Eurorock

This report is an impression of the Eurorock 2001 festival by Ron Schoonwater (writer), Cyn Nederpel (photographer/ writer) and Tjerk Teitsma (writer). We did not try to cover every band on the festival, because there were far too many. Besides, we had to pay fullprice for our passes, due to budgetary limitations of the organisation.
So instead we tried to see most bands we'd like to see, and write about those. We apologize to all the great bands playing there we did not check out… maybe next time!

Day 1: Friday 3rd of August:

We were back at Eurorock, Belgium, after having a great festival last year.
However, things did seem to be al little different this year round.
As you might know, the Eurorock organisation went bankrupt last year.
Fortunately, they were able to continue, be it with some concessions.
One of which was the Neerpelt Open Air Stage, the main stage on Saturday, which had a strictly commercial line up, totally out of sync with the rest of the festival.
Another concession was the Sunday, which was turned into a power metal day, thanks to a merge with the Biebob metalfestival.
I predicted a mass evacuation of Goths on Saturday night/ Sunday morning, and an invasion of metal heads at the same time.
Read on to see if my prediction came true!

On the other hand, some things had remained the same: the vegetarian food still sucked (it was the same dish at last year), there was no wine, although it stated everywhere that there was (actually, about half the stated food list was nowhere to be found), and of course: a great line up of bands!

Due to incredible bad luck (and one bad lightning storm), the Marquee tent, which housed two stages, was destroyed. The concerning bands were relocated to the other stages (compliments to the organisation), but the intimate atmosphere would be missed throughout the weekend.. Personal highlights today for me were Arkam Asylum (a pleasant surprise so early in the afternoon), Gary Numan (that guy still knows how a great show is done!) and Fad Gadget; a great industrial electro band, that become simply genially once you realise the songs they play a some twenty years old! Hail to the godfathers (or should that be goth-fathers?) of industrial music!
(Tjerk)

Nina Hagen - mainstage

Nina Hagen is such an incredible lady!
Caught an enormous flu and still manage to give such an perfect show? That's what you may call a true artist!
She opened up her show with the hit "1e Klotz T.V.", and with that a party started continued by well known songs like "Ballroom Dancing" and "Rhythm Stick".
Most people in the audience had a nice little flashback to the mid eighties when Nina Hagen was the main Punk Rock entertainer from Germany.
And she actually hasn't changed since.
She still wears a wig, extravagant make up and eye catching outfits.
Together with a pretty big mouth and enormous attitude of course.
The best thing about this is the fact that all this is brought to you with a

good sense of humour.
Really pleasant to watch, even if you're not such a big fan of her music.
After a rather airy show the closure became a complete other level. She closed the show with "My Way", a song by Frank Sinatra which is also covered by Holland's rock legend/artist Herman Brood.
Herman was a very close friend of Nina, he committed suicide by jumping of the Hilton Hotel (Amsterdam) just a few weeks ago…
(Cyn)

Anathema - mainstage

Next in line is the explosive, headbanging & sexually fueled rock & roll from Nashville Pussy. The two brand new songs from their forthcoming album "Resonance" proved that we can expect a lot from these British this year. The show was further on what we are used of Anathema. Even the brand new - temporarily? - bass player fitted in nicely (although his live performance was a bit shy and nervous). That the songs from "Alternative 4" and "Judgement" are classified as songs which are heavily influenced by Pink Floyd were affected by the band to play one cover of their supposedly biggest example. It was (again, like on almost every festival) a pity that this brilliant band played during the daytime. The emotional songs are however strong enough to overcome this incompleteness.
(Ron)

Sigue Sigue Sputnik - mainstage

Colourful and positive, that's Sigue Sigue Sputnik for sure!
Yes, they're not the youngest anymore and musically they might be a laugh, but they do have a great entertainment level that simply cannot be denied.
A friend told me that they also performed at the Leipzig event last year and definitely have grown since that show. More self secure and with more stage -and perform experience.
They played old hits like "21st Century Boy", "Love Missile F111" (with an intermezzo cover of "Sympathy for the Devil") and new material from their recent CD "Piratespace".
The sun was shining and the crowd was smiling and feeling happy.
They just took us away to the Synthpop period in the eighties, the same time when bands like Adam & the Ants and The Human League ruled the top 40's.
That's such a nice thing about Eurorock, they program bands that are almost forgotten but everyone would love to see again.
For me it was the first time I saw them live, I was too young to go to concerts at that time, but it was great to have a glimpse of what it must have been like.
SSP gave a feeling like Killing Miranda gave last year, in a word, something to remember!
(Cyn)

