After a peaceful camping night without rain and wind, and having properly rested we were ready to enjoy FVF's last day. Although the weather was going to be much colder than the previous days, our mood was still up and running...
After putting on the warmest clothes we had and a cup of coffee, we headed for the last time to the festival area. Unfortunately we missed Radar Men From The Moon, a band that I wanted to catch live since their two releases are exceptional and from what I had learned, listening them live are getting even better. I hope our paths will be crossed again some time soon...
Video by 1988Switch
But we were right on time for Wolverine Blues, a new band from Ukraine formed by members of Ethereal Riffian, Bluesbreaker and Woundead. I got excited about them a while ago, when I saw their live promo video for their debut album, showcasing their potential.
Maria was kind enough to wait in the really long line for another coffee as I was watching Wolverine Blues... Who didn't disappoint me even for a second. Monstrous riffs, muscled bass, ear-pounding drums and the rough vocals rocked out our heads. "Monogamous (Drapthrone)" and "Convict" are my two favorites, having a heavy, low-fat, grindy stoner groove. I also managed to get one copy of their self-released debut (the packaging is great for a diy release) coming in 100 copies.
Maria was kind enough to wait in the really long line for another coffee as I was watching Wolverine Blues... Who didn't disappoint me even for a second. Monstrous riffs, muscled bass, ear-pounding drums and the rough vocals rocked out our heads. "Monogamous (Drapthrone)" and "Convict" are my two favorites, having a heavy, low-fat, grindy stoner groove. I also managed to get one copy of their self-released debut (the packaging is great for a diy release) coming in 100 copies.
Video by Abrahma
Video by Abrahma
One of Spain's best space/heavy prog acts of today, Pyramidal made their appearance to spread their galactic vibes. Performing songs from their debut as well as from their new album, "Frozen Galaxies" which by the way you must give it some spins...
The four Spaniards exposed their inner-kosmos faithfully following the space-directives Hawkwind have left us. Pyramidal, along with Radar Men From The Moon, should have played later since their music sticks better in a dark environment. Wishful thinking you might say and I agree. A lot of things have to be considered when you're dealing with a festival's line-up, something completely understandable. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Pyramidal since they're one of the bands I keep an eye on! Sons of light have prevailed!
The four Spaniards exposed their inner-kosmos faithfully following the space-directives Hawkwind have left us. Pyramidal, along with Radar Men From The Moon, should have played later since their music sticks better in a dark environment. Wishful thinking you might say and I agree. A lot of things have to be considered when you're dealing with a festival's line-up, something completely understandable. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Pyramidal since they're one of the bands I keep an eye on! Sons of light have prevailed!
It was time to see if any other Greeks were attending the festival, since it was time for Nightstalker's performance. Unfortunately not even one was detected by our antennas beside the four dead rock commandos who were on stage. Although I'm not fond of their new album, I enjoyed the live a lot. They kicked some serious ass...
They were energetic and tight; Argy was in a great mood, making his own special moves and people enjoyed them. As we did... "Down The Line", "Just A Burn" were some of the highlights. No matter how much we shouted for "Use" they probably didn't hear us but they repaid us by ending their set with "Trigger Happy"! A flawless performance by the oldest Greek heavy rock band around...
Stoned Jesus, even they had some technical problems, they didn't loose their passionate spirit and called us in their doom drenched ritual. "Bright Like The Morning", "Electric Mistress", "Red Wine", "Black Wood" and even "Insatiable King" brought the crowd (and themselves) in an ecstatic state.
We didn't pay much attention to Ape Machine since we took a merch tour for once more. Hunger was hitting our door too and it was a good time to eat something before The Machine's show.
As a well-oiled Machine, they hit the stage grooving us with their psych, stoner patterned long jams. Another mostly instrumental band, proving that vocals don't matter at all from the time music kicks some butts. The visuals in the background got us burnt some more! Below you can check one of my favorites tracks, "Solar Corona" to take a taste of what I'm talking about...
Video by Addlonfire
Night had spread her pall for good as FVF's stage was ready to welcome one of the best stoner rock acts out there... Orange Goblin. Band's heavy artillery aka. Ben Ward (wearing a Damned shirt!) conquered the stage while three stormtroopers compelled anyone with sensitive ears to run for cover. The truth is that although I like and respect Orange Goblin, I've never been a big fan; listening their albums again and again....
But hell.. This was one of the most gargantuan, earthshaking performances ever. Having a constant, tireless movement on stage and band's energy staying irreducible until the end, the only thing left to do was to bow down to them.
But hell.. This was one of the most gargantuan, earthshaking performances ever. Having a constant, tireless movement on stage and band's energy staying irreducible until the end, the only thing left to do was to bow down to them.
Their set included "Getting High On The Bad Times", "Aquatic Fanatic", "The Filthy And The Few", "Some You Win, Some You Loose"... and to finish us off they closed with "Scorpionica". It just couldn't be better!
The time has come for FVF's last band to appear and wonderfully close this amazing experience. After Orange Goblin's beastly assault, it was time for a ravishing trip in a place where time doesn't exist. Our guides to this ride would be Causa Sui, being for me a strong motive to attend Freak Valley.
A band that currently play in major league and they're still a kind of well kept secret in terms of recognition. Having an excellent sound, they soaked us in their jamming, psychedelic universe sometimes moving to heavy paths and others to more kraut, free-form and abstract. We had also the chance to listen a few songs from their upcoming album "Europie Tide" (it will be released in early August) which left us with the best impressions and even bigger anticipation. I love all their works but when you listen them live, you're just dealing with magic!
A band that currently play in major league and they're still a kind of well kept secret in terms of recognition. Having an excellent sound, they soaked us in their jamming, psychedelic universe sometimes moving to heavy paths and others to more kraut, free-form and abstract. We had also the chance to listen a few songs from their upcoming album "Europie Tide" (it will be released in early August) which left us with the best impressions and even bigger anticipation. I love all their works but when you listen them live, you're just dealing with magic!
Videos by CosmicShrine
Epilogue:
Freak Valley Festival 2013 was a blast! A big, fat thanks to Rock Freaks for organizing it, the crew that worked to make it happen, the bands for their amazing performances - all of us like some bands more and others less but that doesn't change the fact that all 24 bands gave hell of a shows satisfying everyone - and of course all sound engineers/technicians who gave us this excellent sound.
Epilogue:
Freak Valley Festival 2013 was a blast! A big, fat thanks to Rock Freaks for organizing it, the crew that worked to make it happen, the bands for their amazing performances - all of us like some bands more and others less but that doesn't change the fact that all 24 bands gave hell of a shows satisfying everyone - and of course all sound engineers/technicians who gave us this excellent sound.
If only the weather would be better... So as a suggestion for next year, please put aside the cocktails and have some Glühwein instead!
by Thanos
'Til next year...
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