended their show with epic „Once We Were Kings” from their recent „Opus Magnum”. It’s quite bombastic title but what I’ve seen on stage was just a few men banging their heads. Nothing special. But it was only a little warm up before those who came before - well I know - after. I’ve seen SAMAEL for many, many times but it is always a big pleasure to be a part of their energetic show. My expectations were quite big, but Vorph & Co. proved that band is definitely on the rise. Vorph – in blonde version - hypnotized crown with his voice while Massmiseim and Makro jumped on the stage and banged their heads to the sound of such a killers like: „On The Rise”, „Rain”, „Year Zero”, „Ave!”, „Reign of Light”, „Those Who Came Before”, „Rebellion” – which returned to setlist after few years – „Infra Galaxia” and the powerful and mind blowing „Baphomet’s Throne” – without any doubts the highlight of that show. While ultra melodic „Slavocracy” was a grand finale I had to admit that it was the first great show that I’ve seen during this year’s festival. To be honest I must say that I needn’t to wait long for another one.

SEPTIC FLESH started with „Unbeliever” from „Summerian Demons” and from the very first seconds I was forced to believe in power of Greek symphonic death metal. The guitar work of Sotiris/ Christos duo created a space for Seth’s deep throat growl which sounded as brutal as on the studio recordings. „Lovecraft’s Death”, „Communion”, „We The Gods” – dedicated to all maniacs - and „Anubis” represented critically acclaimed new album. Technically perfect, suggestive show. Dark energy of „Red Code Cult” almost materialised in the air. SEPTIC FLESH plays in it’s own league. Great show.

It was hard to beat such a amazing performance. But coming up next were the thrash metal masters – EXODUS. When I’ve heard opening riff of „Bonded by Blood” I shit my pants. Well, this is pure metal classic. Gary Holt – like always smiling on the stage - and Lee Altus started to exterminate with killer gitar riffs, but unfortunetaly the power of their shredding was weakened by the fuzzy and chaotic sound. In spite of that little incovenience I could really enjoy the energetic tracks like: „Funeral Hymn” and „Children of the Worthless God” – with Dukes – who vomited on the stage, (sic!) - clean voice parts, by the way he’s a good vocalist but damn me, I still miss Souza – from „The Atrocity Exhibition” and „Deathamphetamine” representing „Shovel Headed Kill Machine”. Brilliant „War Is My Shepperd” and „Blacklist” from „Tempo of the Damned” accelerated my heartbeat. Unfortunately Bay Area thrashers didn’t play „Scar Spangled Banner” but „Piranha” and „A Lesson In Violence’ from recently re-recorded debut – which will be released with a new title „Let There Be Blood” – gave me full satisfaction. It was one hour of pure thrash. EXODUS is nowadays – together with TESTAMENT - the best thrash metal act on this fuckin’ planet, so it’s no surprise that I was left bleeding on the ground.

When FINNTROLL entered the stage I went out to drink some good czech beer – Pilsner Urquell – the only choice – and eat a traditional Hungarian langosh – however I have nothing against it, folk metal is definitely not my cup of tea. The honour to headline the first day’s show was awarded to Norwegian black metal legends MAYHEM. I’ve seen guys for a second time in a few weeks. But the show at BA was longer and more spectacular than their appearance at Knuppelnacht. This time Attila presented much more scarring image. Once again wearing a huge upside down cross but his face looked like a silver mask merged with his skin. His unique mesmerizing croak led us through the extreme sounds of – among others: „Wall of Water”, „Illuminate/Elliminate”, „My Death”, „A Time to Die”, „View from Nihil”, „Ancient Skin”, „Symbols of Bloodswords”, „Freezing Moon”, „Deathcrush” and „Pure Fucking Armageddon . The other band’s members were quite static, but it wasn’t so important. Csihar focused all attention on his performance. However I appreciated band’a efforts, I must say that I wasn’t smitten, and the title of thursday’s winners goes to EXODUS.