Heaven Shall Burn close the gates of Summer Breeze – report of the fourth day of the festival

Summer festivals are amazing events, especially if they have such a varied lineup like Summer Breeze did this year, so it was with a heavy heart that we had to wrap things up and leave. But luckily, there was still one more day of music, passion and celebrations to attend. My day started with one of the most legendary thrash metal bands…

Sodom

After seeing and falling in love with Kreator, I was extremely curious to see and fall in love with Sodom too. I was expecting a high-octane performance, with lots of engagement, speed and effects. Unfortunately, I had to adjust my expectations: while the group was solid and delivered a skilful set, they were very static and that draws a bit from the experience. Their show included notorious hits like “Ausgebombt” and “Outbreak of Evil”, while still including some rare gems like “S.O.D.O.M.“, only played a handful of times in their extensive career.

Photo: Silvio Colombo.

Heaven Shall Burn

Then, at 21:15, it was time for the performance of a lifetime by the spectacular Heaven Shall Burn. These German legends keep on getting better show after show, and it is no coincidence that the crowd that gathered at the main stage was as big as Amon Amarth‘s. In terms of violence, power and effects they have no rivals. While in the first two songs the crowd surfers were not many, then all hell was unleashed and hordes of people were flying like never before. It was refreshing to see that they have also made changes in the setlist, even though still playing all of their popular tracks and the usual two covers that are part of the HSB trademark. The whole band was in perfect shape, giving it all on stage and inciting the crowd to form mosh pits and circle pits all the time. This is a band that needs to be experienced at least once in everyone’s lifetime to be able to comprehend how massive their shows are. And I might add that they do not create a wonderful concert, but an immersive experience too. Everyone is part of this as much as they are on stage. The sound quality was impeccable, which is something that has been a constant for the whole festival, so kudos to both the band and the festival’s production team. Every crushing guitar riff and every drum hit was delivered with clarity and power, ensuring that the full force of HSB’s music was felt by all. There is nothing more to say, except that this is another one of their shows that will go down in history!

Photo: Silvio Colombo.

Myrkur

There are some artists that I’ve been wanting to see for so long and never had the chance, and Myrkur was definitely one of them, so props to the Summer Breeze team that managed to invite her there! I am still unsure whether she is a human being, an angel or a witch. Or maybe she’s all three together. What a mesmerizing, atmospheric, immersive and creative performance she delivered. The whole audience was under her spell, and we could not be freed unless it was her will. This talented artist has presented us quite a few tracks off of her latest release “Spine”, as well as some old classics like “Ulvinde” or “The Serpent“. Her band is also a proficient group, nailing every note with precision and passion. I am so happy I can finally say I have been charmed by this extraordinary thespian, that has brought her unique blend of music to my heart with her breathtaking show.

Photo: Silvio Colombo.

Korpiklaani

I love folk metal. I love Finland. I love folk metal from Finland. Which is why there was nothing that would have stopped me from returning to the main stage to enjoy Korpiklaani‘s performance. I thought it was a bit weird that they would perform after the headliners, but actually, now I think that it was the perfect decision. I had so much fun dancing and jumping to almost all of their tracks even if it was almost midnight and I was tired after a long day of working. From “Ievan Polka” to “Oraakkelit“, from “Vodka” to “Kalmisto“, new and old classics blend together for a perfect setlist that can be enjoyed even if you are not a fan of folk metal. Trust me, because it’s literally impossible to stand still while they are on stage. They have this particular devotion to the art and they look like they have lots of fun on stage, and the audience can feel it. And there is no better thing in the world than their show!

Photo: Silvio Colombo.

Insomnium

We closed Wacken Open Air with Insomnium‘s performance, so we thought it was only fair to end Summer Breeze with their show as well. We couldn’t make a better choice, because this is how you go out with a bang. The setlist was the same one they performed at Wacken, so unfortunately no surprise there, but still, we had one hour of glorious Finnish death metal. Who can say no to that? The lights at the beginning of their set were a bit unflattering, but they gradually got better with the following songs. With the last notes of “Heart Like A Grave”, we left the infield, after the last day that brought us so many amazing artists. So thank you, Summer Breeze. This was the adventure of a lifetime!

Photo: Silvio Colombo.