Reviews

Excellent festival and amazing line-up. 013 and MIDI are a great combo for organizing a festival like this.

The absolutely best show was performed by Swans! Michael Gira was in flames while on the stage. And all that crushing bass and hammering percussions. Sssshhhwwwwooooooshhhhh!!!!!!

Pentagram was great! For so long I've been graving for a chance to see them. 20 Buck Spin, When the Screams Come, Sign of the Wolf, All You Sins, Relentless, ... !!!!

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/music/roadburn/2011/day1/88.jpg

I have to give big hand for Circle and Pharaoh Overlord! Unfortunately I saw them only on Friday and Saturday, but both of the sets were pure joy & happiness.

And while talking about joy & happiness, you have to mention VOIVOD on Friday!!!! Pure perfection with their 80's attack! And while talking about Blacky's bass sound... well, you're out of words. Daniel Mongrain did great on guitar.

What else? Winter was even better than I expected. Acid King did really good. …

Thu 14 Apr – Roadburn Festival 2011

Thursday

Thing is, there was something for everyone…and too much for anyone.

I started on a high with Year Of No Light. Some regrets about missing The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble, but you pays your money and makes your choices, and YONL were transcendent.

Also regret missing Zoroaster, but no chance of getting into the Bat Cave and it was a toss up anyway with Acid King. Tails I lost.

Plan was Naam next, but backache rooted me to the Main Stage and a nice surprise in the shape of Wovenhand. Came across as less preachy live, though his message was still loud & clear.

First sighting of Circle was a blast. Been wanting to see them for a long time and they played a lot of familiar stuff. Great set, one of my highlights.

Then along came Wardruna and took it still higher. A magical, powerful, evocative - and rare - set, just topping the other first day highlights for me.

Carlton Melton would've finished things off nicely, but again, impossible to get into the Bat Cave.
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