Mirthrandir is a band from New Jersey that put out one record in 1975. I did not know what to expect, and thought I might see a quirky band like Yezda Urfa. After the first two songs I was a bit confused, the music seemed to be a bit scattered. But after a positively angry Giant-like guitar and keyboard riff I was hooked. Every selection they played after that was excellent and I was very pleased. I gained a clear understanding of the challenges faced by bands doing their own thing back in the 70's and how disco and the other musical changes really derailed some great careers. the singer, John Vislocky III, was a good storyteller and his voice complemented the music well. They reformed only this year to play a few shows and this festival, abd recruited two new guitarists (including Alan Benjamin fro Advent...dying to hear that CD I bought). Good show.
I loved Hamadryad, but I don't think some others did. Their music is like Tiles was last year..heavy in spots and complicated. Sebatian Cloutier on keyboard was terrific! And the guitar work of Denis Jalbert was stunning. A version of Firth of Fifth (the official cover tune of Rosfest
) was superior. I hear some "he played the guitar lead too slow" etc, but come on! I like bands to put their own stamp on it, and anyway, they hit all the notes. Awesome. their closer, "Action", is a great song. Vocals reminded me of Voivod, a bit tinny, but overall, nice.
Karmakanic was awsome. Jonas Reingold is a monster, and his return with Krister Jonsson (he said they were brothers in law) was trimumphant. They were with the Tangent last year. I was pleasantly surprised by the vocals of Goran Edman (the birthday boy). I'm not a fan of his voice on record but he delivered, albeit with a limited vocal range. He also seems to sing through his jaw and not his throat. but some emotional numbers, especially a new one that was about 15 minutes. Some fun sprinkled in too, with "Alex in Paradise" and "Do You Tango" thrown in. Great stuff. Zoltan Czorsz's drumming was excellent, also.
I had some fun with jonas and his hat he wears EVERYWHERE. Everytime I saw him I'd say "I saw someone with that same hat"! It's an odd heavy white thing that you can see him wearing on the latest Flower Kings' record.
An aside...I noticed the hotel person frustrated woth Goran at checkout, she kept saying "I don't know what you're trying to tell me" in a nasty voice. Lady, he's not from here, be a bit more genteel, ok?
Satellite was a train wreck. They started out superb, with both Wojtek and Sarhan on drums, sort of like Chester and Phil with Los Endos. Sheer power. Then Sarhan went to his guitar and it was downhill from there. He's a fine player, but it was twice as loud as the rest of the band, making the music almost unlistenable. Combine this with the fact that Robert Aririan's vocals are very soft, and it was a mess. He has a smooth sweet voice but no wind at all. Pat of what appeals to me about Satellite is the keys and the vocals...neither I could hear. the only song that sounded decent was the last five minutes of "Evening Wind", when the guitar did not play. I thought the song selection was great, but the sound poor. After finding out this was only their third show together, I understood. A studio creation perhaps...they meant well, with time they'll get better I'm sure. I'm curious about the DVD.... I would have given them more of a pass if they were not scheduled as a headliner.
One more aside...those of you who were making fun of Robert when he was describing his reaction to seeing the 9-11 site...well, I'll see you in hell. Some people don't realize that Europeans have different emotions and aren't afraid to get a bit choked up.
I missed the hotel party, where bands get together and jam. I heard "Highway Star" covered by Pallas was awesome, and some roadies from one of tha bands did some metal songs. I did see the Hamadryad keyboardist play the grand piano for about 10 minutes. Amazing!