When July approaches its last weekend it is time to make the garden burn again. Where exactly? Right between the way too many corn fields between Elmshorn and Brande-Hφrnerkirchen that is. I guess it's common that festivals are located a bit away from the civilization but I must admit that I feel a little extra lost driving up to Headbangers Open Air. Arriving at the site that feeling is completely gone though, the Festival is extremely friendly and it feels like a private party. With only a little over 1000 tickets in total there actually is a possibility to get to know everyone present if that's what you're there for. I seriously doubt that's the case though since this is a festival for people with a genuine interest in music, both new and old. And of course the ones who like to have a beer or two while listening to all the amazing bands in the lineup. The only bad thing with Headbangers Open Air is that the schedule leaves very little time to just hang out and party. Sure, it's possible to skip a band or two but then you will have to live with that afterwards. Trust me, I've been there, done that!
For the first time Festival is completely sold out, every single 3mm Metal (yes, real Metal) tickets has been shipped out. If that depends on that Old School Metal gets more popular day by day or that a few others, that rather drink their brains out and see this Festival as a Pre-party to Wacken Open Air the weekend after I leave uncommented and just hope it's the first of the two. But I guess, with this demand for tickets, Headbangers Open Air will be just as Keep It True, that you'll have to get your tickets on location, a whole year before to be sure to get any.
But for the proud ticket holders I strongly recommend to leave the beer in the tent and go and see at least these bands.
VICIOUS RUMORS
Yes, Carl Albert was a big loss, no doubt about that but Geoff Thorpe and his partners has shown that it is possible to gather new strange and come back, stronger than ever. Latest release from VICIOUS RUMORS Warball is as good as the ultimate classic Digital Dictator, a little darker and heavier perhaps but who can complain about something like that? This appearance is special in another way too, original vocalist (on Soldiers Of The Night) Gary St Pierre will do a guest appearance and I've heard rumors that VICIOUS RUMORS are rehearsing on some really cool tracks. And if the Festival gig isn't enough, there's one more chance to see them at the Pre-Party at Planet Alsen in Itzehoe.
MEMORY GARDEN
One more excellent band from Sweden, who, with their latest release Carnage Carnival put their name back on the map for high quality Metal. One touch Epic Doom and one ounce technical guitarwork and a hell lot of Heavy Metal make a good concept. Perhaps a little complex for some but the songs from Carnage Carnival as well as the older stuff will get to you live anyway. They simply rock.
PRETTY MAIDS
They might have hit rock bottom once or twice through their career but they've always climbed back to the top. Seeing them live lately I must say I've been impressed, ok they could have brought a little more action to the stage but it sure sounded awesome. And now, with a set of all time classics! How can that fail?
HELSTAR
Texas Metal at its best! It's so amazing to see James Rivera on stage. There are very few people that perform with the same energy and determination like he does. No matter the size of the stage or the nature of the crowd. And the rest of the band is right there behind him, supertight. HELSTAR has been touring Europe before the summer with their latest album The King Of Hell and I haven't heard anything bad from anyone. Definitely worth checking out!
Then it's hard to just pick one more. What I remember about MANILLA ROAD from Keep It True was great, just as their records. Another very natural choice would be ZED YAGO but are they really that good without Jutta Weinhold? Q5's Steel The Light from 1984 is a true classic but how will they sound today? Perhaps it's better to focus on NIGHTSHADE then instead? And the only reason why I didn't pick PORTRAIT is that I've seen them quite many times lately... Then EXXPLORER, they did a great gig at Keep It True, the list goes on and on. The good thing is that there will be a lot of people, with endless input to the bands on the bill so it will be easy to discuss who really are the best and the most important to watch but I guess the choice will be as hard anyway. But one thing is sure, Headbangers Open Air 2009 will be another great edition.
