19.05.2025 Warkings

Graspop Metal Meeting

Dessel (Belgium)

(Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II)

I had only known the band Warkings from a few music videos so far, but on this day I finally got to experience them live. The musicians from Austria, who always perform anonymously under masks representing different Warkings from various eras, brought along some enjoyable power metal.
Their songs also revolve around the battles of their respective protagonists. For example, “Spartacus” from the 2021 album "Revolution", which can be attributed to drummer “Spartan” Steffen Theurer, or “Gladiator” from the 2018 album "Reborn", which clearly corresponds to singer “Tribune,” aka Georg Neuhauser. The quartet is completed by “Viking” Chris Rodens on bass and “Crusader” Markus Pohl on guitar.
In addition, someone dressed in medieval blacksmith attire kept running around the stage, accompanying the songs with fitting actions — waving a flag, lighting fire, firing a bubble gun, or initiating a circle pit. For several songs, the fifth band member Morgana Le Fay joined in, contributing her growls and clean vocals. A special highlight came for a young boy who was invited on stage by the Tribune as the “future of metal.”
In terms of atmosphere, it was a good performance, though nothing extraordinary. Anyone familiar with Sabaton, Wind Rose, or other bands of that style would feel right at home. The only thing that got a bit annoying after a while was Neuhauser’s constant “Grassus Poppus.” But never mind — I still enjoyed it and had a great time.

Setlist:

• The Last Battle
• Spartacus
• Armageddon
• Hephaistos
• Ghengis Khan
• Fight
• We Are The Fire
• Sparta
• Gladiator

Weblinks:

	Warkings Homepage of the Austrian band Warkings.
	Graspop Metal Meeting Homepage of the Graspop Metal Meeting Festival at Dessel (Belgium).

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