Poisonblack - Battle Beast - Damaged Justice

The fifth album of Finnish rockers POISONBLACK finally kicks ass again. More drive, more power. But the crux of the matter is that they still don’t manage to create an own unique and distinct sound. Though, I’m sure that the new songs develop a high level of energy when played live. So I at least I wrote in my review. Now, my wise prediction needed to be verified ;)

:: pics ::

Ok, means to take the ride down to Bochum’s Matrix on a Monday evening. The weekend was formidable but destructive, so why not start the new week the same way? *laughs* Well, with less alcohol but more gremlins. However, outside on time, inside on time and... *marvels*... the show takes place in the small room called Bizarre one level up from the tube. That is bizarre ;) Ticket sale must have been really poor. Never saw a band playing live at this room, did not even know that it’s possible. It is. Proven. Then let’s get off the grid...

It was up to :: DAMAGED JUSTICE :: to open the evening. DAMAGED JUSTICE? Bells ring? ;) Metallica must have inspired these guys a lot. For the name, unfortunately not musically. There is nothing bad to say about the band’s brand of Power Metal. And the cats played with much dedication and delight. It’s just still half-baked, sort of. No own identity, now recognition value and singing at times did not match either. Ok, sound was bad and gave it the rest. Sorry, only applause as an act of courtesy.
Setlist: Shadows, Barricades, Bloodlust, Hold Me Tight, United Church Of Rock'n'Roll

And it was not supposed to turn out any better. To be honest, I was totally put off by the next band. I mean, when a band is called :: BATTLE BEAST :: GEEEEZ, please, that scares to death, doesn’t it? Huuuuh, great prejudice I show, right? Unbraked against the wall I’d say. Got grounded again. A lesson well-learnt ;)
Anyway, these Finnish Helsinki-based youngsters came into existence in 2008, won the Wacken newcomer contest in 2010 and just secured a deal with Nuclear Blast, while they tour in support of their debut entitled Steel. As you might have realized, names and titles (as well as the lyrics) are kind of… infantile and just drip of pure metal clichés.
But the fact is, BATTLE BEAST dedicated themselves to the classic metal from the 80s and their weapon is frontwoman Nitte Valo, who immediately evoke associations to Zed Yago and Chastain. Especially Zed Yago (@ Jörg: you’ve been right, it’s Jutta ;)). Nitte’s voice is pure awesomeness. These cats played with so much heart, soul and passion, it touched me. Yes, BATTLE BEAST should be sent back to their rehearsal room to polish up everything, urgently, and be locked at least till the tour with Nightwish kicks off in April 2012. And they should change their name. Really. But… there is a huge amount of potential to sense out within the band. Get it out!
Setlist: Justice & Metal, The Band Of The Hawk, Cyberspace, Steel, Armageddon Clan, Iron Hand, Victory, Enter The Metalworld, Show Me How To Die

Ok, last change-over. Took a little bit longer what gave us more time to fool around. Me...? Ok. Time has come while the room filled up till the back wall. Well, that was no real feat at all ;) :: POISONBLACK :: enter the stage and kick off punching with Piston Head from the new record Drive. Yeah, that’s pure rock’n’roll baby! POISONBLACK go through the last four albums, trusting more on the older stuff than on the new songs. Especially when it came to the tearjerkers I would have loved to hear From Now-Here To Nowhere or Futile Man. Too bad. Well. The sexy pies (Ville said) seemingly had already pre-partied and had not a too firm grasp of strings and things anymore. Made us laughing; our pleasure *lol* Who cares? Fans loved and adored them. Almost frenetically. That was balm for the musician’s soul. Aaaah… Ville and his Mega-Dave-styled voice. For the good mind you. What more to say? Give him more Whisky, his voice still needs a filthier touch *laughs*. Just kidding. Let them play! Less Goth, less mainstream and much more ov Rock’n’Roll. This evening was ace!
Setlist: Piston Head, Casket Case, A Good Day For The Crows, Sycophant, The Living Dead, Left Behind, Love Infernal, Buried Alive, Raivotar, Scars, Nothing Else Remains, Maggot Song, Invisible, Soul In Flames, Bear The Cross/Spinal Tap / Rush, Mercury Falling