Let’s start like this – I definitely didn’t expect this. Its Sunday morning, I am writing this concert report, and I am still very delighted I had an opportunity to attend amazing concert thanks to Hengtajm Agency and my beloved Abaddon Magazine. Why I didn’t expect such a good concert you are about to find out.
Folk metal originated back in 1990’s. At that time, it was really something new, mysterious and intriguing standing apart from standard metal riffs. It represented interesting fusion of traditional melodies and metal which fortunately for fans has endured that form to this day. Soon enough, nearly every country with rich folklore had something to offer to this new metal world. At the moment when “Myrath” emerged, oriental metal had only “Orphaned land” as a representative of the genre and it was it. I personally discovered “Myrath” by accident on the smartest application ever and forever – YouTube. My search was – “the best oriental folk metal band” and second from the top was no one but “Myrath”. But let’s begin from the start.
The evening of the oriental sound began with the opening support band “Roses Of Thieves” who made a real effort to warm up the energy of the audience with traditional Hungarian melodies accompanied with accordion and violin, slowly guiding us from the Hungarian steps in to the desert ruled by “Myrath”. Last night Roses of thieves demonstrated what a classic folk metal band sounds like without additional musical embellishments or genre blending. Everyone’s attention was captivated by beautiful fairly – like voice of the lead singer miss Ivette Dudas as well as her wonderful energy that filled the entire Zappa Barka club.
Shortly after “Roses of Thieves” cast their spell on us we were transported into the warm, dry Tunisian desert as “Myrath” took command of the stage. To be honest oriental metal was my gateway into this subgenre and knowing how difficult those riffs are to perform live I expected things to sound less precise. However, when I close my eyes there is almost no difference between studio recordings and the live performance we witnessed. “Myrath” may be static on the stage but they don’t need elaborate visual effects. Their music is enough complex poetic and genuinely engaging on its own. They are example of a band that started their carrier with distinct vibe stayed within the frame of the framework of folk metal yet matured significantly over time. Evolution of their sound was noticeable because they played newer songs more than the old ones but the audience didn’t seem to mind at all. Everyone was dancing and enjoying but the highlight of the evening was the dancer who captivated us with her seductive performance dressed in stunning oriental costumes wielding a scimitar on the top of her head. Who said you can’t dance to metal?! This concert was really one of the best I have ever attended. The Orient leaves a lasting impression once you hear it – it simply gets into your blood. Until next time!
Photos by: Strahinja Rupnjak
Live report: Anđela Milunović
