Rock Hard Festival 2009 - Sun, metal and cosy!

At 15.00 hours, the band Witchburner kick off, and I must say they don’t disappoint me. It is always difficult to open a festival, but very soon fans settle for the stage in order to encourage Witchburner, so they feel not lost on the big stage. As we heard before the birds whistling, now Witchburner did the speakers warmed up with songs like Sign Of Evil 666, Demonic War Machine, Blood Of Witches and Witchburner.

Well, the tone was set, everyone awake and we were ready for Angel Witch, a band I was looking forward too as old rot. But I must say, the band couldn’t convince me the entire show. What exactly it was I don’t know, but maybe the song choice wasn’t entirely in line we expected for a festival like this, perhaps the time, or I hear the band rather at a Keep It True festival or anything like that, where they up better. In any case, the end of the set was strong with Angel of Death, Baphomet, and of course Angel Witch.

It was time for some stronger action and you can well let that over to Deströyer 666. Let the new album Defiance from the band already no doubt that the band is better as ever, live these gentlemen know also how to make a show. It was also obvious from the crowd, they game in large numbers for the stage and started to headbanging.

We were in the mood for some sight seeing around the festival ground, stretch our legs (we are getting older, hehe) and looking for some friends. Oh, it was beautiful weather, a relaxed atmosphere and we soon elevated to various tables where drinks flowed generously as always and try then to disappear, haha. With Prong on the background on stage, we had a lot of funny conversations.

Back to the arena, as Jag Panzer was ready to start and many fans were there to see the band, so we could prepare for a heavy portion headbanging. Harry Conklin and pals know how they can get the public loose and they didn’t disappoint us. Starting with Chain Of Command followed by Future Shock, the tone was set for what would come. What is this a great festival band, great atmosphere, great music and a very good singer who can get the crowd crazy. The Mission, Iron Eagle, King At A Price, Take To The Sky, Licensed To Kill, yes, they know what the fans want to hear.

After jag panzer we decided together to go to the backstage tent, were also a party started in with all sorts of strange summer cocktails were prepared. It was once again time for us to scrape our throats (no, not with those cocktails ... ..) and interfere ourselves in the party rumour, all at the time that Opeth played on stage. After Opeth the tent was obviously completely full, so the sweat drops were no longer to count, and we decided to go to the afterparty, which was in the big tent, where a DJ all people tried to get headbanging. Once in the tent we found the music ridiculously soft and thought at first that the boxes already were blown up, but all emerged, it appeared that the boxes stood on the ground instead of on stage. It was very thirsty weather there, so we had some moisture to maintain. Meanwhile there was on the music from Metallica a real moshpit which Henk Bosma (bear of a guy) our photographer had some meaning to participate. Of course we all knew what would happen and yes, within half a minute he stood there alone, so we were laughing with tears in our eyes. Yet there was one who even wanted to defy fate and with verve bump up against Henk in the back, where he bounced back with a nice tumble to the ground point. Ah yes, a little humour must be, right? For us it was time to go back to the car and make our own party.

Because of that, we missed the first band Evocation and first with Grand Magnus we got the change to break true the sound barrier. We could enjoy from a powerful heavy set, which the band played with great pleasure. They played great songs like Wolf's Return, the neck breaker Iron Will and King Slayer. The Hard Rock/Metal of Audrey Horne was absolutely proper, but for me something I had to keep my attention with, which sometimes was difficult, but that had nothing to do with the band, which played a strong set. You do more than just listen to bands at a festival, right. I mean talking and talking!

Then it was time to go to the karaoke stage. Yes, because there was also something in the program. People could register for this and choose a song out of 16 songs and sing this together with the cover band Saitenhexer from Germany. The winner would perform on Sunday on the big stage with an Allstar team. This of course was a lot of fun and full of surrender, we could enjoy some old hits, such as Holy Diver and Breaking The Law. The public was extremely sporty and with full breast they were singing with the different performers. A nice variety between all professionals.

Once back in the arena it was time for the nut crackers of Dragonforce. You like them or you hate them, but one thing is certain, it’s an excellent show band. Man, what have those guys a pace at home, that they still have time to breathe! However, the gig for us got disturbed. Photographer Henk tripped on the concrete steps and came down ugly with his leg. A break for the good man, but it looked not so good. Stubborn as he is we managed to take him to the First Aid where they treat him. With a smile on his face he came back and it looked okay or the time being.

Time for Forbidden, which gave us a portion of great Bay Area thrash metal. With many headbangers in front of the stage, fluttering there long hair, it was a beautiful scene that brought to the stage. And what a wonderful gig of the men, who clearly also had a pleasure in playing, but this counts actually for each band, because who don’t want to play on such a cool location. Anyway, including Parting Of The Ways, R.I.P., Step By Step and March Into Fire Chalice Of Blood there was plenty to enjoy with Forbidden.

