27 November 2023

2 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Ashnikko

CONCERT REVIEW: Ashnikko Takes New Album ‘WEEDKILLER’ To Sold-Out Amsterdam Crowd

After months of eager anticipation, the moment we had all been waiting for finally arrived. Ashnikko graced the stage in Amsterdam to showcase her latest masterpiece, the album WEEDKILLER. The sold-out venue spoke volumes about the sheer excitement pulsating through her devoted fanbase, all eagerly awaiting the chance to witness Ashnikko’s live performance.

Setting the tone with the dynamic You Make Me Sick! from the freshly released WEEDKILLER, Ashnikko embarked on a whirlwind journey through her repertoire. Seamlessly blending old favourites with the latest tracks, she explored themes of female empowerment and the complexities of love, showcasing the unique style that only Ashnikko can master.

Onstage, Ashnikko was accompanied by two dancers who added an extra layer of entertainment. Their intricate choreography, interwoven with Ashnikko’s vocal performance, elevated the performance to a visual spectacle that captivated the audience. Furthermore, the stage featured an inflatable object of sorts, resembling the broken egg from Ashnikko’s album art for WEEDKILLER. In-between of the repertoire rapid-fire, Ashnikko would often and briefly speak to the fans (Demidevils), sharing anecdotes and sharing more of the story surrounding the new album, which even includes the release of an accompanying comic book.

As the show approached its climax, the atmosphere took a seasonal turn with the Christmas-themed Manners,’ followed by a haunting medley of Ashnikko’s Halloween songs. The dancers returned donning eerie masks, contributing to the overall mystique of the performance. Surprisingly, Ashnikko chose to present Halloweenie: IV in its entirety, deviating from the expected showcase of her latest Halloween release.

The energy throughout the show was palpable, fueled by an ecstatic crowd that often echoed the lyrics at the top of their lungs. While I may have preferred live instrumental performances over pre-recorded tracks, acknowledging that different music genres embrace distinct production methods is essential. Despite personal preferences, Ashnikko’s live show is an energetic delight that we wholeheartedly recommend to music enthusiasts.

For a visual recap of the performance, scroll down to view the photos capturing the essence of the show.

21 November 2023

2 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Melanie Martinez

CONCERT REVIEW: Melanie Martinez Brings PORTALS To Ecstatic Amsterdam Crowd

In a highly anticipated return to The Netherlands since the onset of the pandemic, Melanie Martinez graced Amsterdam with her presence for an unforgettable performance, marking her largest show in the city to date. The venue, which had sold out its 6,000 tickets months in advance, buzzed with excitement as fans eagerly awaited the hauntingly theatrical spectacle accompanying Martinez’s third album, PORTALS.

Unlike her previous works that delved into the intricacies of Cry Baby‘s life, both at home and in school, PORTALS takes a poignant turn as Cry Baby meets her demise, paving the way for a captivating rebirth showcased in Martinez’s stage persona. The concert, captured in photos at the bottom of this page, revealed Martinez not as the familiar Cry Baby character but as her transformed, reborn self.

The setlist, a deliberate nod to Martinez’s consistency, offered no surprises. Echoing the structure of the Cry Baby and K-12 tours, the concert featured a complete rendition of the album from start to finish, including the deluxe edition tracks. The stage, a theatrical marvel, boasted a massive screen that dynamically shifted with each song, projecting the atmospheric essence or segments from the accompanying music videos. The visual spectacle extended to inflatable mushrooms, a life-sized descending spider web during Spider Web, and a talented ensemble of dancers and musicians sharing the stage with Martinez.

While the production may not have reached the elaborate heights of the K-12 tour, it undeniably delivered a theatrically pleasing experience, a hallmark of Melanie Martinez‘s creative ingenuity. Overall, the show, possibly affected by the album not reaching the same meteoric success as K-12” or Cry Baby, may not have surpassed initial sky-high expectations. However, it remains a visual feast and a testament to Martinez’s continued commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

20 November 2023

3 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with SKYND

CONCERT REVIEW: SKYND’s Convergence Of Sinister Themes & Musical Mastery

In the course of 18 months, we have had the privilege of witnessing SKYND’s live performance for the fourth time, marking their second appearance as headliners. This time around, a larger audience gathered to experience the band’s haunting electro-metal infused with sinister thematic elements. For the uninitiated, SKYND delves into the world of horrific murderers and historical atrocities, exploring events ranging from the infamous cult leader Jim Jones to more recent cases such as the tragic murder of Bianca Devins and the perplexing trial of Michelle Carter.

Beyond their captivating themes, SKYND captivate audiences with their musical prowess. The frontwoman, adorned in eerie makeup and a chilling outfit, sets the tone for the night. Meanwhile, the two musicians behind her sport a mysterious ensemble consisting of black hoodies and masks, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the performance.

Every aspect of a SKYND show is meticulously orchestrated. From their haunting melodies to the chilling lyrics, the entire experience immerses the audience in an eerie vibe that transcends the ordinary concert experience. The music, coupled with the harrowing lyrics, creates an atmosphere where attendees find themselves surrendering to the captivating allure of SKYND’s unique sound. SKYND’s thematic exploration of true crime and historical horrors adds a distinctive layer to their performance. Through their music, they take the audience on a journey through the darkest corners of human history, shedding light on the macabre tales of cults, murderers, and societal anomalies. The inclusion of events like the notorious Jim Jones cult and the tragic Bianca Devins case demonstrates SKYND’s commitment to delving into the unsettling aspects of the human experience.