Gary Numan - mainstage

Gary Numan is back on track!
Thanks to songs that were covered by Fear Factory ('Cars') and Nine Inch Nails ('Metal').
The music of Gary Numan still got that typical eighties feel.
Although the music shows that the early NIN was influenced by this man there's one big difference.
The rock meets electro from Gary is - at least live - far more one dimensional than the music of Trent Reznor nowadays.
The band however delivered an energetic show and the man himself showed to be in possession of a great voice (apparently with some little help from samples???).
Qualification: catchy and entertaining.
(Ron)

Paradise Lost - mainstage

"Believe in nothing", believe in a new resurrection of . Nick Holmes even find some time to make some jokes and got some time to raise his hand and voice for Satan. Biggest surprise is the fact that Paradise Lost plays more pre-"One Second" songs than they normally do. Although the 'old' fans are disappointed that Nick doesn't grunt the way they are used to, I'm one of those fans that's happy with the fact that Nick decided to take some singing lessons. The show is not brilliant, but Paradise Lost is solid as a rock. Musically it's still one of the best bands on the impressive Eurorock bill.
(Ron)

Synapscape - marquee B

If you were at Xtreator (Arnhem) this year I bet you haven't missed this one! One of the biggest underground elektro/noise band entered stage in the warmth of the sun at Eurorock 2001.
Heat it up and let yourself go at the highly danceable beats of Synapscape. When they started off there were not that many people around, but after a while their music just drew lots of people towards their stage. Some just curious, but most of them already dancing!
They remixed most of their own songs, but did a remix of Converter's "Death Time" as a special treat to all the people who are truly into this kind of music.
In the corner of my eyes I saw P.A.L. standing in the crowd, it seemed like we were all united and careless for a moment…
(Cyn)

Imminent - marquee B

Synapscape's sound is elektro/noise, better known as power elektro. Like I already mentioned it's a perfect kind of music to lose yourself and dance the afternoon away.
Imminent however is a whole new level. This is noise!
Confusing, intense, complex, hard to get, but still unbelievably beautiful. Although I recommend you to listen to their music first from a CD at home, before you hear it live.
If you don't recognize the beats it might get a little bit too much, and than it becomes true noise to you. And that's a shame 'cause the music made by Imminent is something you should not be afraid of to experience.
Tonight Imminent didn't played well known tracks like "Tentack one" or "Lost Highway 45", rather the unknown songs. But the crowd didn't care, they we're just grateful to be there…
(Cyn)

P.A.L - Marquee B

I'd seen P.A.L on Gothipolis just a couple of weeks before, and to be honest, I wasn't too impressed back then.
But I wanted to give guy a second chance, and damn, was I glad I did!
His music came out sounding way better this time, and the crowd danced their asses off!
All the great songs like "Concrete Rage" were played, with an Einstürtzende Neuebauten-cover together with one of the Synapscape guys as a very fitting end.
(Tjerk)

Suicide Commando

The second to last act on the Marquee B stage this evening were Suicide Commando from Belgium.
These guys win over more fans with every album they make, so the place was packed!
SC bombarded the crowd with their hard-electro dance music, and would have blown the roof off the place, had there been one!
Every song was greeted with cheers, and when they finished with "Hellraiser" (a hit in the European underground), no one stood still.
Such aggression, such impact, such awesome songs..
Truly one of the highlights this day!
(Tjerk)

DAY 2: Saturday 4th of August:
Day Two will be the last breath of Eurorock 'till it dies a slow end on day Three, when the metal brutally takes over. But fortunately there was still enough to experience on this rainy/sunny day. Pleasant surprises in abundance! Bands like Sulpher that played an early gig at Marquee B. But also The Wounded and Crüxshadows made a very impressive appearance on that very same stage. Even though it was raining cats and dogs while The Wounded were playing. Favourite bands like Feindflug, Tanzwut and Gail of God were not only ear pleasing but also a lust for the eye! Personal highlight this day was Umbra et Imago. Want to know why? Well, see for yourself and read our report!

The true pain in the behind this day was Neerpelt Open Air. Better described as the: "Let's-make-some-money-with-some-mainstream-shitty-music" stage. Biggest problem isn't the fact that they did a Neerpelt Open Air, if that's what it take to save Eurorock it's fine by me. But why do they put this Open Air Festival in the middle of the Eurorock event? While I headed myself towards the Umbra et Imago gig, I actually had to pass and listen to a Krezip concert before Umbra started of. That made me pretty disturbed! Liquido, Das Pop, Mauro and other bands like that made me believe I was suddenly at the Lowlands festival. Nothing against that festival, but I (and all the other Eurorock visitors with me) wasn't not in the mood for such a thing! The only band that suited Eurorock and played that stage were The Cranes, the rest was nothing more than a mistake…
(Cyn)

Feindflug - marquee A

Before Feindflug even entered the stage, some World War II goodies were already staring at me, demanding respect.
I got impressed and held my breath for what might come next… Their frontman got pushed on stage, he looked like he's friends with Hannibal Lector himself, but turned out to be a pretty boy playing the drums.
Not a bad sight of course!
The music was dark, moody and gave you the feeling of a marching army ready to face death.
Their songs are about the History of WW2 and the horror and despair of that period.
The music is best described as industrial/electro and struck me right away.