Then it was time for Jon Oliva and his band Pain. The announcement by chief editor Götz Kuehnemund from Rockhard magazine gave rise to many and with a new wing, which already was promised, we were ready for a man who earned respect. Only it shocked me and also other people when the first song lines came over. What was wrong with Jon's voice? He sounded hoarse and we all feared the worst, but fortunately after two songs it was better and we could still enjoy a glorious set, with of course some great hits of Savatage like Gutter Ballet, Jesus Saves, Hall Of The Mountain King and many others.

Meanwhile with the leg from our photographer Henk it was not so good, so a new visit to the First Aid was necessary, were he was treated again. We decided to go to the backstage tent again so he good rest. The boys from Bullet (which we know well) were also arrived and already in a good drunk mood. After a warmly greeting we sat all at a large table and made a party.

Also on the third day the weather was perfect and the festival visitors had a lot of fun. Well, all you need then is music, and at 12 o clock the young dogs of Tracedawn picked up their guitars and know to convince us with their melodic death metal. With the high technical performance these young brothers remind us a little of Children Of Bodom, and it is definitely a band we will hear more of.

But with the first notes of Head Up High from Firewind, the entire crowd shows a little movement, still recovering from the long nights in the party tent. How do you call that beast again? Right, a hangover! The fat guitar riffs of Gus G. and the powerful voice of singer Apollo shows the appropriate remedy for all hangovers at this early afternoon. After classics such as Mercenary Man, a great new song and the cover Maniac the public begin to get loose.

Then at exactly 14.00 hours the young dogs of Bullet come on stage. It was already clear that the guys from Sweden were one of the most popular bands at the festival, but the reactions of the audience took it all and proved once again that many tours and consistent quality are paying off. After the songs From Dusk Till Dawn, Heading For The Top, Road King and Bite The Bullet, for the first time this day the vote barometer reached record levels and with the final song Bang Your Head, Bullet left a tired but happy audience behind.

For the band DAD it was obviously tough, but it is worth mentioning what the band is dragging with them for a 45-minute show. Pyros, scenery and an energetic show to ensure the crowd get in a good mood and to create a successful show.

Time for a break? No, I thought not, because Lee Altus and Heathen are ready and after a few notes it is clear that they won’t give the public a minute rest. Ruthless they smash their there riffs into the public and the first circle pit rages as a tornado through the arena. In addition to classics such as Death By Hanging, Heathen also played songs from their long-awaited new album and with Open The Grave they finish the set and again we get a Tsunami of crowd surfing.

It was clear that many were out of breath, but with UFO on the way many followed the band from the sidelines. With songs such as Too Hot To Handle of Rock Bottom and a number of new pieces UFO spread a relaxed atmosphere into the arena, perfect for a late afternoon. Too bad we only missed had classics like 'Doctor, Doctor and Lights Out. Doesn’t matter, people filled up and the arena is filled to the rafters again at the end of the set.

Already in the break you felt the tension in the air. Can Sacred Reich with their performance satisfy to the expectations of the early nineties? A few minutes later the fans answer this question with a huge circle pit and lots of shouting and rejoicing, Yeah! Wow, the band is absolutely in top condition and play with a perfect sound and song choice. The American Way, Love ... Hate ..., Death Squad, Surf Nicaragua, War Pigs, no classic is beaten. But also rarely played songs we heard as Administrative Dicisions and Sacred Reich. Between the songs Phil Rind makes funny and ironic announcements, what it makes a great performance. This is certainly one of the highlights of the festival.

After the karaoke set with some covers and the thankful words of the organizer, the way is clear for the Eagle. Yes and who knows Saxon knows that Biff and his men always guarantee a festive performance. And, yes, it lasted only 10 seconds to change the GelsenKirchner Amphitheatre in a swirling mass. Heavy Metal Tunder, Wheels Of Steel Motorcycle Man are committed and Power And The Glory, And with The Bands Played On, Dallas 1 p.m. and The Eagle Has Landed, we get the necessary change again in the set. Also two new songs were played, because the new album is highly rated in the charts. Biff's indestructible voice, his comical announcements and boundless fun, sign the band. With the last single Live To Rock and Denim And Leather, the first encore finish the set before Princess Of The Night reflect true the Arena and we come to the end of a perfect show and a likewise perfect festival.

Yes, we can conclude that the organization once again succeeded in organizing a great weekend for many metal fans, with music for everyone and that earns a thick plume. We look already forward to next year.

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