02.08.2012 Kellermensch

Wacken Open Air XXIII

Wacken (Germany)

(Pentax K-5 with Sigma AF 70-200mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

What entered the stage that early in the afternoon was a somehow unusual septet. The Danish band Kellermensch was on the one hand an ordinary rock band line-up which was added by a contrabass, violin and organ. With their progressive rock the very charismatic singer Christian Sindermann and his co-singer Sebastian Wolff were able within minutes to cast a spell over the people in front of the stage.
It were not the loud and driving songs you normally are used at Wacken but more the gloomy and slow elements known from doom metal paired with the nochalance of rock. The singer were split up in that way that Christian Sindermann threw his parts screaming into the audience (if needed also supported by a megaphone) and contrasting to that Sebastian Wolff conveying the melancholic and solemn parts leading sometimes to goose bumps. Very suitable again and again the moaning of the violin or the depression supporting contrabass sound was added.
What was presented to the people in the tent was from my point of view the by far best gig of the whole Wacken Open Air 2012. Partially it was really pious at the audience and just this very special atmosphere on and in front of the stage made up the outstanding allure of this gig. Somehow a real pity was that they, like all bands playing at the Bullhead tent, only had very limited time for their show. That could have been longer (whereas you have to think about that they were newcomer that released their debut album only one year ago). Overall hats off to this combo of which you will hear more fascinating and great stuff during the ucoming years for sure!