Doro, Sister Sin at Gota Kollare (2009)

Gota Kollare (Stockholm, Sweden)

Doro, Sister Sin

To start with, Girl Power is way too weak expression for this evening. First thing […]

By Erika Wallberg

• December 8, 2009

To start with, Girl Power is way too weak expression for this evening. First thing the night featured two very strong personalities in the frontline of each band and both of them were a true joy to watch. Swedish SISTER SIN have built their reputation as a cool live act over a quite short time, they've played with a lot of the big bastards of the Hard Rock and Metal genre and there's no real surprise that they've gotten those opportunities. High energy both in their performance and the music and extremely well played. I was a little surprise to see that a band can sound that thick with only one guitar. And Liv sure knows how to wrap both male and female fans around her pinky, she has an ability to connect with the crowd and get them to move that's actually quite rare for new bands. Her lolita dress could have helped a little with the attention from one part of the crowd though. There's no doubt she loves what she's doing and she's damn good at it. Her voice suites the music and even if some more variation would raise the grade even further she sounds really good. So does the band, tight with a lot of energy and attitude. But there's this really disturbing thing about them, as it is with a lot of new bands, it feels a little over studied and not entirely from the heart. I don't mind the sexy outfit and it's very hard to pinpoint what my problem is. It's the same with BENEDICTUM and a few of the more Opera oriented bands. It sounds perfect, looks great but it doesn't feel quite right.

I so wish there would be a new band with the attitude of SISTER SIN and the personality of Doro Pesch. Because there's not one doubt where her heart is and she's very charming and humble in her performance. Well, that right in your face and connection with the crowd felt a little like a challenge, how polite is the crowd really? No security fence and beautiful Doro, in her not so concealing leather outfit hanging out in the crowd. There could easily been some serious grabbing but the only thing I saw was a gentle stroke on her shoulder, that's quite cool. It shows how much respect she's earned over the years. Most important of course, that little woman has a really big voice. I can't say I've been overwhelmed with her records and performances over the years so this evening was a huge surprise and a very nice one too. I think this size of venue had a lot to do with it because it brought that intimate feeling Festival stages are missing and on those is my only previous references to DORO. A genuine dedication to music brings loyal fans, everyone in the venue was there to watch the show, to participate and make the best out of it. Even if the place wasn't more than half full the heat rose to Arena level. This evening featured, besides the Swedes people from Ukraine, Εland and Germany. Not so special it might seem but it's quite a trip to Stockholm for those people. This was the first show I've seen with DORO when it felt like a band and that's a plus. At concerts prior to this I've always had the feeling that it's been Doro and a few musicians behind her. I guess the venue had a lot to do with it.

It could also have something to do with that the band looks like giants behind her, Nick Douglas - bass, Oliver Palotai - guitars and keyboard (KAMELOT) and Bas Mass (ex-AFTER FOREVER) – guitar, kicked ass. Of course Johnny Dee - drums had a lot to do with that also but the point is that everything felt so solid, genuine and down to earth. Highlights were the part with "I Lay My Heart Upon My Sword", "Fόr Immer" and "East Meets West". The crowd's response was massive and Doro lending the mic to the crowd during "Fur Immer" sure stated how damn strong her voice is. No one, not even growlers had the chance to match her. Another candidate trio for best of the show was of course the opening with "Earthshaker Rock", "I Rule The Ruins" and "Burning The Witches" but since that meant fighting in the front row trying to get some pictures it got a little lost for me. But of course it was fun to be in the chaos at the frontline too, the pressure was right on from the start.

The coolest thing with this concert was the interaction with the crowd, direct requests and songs dedicated to people in the front row, sometimes even called by name. The setlist felt very spontaneous selected and also very influenced by the crowd. How many bands are coming back AFTER the DJ started playing again? DORO did and she seemed so happy and excited about the response. After almost two hours it seemed like she could go for another similar set without any problems. It's a little sad though that more people didn't show up, she deserve a full venue but if she continue like this and get the chance to come back I'm sure she will sell out the place next time. I'll be there and I'll recommend everyone I know to go and see her.

DORO setlist:

01. "Earthshaker Rock"
02. "I Rule The Ruins"
03. "Burning The Witches"
04. "The Night Of The Warlock"
05. " Metal Racer"
06. "True As Steel"
07. "Above The Ashes"
08. "I Lay My Head Upon My Sword"
09. "Fur Immer"
10. "East Meets West"
11. "Haunted Heart"
12. "We Are The Metalheads"
13. "Breaking The Law"
14. "All We Are"