It's always nice to explore new places, especially because most of the venues in Germany are really cool. Even with such a crazy name as Happy Happy Ding Dong this too is a nice place. A lot smaller than I'd expected though, just a normal bar with an improvised stage in the back. Guess it could take 50-70 people at the most. This was the premiere gig for ENEMY OF THE SUN after releasing their debut Shadows at the end of last year.
The place almost got full just in time for the gig but I can't say anyone did anything to inspire the band. No matter what, Waldemar Sorychta and his crew did a good job keeping the party spirit alive and people actually woke up after a while and started cheering at least. My introduction to this band was from adverts in every metal-magazine and for some reason jus those caught my attention. I had to check them out and I was really surprised when I finally did. It's a very hard band to label, it's sort of Thrashy, but still not exactly Thrash. They have some Death Metal influences but it's not that either and it's absolutely too hard and heavy to me Heavy Metal. Guess it is a mixture of it all along with some really creative guitar playing from Waldemar. One thing that's sure, they absolutely have their own style and I guess you either hate it or love it. I love it!!!
Most of the times with hard music as ENEMY OF THE SUN plays, it can be a little weak or empty with only one guitar. Waldemar is one hell of a guitar player and the arrangement with the bass is great, it never feels empty during solos. And speaking of playing bass, it's so nice to see that there's girls around that actually can play and are not just added to the lineup for attention. Alla Fedynitch sure is one cool chick and takes her place on stage with grace. She has such a nice drive to her playing and the way she handles that 5-stringed LTD Bass is nothing but impressive.
The sound was actually pretty good even though the equipment was very limited. Ok, perhaps a little rougher than on the album but I guess that has to do with the equipment rather than the band. The sound guy could have taken it a little easy with the volume too, it was almost painfully loud at the end. But still ENEMY OF THE SUN's dynamic sound comes to life and the balance is on spot all the time. Even in the non distorted parts and that I've never seen in a small place as this. But I still don't think they got the response that they deserved from the audience. Songs like Lives Based On Conflicts and Burning Bridges are as made to jump and scream to, no matter the size of the stage. Unfortunately, this Thursday was a bit laid back and perhaps people were more interested in drinking beer than listening/watching Metal...
