They came, they saw, they conquered the audience; I was always intrigued to see HAGGARD on stage, the amazing ensemble of sixteen musicians that delivered a powerful combination of classic and black Metal music. They were playing Wednesday evening at Fuzz Club, Athens, a very inappropriate date for me due to work, but nevertheless I collected my tattered remains and begun my journey to the venue were the event would take place. It would be also my first time to attend a concert at Fuzz Club.
This is by far the best stage I have been in Athens after my return in Greece . The place was large, with very good ventilation and the sound was flowing pretty nice without many glitches. I definitely prefer it to the other stages. Although it is a little more expensive in regard to drinks and such.
Well back to the band, and the night in general, I know I shouldn't whine about the fact that the doors opened at around 8pm and the band started playing at 10pm but forgive me, I thought the waiting was a little too much, especially for one band and with soundcheck all done and ready. Nevertheless there is nothing a cold beer or two can't fix and soon I was back in the mood.
Lights faded out, background sounds flowed in and HAGGARD took the stage, um…wait…nine? Why nine? I mean, well, weren't they supposed to be sixteen at least? Yes, there seems to be a European problem now with this volcano incident and some of the band members could not come in time; disappointed? A little, but HAGGARD proved to be more than professional and also proved that old bands know how to win the crowd and offered a show that was beyond anything I humbly expected. I wish I was good at giving you all the song names that HAGGARD played but I can't. I was lost in a time travel, were music literally took me away to medieval times were the mind's eye could see pictures of pagans and witches and warlords, lands filled with the music of ages past combined by the aggressive voice of Asis and the blood curling guitar play of the energetic Claudio. I have to say that he stopped moving up and down the scene only when he had to play classic guitar.
Yes, Asis and Claudio shared the guitars, Fiffi the tenor played some classical instruments such as didgeridoo, there was Ingrid in piano, Johannes in cello, Linda in flute, Steffi in violin, of course Luz in drums, and last but not least with her awesome voice and her powerful presence on stage Susanne as soprano. It's been a while to see a band that really enjoyed playing for the crowd, like the bards of old they did everything to please us and we responded in kind. HAGGARD played a foul two-hour long session, in which I thought they would never stop, not that it would matter…I was close to faint from being tired. Yet I deeply wished for more…oh well, until next time.