It was such a pity that Feindflug had to play in the open air instead of a tent. I'm sure the ambiance and intensity of the music will be increased by seeing them in the darkness of the night.
Maybe you can go to Brussels where they'll play together with Grendel.
If you don't go, do check them out when they're in your neighbourhood. Feindflug is something special.
(Cyn)

Sulpher - marquee B

Nine Inch Nails on a small stage!?! The music of Sulpher is heavily influenced by the earlier mentioned band during their "Broken" (1992) and "Downward Spiral" (1994) period.
Sulpher therefore sound more aggressive than the current NIN.
The band shows however that a good copycat still can create some amazing industrial.
Their live show is energetic, heavy and stunning. The voice of Rob Holliday is somewhat rougher than from the big example, but he's using the same 'whisper' technique as well.

Great voice, great gig…
The fact that there where a whole lot of people who waited for demo-CD's after the show said it all.
(Ron)

Dream Disciples - marquee B

The Scottish Dream Disciples are probably the most alive and kicking band during their show on stage. It even emerged a positive vibe. Their guitar orientated songs with danceable melodies were pleasant to hear. The energy and (even!) fun on stage was noticeable. Check out their new album "Asphyxia" for some positive energy.
(Ron)

Crüxshadows - marquee B

The Crüxshadows made, after their show on Xreactor in Arnhem, again a great impression.
The man with the voice (Rogue) wouldn't be stopped through the barriers in front of the stage. His wireless headphone made it possible to get in the crowd and anticipate with them.
The musical flavour of this band, coloured by the use of guitars, keyboards and violins, create a gothic rock/ wave sound you don't hear too much nowadays.
That 'It's a sin' was covered like it was their own song says enough.

(Ron)

Garden Of Delight - marquee B

Still laughing of the dreadful gimmick of Tanzwut (metal meets bagpipe in a meaningless effort to be 'different') I met some more serious and much better stuff at Marquee B. Garden Of Delight created a dark moody rock atmosphere. The band walks the path between the likes of Fields Of The Nephilim and the old Killing Joke. The low, strong and somewhat strange voice of Artaud Seth and his wilful appearance made this show a special one. The fact that you couldn't get any CD from this band not long after their gig says a lot about what quality was provided on stage.
(Ron)

Star Industry

And again I started first at Marquee C to see the likes of Umbra Et Imago (thanks to all that positive press and opinions from fellow colleagues). Only after two songs I realised that this band put more effort into their SM show than into their music, so I got back to this Marquee. The Belgians of Star Industry on this stage were clearly influenced by the likes of Sisters Of A Mercy and Killing Joke. Although this band is more guitar riff orientated their end result on stage and on record (like on their new album "Velvet") is not as dark and moody as the earlier mentioned bands. Star Industry is more a 'nice to listen to' guitar rock band who made their live show more interesting to watch to thanks to two half naked, body painted, girls on stage. Big difference between Umbra and this band was that they didn't forget to make music and that the girls were dancing freely on stage
(Ron)

XPQ-21 - marquee C

XPQ-21 is one of the bands that were originally programmed on Friday morning in the damaged tent. This lively band played therefore in the early morning of Saturday (and just by luck I had my eyes wide open). Especially Jeyênnes made a great impression with his remarkable appearance and typical voice. The mixture of break beats, samples, drum 'n bass and gothic wave made this gig a refreshing one (and with the lack of water it was just what I needed at that time).
(Ron)

Gail of God - marquee C

The Dutch band Gail of God is gradually rising in the scene. Last year the industrial metal band rocked the Transit stage, and this year they play the mighty Marquee C. With a new label deal in their pocket, and a second album coming out early next year, the band played convincingly, even though it was still rather early. The first part of the gig consisted of new material, an had a very freaky edge to it, very cool! They finished off their set with some old songs though, which were welcomed which lots of enthusiasm from the mostly filled tent. All in all a great gig; so guys, next year main stage?
(Tjerk)