A SKYND concert is more than just a musical event; it is an immersive experience that transports the audience into a world of unease and fascination. As we reflect on our fifth encounter with this enigmatic band, one thing becomes clear: SKYND’s ability to seamlessly blend haunting narratives with musical excellence ensures that their performances linger in the minds of attendees long after the final note has faded into the night.

For approximately 80 minutes, SKYND take its audience on a spellbinding journey through some of history’s most horrifying events, accompanied by impeccable and irresistibly catchy music performed with astonishing skill. The seamless integration of their haunting narratives and musical excellence creates an atmosphere that’s unique, leaving a lasting impact on all who bear witness.

We can’t help but imagine the impact SKYND could have on a larger stage, where their mesmerizing themes and musical virtuosity can unfold on an even grander scale. A headline show in a spacious club with enhanced production values would undoubtedly elevate the SKYND experience to new heights. The prospect of witnessing their evolution in such a setting is not just a wish; it’s an anticipation fueled by the belief that SKYND is destined for even greater

Get a visual glimpse of the happening in the gallery below, courtesy of Eva van den Bosch.

6 November 2023

1 min read

Photography: Vera Deuling

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Holding Absence

PHOTO REVIEW: Holding Absence Play Ecstatic Show With Thornhill & Floya In Dynamo Eindhoven

Holding Absence, Thornhill, and Floya took the stage at Dynamo Eindhoven for a night of unforgettable music. In this photo review, we’ll capture the essence of this ecstatic show, where these bands brought their A-game, leaving the audience in awe and creating memories that will resonate long after the final chord was played.

FLOYA

Thornhill

Holding Absence

5 November 2023

6 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with The Rock Circus

THE ROCK CIRCUS REVIEW: An Extraordinary First Day With Black Veil Brides, Powerwolf & More

After months of anticipation, the weekend of The Rock Circus was finally here. With a stacked line-up ranging over 3 days, including Electric Callboy, Epica, Powerwolf and many more. But that’s not all that the brand-new festival has to offer. The Rock Circus was more than just music; it was a full-blown extravaganza. The festival fair was a fantastic addition, featuring a wide variety of food stalls, craft vendors, and merchandise booths. The festival grounds were transformed into a rock ‘n’ roll wonderland that genuinely resembled a circus with an astonishing attention to detail. Besides the bands playing the 3 stages, the festival also featured a metal-infused piano bar and many signing sessions. This event was very meticulously organized, with a stunning result. Let’s dive into some of the artists that we saw on Saturday.

Cradle of Filth

For us, the festival kicked off with the unique Cradle of Filth, both in display as well as music, Cradle of Filth have made their own course, with success. The band’s signature blend of gothic, symphonic, and extreme metal elements was on full display, creating an atmosphere of darkness and mystique. In this particular case, a bunch of photos says more than a thousand words, so check out the gallery below.

Beast In Black

Black Veil Brides

It’s been a long time since Black Veil Brides last set foot in The Netherlands, and judging by the immense line for their signing, many Dutch fans were eager for the band’s return. When BVB announced their co-headliner tour with Halestorm with no Dutch date, fans were disappointed, but not too long after, The Rock Circus revealed that both bands would be on the line-up for their first addition. The band played for an hour, mostly catering to your general festival crowd. All of the hits within their respective genre the band garnered over the years were played, and the deep cuts were left for their headliner shows. Songs like Knives and Pens, Nobody’s Hero and most famously of all In The End got a massive response.

Halestorm

Up next were a band we have seen on a lot of occasions throughout the years, but our sentiment remains more or less the same. Halestorm build their live shows surrounding their musical prowess, which makes sense, as the band showcases vocalist Lzzy Hale’s impressive range and raw emotional delivery. The 4-headed band has been together forever, and the synergy shows on stage. Musically, Halestorm is top-notch, but I would love to see a bigger production. Given their popularity and talent, I think it’s time for Halestorm to level up their show, turning it into a full-on headliner show.

Powerwolf

Today’s final act came from the popular Powerwolf. In a headliner capacity, the theatrical band played a show of 90 minutes in which they showcased their musicality and an impeccable show. Frontman Attila Dorn’s commanding stage presence was impossible to ignore. His powerful and charismatic vocals led the charge, and his theatrical gestures and interactions with the crowd further heightened the performance. Powerwolf are known for their incredible show, elaborate set pieces, pyrotechnics, and dramatic lighting that created a visually stunning backdrop for their music. We have seen the band a few times throughout the years, and it is always a treat. Check out some photos from their extraordinary performance right below.

29 October 2023

2 mins read

Photography: Pavels Dunaicevs

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Thy Art Is Murder

PHOTO REVIEW: Brutal Night In Amsterdam With Thy Art Is Murder, Whitechapel & Fit For An Autopsy

Step into the mosh pit as we recount an unforgettable night of relentless metal mayhem in Amsterdam. Thy Art Is Murder, with support from Fit For An Autopsy and Whitechapel, brought pure brutality to the Melkweg stage.