24.10.2010 Epica

Metal Female Voices Fest VIII

Oktoberhallen Wieze (Belgium)

(Pentax k-x with Tamron SP AF 17-50mm 2.8 XR Di II LD Asp IF and Sigma AF 50-150mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

The solemn closure of the eighth Metal Female Voices Fest edition was performed by the Dutch symphonic metal band Epica. They are the only band that took part on all Metal Female Voices fest editions and had considered for this year a special "The Phantom Agony" show. In it they played several pieces of their debut album and combined them with a great cross section across all other albums.
If you wanted to be heretical you could say that actually the show would not deserve its name as it was not much different to their other shows I already had seen that year (only some songs were replaced). Anyhow that did do nothing to it. The band was outstanding as ususal. Ahead Simone with a voice having no rival. Supported by Mark Jansen's growls they performed they usual great interaction on stage. Also the others were really in a good mood and so the one of the band and the one of the audience goaded each other.
A special interlude was made by keyboarder Coen Janssen who went on stage alone to give the others a short break and announced to have founded his own private festival. But except him nobody came and so he ceased it directly. It was the ususal short Coen Janssen show in front of "Sancta Terra" with changing content but everytime again pleasant and funny.
Optically there was offered a great show supported by steam cannons only on stage there could have some less fog (just like the whole weekend). With 90 minutes it was the longest show of that evening but nevertheless way to short. When as usual "Consign To Oblivion" as last song was intonated there was on the one hand the disappointment that the show and the festival now come to an end. At the same time slowly the exhaust was felt and a long way back home was in front of me. Overall again an overwhelming festival being without equal. Unfortunately not as many visitors as last year but still quite well-attended (especially on the evening of the second day). A major part of the bands for the next Metal Female Voices Fest IX is already fixed and of course I already have my ticket for the next year. Now this only means wait another year until I start again my trip to Wieze (Let's see if Epica will also be again with it.)!

Setlist:

Samadhi
Resign To Surrender
Sensorium
Run For A Fall
The Obsessive Devotion
Cry For The Moon
The Imperial March
Tides Of Time
Sancta Terra
The Phantom Agony

Encore:

Illusive Consensus
Seif Al Din
Façade Of Reality
Consign To Oblivion

Weblinks:

	Epica Website of the Dutch band Epica.
	Metal Female Voices Fest Homepage of the Metal Female Voices festival at Wieze (Belgium).
	Oktoberhallen Homepage of the Oktoberhallen at Wieze (Belgium).