Evereve - Marquee C

The impressive new goth rock album "E-mania" from Evereve created big expectations for this gig. Pitiful enough they didn't fulfil that at all. Especially their lead singer made an annoying impression. During every song he was searching for reaction from the audience. I never heard "Come on Belgium" and "Hee, hee, hee" that much (and than it's A LOT I can assure you). His live show was further on a gimmick of a typical eighties hardrock band. With legs apart, emasculate poses with his microphone standard and a 'dangerous' climb on the PA system. He disturbed the fact that the band, although the music also was more hardrock orientated than on "E-mania", played their part right and tight. It couldn't wash away the feeling of disappointment. I even was ashamed that I attended some people to this show (sorry girls and guys…). Please let the music do the talking next time…
(Ron)

Tanzwut - marquee C

Although Rammstein has brought the sample oriented dance metal into the international picture, they are certainly not unique.
Several other bands in the mostly electro industrial corner have also been flirting with danceable electronic metal music.
One of the most successful of the bands is Tanzwut.
This seven(!) piece band successfully combines catchy electro samples, live drums and solid guitar riffs with very melodic (live played) bagpipe sounds. Combine this with gladiator style outfits and a vocalist, with a hairdo the shape of two horns, who calls himself 'Teufel' (German for devil), and you know you've got a winner!
Seeing Tanzwut live is real entertainment; the band has some nice choreography on stage and jump around a lot, and Teufel makes sure the

crowd does their share of jumping as well.
There is real chemistry between the guys on stage and the people in front of it.
But also between the band members themselves.
They make some inside jokes during the songs and generally are really having loads of fun during their show.
And in the end that's what I remember most about Tanzwut: a tent full of Goth's jumping around, a band on stage doing the same, and everybody having a ball while dancing to some very good music.
If this is what hell is like, I'll sign up with mister Teufel right away!
(Tjerk)

Umbra et Imago - marquee C

I'd never heard of Umbra et Imago until they blew me off my socks with their album Mea Culpa, which ended up at the top of my 'year 2000'-list.
It's about a year later now when I finally get to see Mozart and co live. The stage by itself looks very impressive with several pots and devices (which will spit fire later on), a giant propeller (that does… absolutely nothing!) and some sort of metal frame, covered in a blanket.
I find out what it's function is, the moment the show starts: there is a naked woman chained in the frame, and throughout the show she and a man (they look like a couple) give a light SM show that, although very daring, looked rather artistic.
There was so much to see onstage, you'd almost forget you're looking at music performance.

But if you'd take away al the show elements and visual effects, what's left is… is a very good gig!
Mozart, brain behind the band and a very charismatic personality, really looks impressive with all his makeup and extensive wardrobe.
The rest of the band plays really solid, with a special mention for the bass-player, who produces a great background grunt where needed. The set contained a mix of mostly the before mentioned 'Mea Culpa' and the album previous to that one, 'Machina Mundi'. Both title tracks passed by, as did songs like 'Milch', 'Rock Me Amadeus' and 'Goth Music'. And as an encore they played their new single 'Feuer und Licht' together with one of the guys from Tanzwut, who collaborated on the song.
To bad they didn't play 'Weinst Du?' as well, since that song too was made together with Tanzwut. In the end I can only say that this gig was a real feast for both ear and eye!

(Tjerk)

DAY 3: Sunday bloody Sunday

Pictures of ANNIHILATOR, HAMMERFALL, OVERKILL and NEVERMORE.

After, again, a night of almost no sleep (thanks to four 'children' who thought they were funny, but actually just proved that drinking shouldn't be allowed for kids like this) we stumbled our way again to the festival. Today Eurorock was transformed into the Biebob Metalfest. Although I specially packed my jeans (sorry, didn't wear leather trousers back then), my leather jacket with my jeans jacket without sleeves - but filled with badges - on top of that and my special edition air guitar I wasn't in a good heavy metal mood. For me this kind of music had it's highlight during the eighties and after that it just went further and further away from me. I still love heavy music, but most of the 'traditional' metal doesn't leave any feeling or emotion anymore. I still respect good metal (I'm not one who's turned negative about it), but after a singer who seemed to have a cold (Exhumed), a band who made a complete fool of themselves with traditional power hymns (Lost Horizon) and the absolutely pitiful Apocalyptischen Reiter there was only one conclusion for me. Don't wait for the next metal attack, but go home. The eighties are gone and even - probably - better bands like Nevermore, Opeth and Dimmu Borgir can't bring my metal feeling back. Thank God our Rockezine Metalheads are at Wacken Open Air this weekend, so most of the bands will get the review they deserve. I on the other hand set fire in my jeans and jacket and pass my air guitar over to the next metal generation. After that I leave the Eurorock festival site with a lot of the audience who had two great days here. Next year we keep it to two days. Hopefully the campsite will than have a central place where we can get water and take a shower. That way I won't smell this much anymore (thank you deodorant and after shave).
(Ron)