Dan and Laura:
Toni and I:
Dan, Laura & Toni:
KORIPLAANI
Finnish folk metal band KORPIKLAANI were really entertaining. Unlike most folk metal bands they actually started off as a folk band before adding the metal elements so the folk influences are for more obvious. Most of the songs are about drinking and partying and they, and the crowd, had a real blast. The played the wonderful "Beer Beer" which was the soundtrack for Swedish Chef Heavy Metal 3 (look it up on my blog later if you have missed out on this classic)
See all the KORPIKLAANI pics here: 041209KorpiklaaniHRHIII
DELAIN
Dutch symphonic metal band DELAIN delivered a mighty fine set of Nightwish style tunes. I have since discovered that keyboard player Martijn Westerholt used to be in Within Temptation so it is no wonder he went on to form another female fronted outfit. We missed them at the Rock Of Ages festival so was really glad we got a chance to catch up with them here.
See all the DELAIN pics here: 041209DelainHRHIII
HYSTERICA
Swedish all female outfit HYSTERICA had to be disappointment of the weekend. I have their CD and its not bad, nothing special but not awful wither. Their promo photos has a very "metal" image and they seemed to be portrayed in a very Manowar "bitches of meral" style which I thought would translate well onto a live stage. WRONG! Instead of coming out looking all Goddess Of Metal they came out looking like a combination of WAGs dressed a rock chicks, sluts and dominatrixes (not all my terms but let's go with them)! As if the confused image wasn't enough the music wasn't that great either with one of the guitarists being barely able to string a complete solo together. It was shame but hopefully they'll learn from it. Then again, the males in audience drooled like there was no tomorrow so I guess lots of people left happy!
See all the HYSTERICA pics here: 041209HystericaHRHIII
RATT
Following on from our disappointment with Hysterica (and a few more drinks) we went to the main stage and watched 80s hair metal oldies RATT tear things up and give us all a good time. Even though they have been around forever they were superb. All the classics came out, You're In Love, Round And Round, Back For More etc. Stephen Pearcy still has an amazing voice and as they just cancelled their UK tour I was very happy that they honoured the HRH date as they were definitely worth seeing.
See all the pics here: 041209RattHRHIII
EDEN'S CURSE
Not being overly fussed with either Terrorvision or Monster Magnet we drifted back to the smaller stage to watch EDEN'S CURSE. Another band that I knew nothing about but they were really good. Their guitarist was fantastic and they put on a really good show.
See all the EDEN'S CURSE pics here: 041209EdensCurseHRHIII
WINTERBORN
Another new band for me, WINTERBORN had some good power metal tunes done in a very European style (but then they are from Finland!). I have added this mob to my list of bands to check out further.
See all the WINTERBORN pics here: 041209WinterbornHRHIII
SONATA ARCTICA
And so we came to our final band of the night, the might SONATA ARCTICA. They were absolutely superb. All members of the band were giving it their all and the vocals and harmonies were perfect! A good mix of songs from across their ten years of existence and it was a shame that there was no chance for encores. Their UK tour date clashed with Eddie Izzard so once again HRH saved the day!
See all the SONATA ARCTICA pics here: 041209SonataArcticaHRHIII
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