The five most memorable concert reports of 2024

It is impossible to mention the best concerts, because how do you compare them? The concerts I attend are very diverse. Sometimes acoustic, another time a “big load of noise”. From blues rock, to hard rock, prog/symphonic rock, with or without a touch of metal. I also went to very different concerts in 2024. Therefore, … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Achelas – Echoes Of Virtue (hidden/forgotten gem)

Singer/multi instrumentalist Achraf El Asraoui (ex Nine Skies) is the man behind Achelas. The fifth album, ‘Echoes Of Virtue’, tells the story of a disillusioned individual navigating a dystopian world.The crashing of a helicopter in ‘Dialogue 33’ symbolises the crumbling morality in society. ‘Veils Of Unseen Realities’ has a lovely mix of metal and calmer … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Raze – Pyrography Reignited: Live At Sanctuary Studios

English alternative metal band Raze combines grooves from modern metal with 1990s raw grunge, among other things. Their debut album ‘Pyrography’ (2023) was appreciated by fans as well as critics. Their tour was followed by a one-of-a-kind acoustic show featuring reworked versions of ‘Pyrography’. A string section and an orchestral percussionist joined the band on … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Crippled Black Phoenix – The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

The (gothic) rock band Crippled Black Phoenix celebrates their 20th anniversary with ‘The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature’. CD 1 features songs the band previously released.The quirky ‘Forgotten Who We Are’ is the first track. The atmosphere in ‘You Put The Devil In Me’ is totally different. There is that variation both … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Checking For Echo Project – The Scattering of Leaves

The scattering of leaves is often seen as negative. But actually this is a beginning of a new bloom. Change leads to growth. ‘The Scattering of Leaves’ is a way of thanking those closest to us who shine like stars in the dark, supporting and guiding us.The instrumental opening track is melancholic. The vocal ‘The … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Classic Hits In Concert was buzzing with energy at De Bosuil

Many music lovers voted for their favourites to compile the Top 2000. Especially in December, there are several bands playing these classics. Classic Hits In Concert is one of these bands. And not just any one, this is a big band, complete with horn section. The stage was packed, including adrum kit, percussion instruments, keyboards … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Ruby Dawn – Blood on Water

English prog.rock band Ruby Down recently launched their second album, ‘Blood on Water’. The lyrics, for instance, deal with corruption, love, war, and humanity’s position in the universe. But there are also references to classic literature. Their sources of inspiration include Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree and Massive Attack, so their style is varied. You can … Read more, available in English and Dutch

The BluesBones – Live on tour

The album ‘Live On Tour’ was recorded during several concerts (in the spring and summer of 2024). No overdubs have been added, and nothing has been corrected. Most of the songs come from the latest, highly acclaimed album ‘Unchained’. In addition, there are some “old” crowd favourites such as the cover ‘She’s Got The Devil … Read more, available in English and Dutch

My Arrival – Lost 3mbers

My Arrival is a Dutch band influenced by Artpop and Post-Rock. Where their previous album ‘Satur9 & Indigo’ (2020) ended, ‘Lost 3mbers’ continues. The main character now lives on the planet Kepler 186F, where he researches its liveability. At the same time, he wants to save Earth, but he realises this cannot be done just … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Frant1c – A Brand New World

Anne-Claire Rallo founded the project Frant1c after the loss of her partner Eric Bouillette (Nine Skies and The Room, among others). The core line-up consists mainly of members of these bands. This debut album is about Charlie and Hope; they are inseparable. Charlie wakes up alone in a different, devastated world. During his search for … Read more, available in English and Dutch