Burgum - In the first week of my holiday the 21st edition of Waldrock took place. I just sailed to the Isle 'Vlieland' (a small Dutch Isle). Not to miss the festival I took the ferry to go back ashore. After the boat, I took the train, the bus, to finally join some metal-mates who drove to Burgum by car (thanks Gabriël).

At 13.00 pm. we entered the festival, just in time to join Pagan's Mind playing at the Tent stage. We missed Greyline and also I did not see Death by Stereo who played at the same time as Pagan's Mind. Being a fan, I was rather curious about their performance. They did what I had hoped for. The sublime singing and the tight guitar riffs where as good and tight as on their records. Songs as "Through Osiris Eyes" and "Aliën Kamikaze"  came by and of course some songs from their last album. A first class show.
Rating: 85

Not Having a drink yet, we went searching for some beers. it was excellent festival weather, 23 Celsius, sunny and almost no wind. The people behind the bar had a busy day, serving the over 8000 thirsty metal fans.

In the meantime Helmet played their gig, standing not very close to the stage songs as "Unsung", "Wilma's Rainbow" and "In the Meantime" passed along. Not being a big fan, I  nevertheless went to the stage to take some pictures. After that we went to the Jägermeister stage to see Hail of Bullets.
Rating: 70

This Dutch Old-school Death metal band Hail of Bullets with Martin van Drunen on vocals, Ed Warby on drums Stephan Gebedy on guitars know how to serve the fans Death metal. Playing only songs from their last album (which is very logical, it is their debut), they made the high expectations truth

Although the sun was shining, the songs with  slow, heavy and sometimes fast riffs and with lyrics about the 2nd World War at the Eastern front, was brought very enthusiastic and true. Again we could see what a front man Martin is. Asphyx is also again alive, we hope that the next step will be a reunion of Pestilence. The first pit was a fact.
Rating: 80

During Hail of Bullet's last song I sprinted to the other side of the festival, not to miss anything from the Angels of Death show. What a sublime band this is, they play the songs so tight, the timing is so perfect and still they have time running around and making jokes. This was the most enthusiastic performance of the day.

Songs  as "Kill as One" and "Seemingly Endless Time" are part of the set. And of course some songs of their latest album 'Killing Time' pass by. I can recommend the guys from Metallica to see a Death Angel's show, then they can see how to play tight riffs with excellent timing.  Bass player Dennis Pepa jumps around the stage as a crazy frog, what an energy, what a performance. Not that they need it, but with the slogan: "If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much" they win over the crowd and leave them behind satisfied, but still hungry for more.
Rating: 90

Sorry for the Rose Tattoo fans, but they played at the same time as Death Angel, so nothing about them, maybe next time.

In the short break that followed, we had just time to have some more beer and a bite. After that we hurried to the Jägermeister stage again to see the Forbidden show. I expected a lot from them, but they did not impress me.

The musicians played well and with songs such as: "Off the Edge", "Follow Me" and "Chalice of Blood" is nothing wrong. Also the new drummer Mark Hernandez (ex-Heathen) did a good job. No, to me the singing of Russ Anderson is the biggest set back. Especially in the higher parts he sounds false, also his performance as a front man is poor. He misses the charisma to get the audience going.

But nevertheless worth seeing.
Rating: 65

With a beer in my hand I ran as fast as I could, without spilling the liquid, to the Morbid Angel performance. They played Forbidden simultaneously at the Tent stage. I could just see the last 3 songs, not enough to give them a good judgment. Looking at the reaction of the big crowd, the performance seemed to be satisfying. Also no pictures taken here.

Just after that Biohazard started their performance on the Main-stage. They impressed as always and the crowd jumped up and down on songs such as: "Shades of Grey" and "Black and White and Red all Over". They are always enthusiastic and playing to win the crowd for them. Just before the end of the show I left the Biohazard show, to miss not a bit from Symphony X.
Rating: 75

Symphony X last record 'Paradise Lost' is a killer. And of course they play some songs from their last album. The opening track and also the title song are played. Russel Allen shows that together with his colleague from Pagan's Mind he has the best vocals of today's festival.

The members of Pagan's Mind mingle along the fans to see the entire Symphony X show. Together with Pagan's Mind's singer Nils K Rue, also Floor Jansen from After Forever watches the show. A new cooperation on the next record perhaps?  Their performance is together with Death Angel and Pagan's Mind the highlight of the festival.  I can't wait to see them again sometime with a complete set and show. Top of the bill!
Rating: 90

Hungry and thirsty we went to the catering to get some beers and fast-food. In the meanwhile enjoying the music of Life of Agony who played on the Main stage. As far as I could hear from a distance they played a good set and the reaction from the crowd was positive. Because LoA has played Waldrock before, I chose to have a break during their set, it is not my cup of tea. I'm sorry folks!

Musically not that interesting, but more curious about the performance and outfit I went to see part of the Lordi show. That such an average band can win the Eurovision song contest, says enough about the Eurovision. The songs are listenable, but that's all. Of course the fireworks and the outfits are nice to watch, and the big crowd seems to enjoy. After a few songs I had enough and went to see part of the Hollenthon show elsewhere playing on the festival.
Rating: 65

A few month ago I saw Hollenthon play in a club in Leeuwarden. I must say that they impress more in a smaller place then on a festival. But, there were enough fans enjoying them instead of the Lordi show elsewhere on the festival. With the songs "Son of Perdition" and "Once we Were Kings" they introduced  their last album to the audience. Of Course also some older tracks such as "Y Draig Goch" and "Woe to the Defeated" belonged to their set.
Rating: 70

For me this was the first time I saw Queensrÿche live (I feel a little ashamed). They played of course on the main stage, where they belong. With records as 'Operation Mindcrime' and my absolute favorite mini album 'Queen of the Reich' I hoped for the best. During the first song they blew up the PA or something like that. Suddenly there was no sound and no light. Geoff and the rest of the band left the stage.

After 10 minutes everything seemed to be all right and Queensrÿche started their show again. The band played a lot of songs from both the 'Operation Mindcrime' albums  (amongst others "Eyes of a Stranger"). Also the song "Empire" came along.

I must say that the performance was not spectacular, almost a little static. Geoff has of course excellent vocals, but his stage-act is minimal. I had hoped for some old tracks, but in vein.
Rating: 75

Because of the delay at the Queensrÿche gig, I did not see anything of the My Dying Bride show. Some other time perhaps. Next to the Main stage a band called 1349 started their show. This black metal band seems to be rather popular.

After seeing and hearing them, I don't understand that. Not that they are very bad, but there is nothing special about them either. A 13 in a dozen band, with the corpse-painted heads. I can think of over a 100 bands who I had rather seen playing at this time at this stage. Why not Hail of Bullets, or Pagan's Mind a little later? Well, maybe it is because I'm not that a big black-metal fan, but they have a long way to go, if they will be mentioned in one breath with Dimmu Borgir. 

And then the band we all have been waiting for, Slayer. From the first song the audience enjoy. But what else can we expect when they play songs like: "Chemical Warfare", "War Ensemble", "Dead Skin Mask", "Die by the Sword", "Hell Awaits", "Reign in Blood" and of course at the end "Angel of Death".

A band like Slayer can choose any song from any album and the crowd loves it. There are not many bands who can say such a thing. Slayer ended the with over the 8000 metal fans very successful 21st Waldrock. A big thumb to the organization and all the people who help them out for free, from ticket sales to serving beer. You all can be proud!! I just hope that there will be a 22nd festival next year. I will be there again!!

My thanks goes to Gabriël, our driver, without whom....