Leaves' Eyes, 8/26/07 I-rock Nightclub

[freydis]

The I-Rock was a lot smaller than I expected, and the sound system wasn't very good; but for a club that small, it was alright.

The night began with two openers, two local bands called Forgotten Fate, and Elude Fearra. Forgotten Fate took the stage first, in full black and white face paint. The act rolled sharply downhill from there. The singer was incomprehensible, and used a voice effect that sounded much like a cross between a voice box and someone stepping on skexies. On the first few songs, none of the band members were keeping the same beat; the second song of the set sounded like each member was playing a different song at the same time. The singer also commited a cardinal sin of stage performance: Don't bring cool props on stage unless you're going to use them. Nothing is more boring than watching someone fondle a spiked club. Bottom line: these guys need more practice, and some pointers on stage presence.

Elude Fearra began to pick things up. I'll be the first to admit that this type of metal, with the screaming vocals, isn't really my thing but Elude Fearra definately worked it well. Very polished; they had their act together. The singer had great stage presence, and was very crowd reactive. The entire band had amazing energy, and kept peoples feet tapping and heads nodding. My only criticism: Lose the makeup, guys. You look much hotter without it. Also, put that cute keyboard chickie closer to the front! The levels were such that much of her work gets overpowered, and she's definately one you want people to see and hear better.

All things considered (such as the unfortunately glitchy sound system), this band did well.

And now, finally the highlight of the evening, Leaves' Eyes.

Wow.

As ever Liv Kristine is a beautiful, gracious, classy lady. Her vocals soar above the powerful music, combining strength and grace. She very smoothly continued through the show, despite some glitches and feedback moments from the borrowed gear (they'd lost much of their own, apparently, and had to work with borrowed gear from the venue). Her and her husband Alex Krull know how to whip even the small crowd we had into a frenzy of metal loving lunacy. Everyone screamed their vocal cords raw last night. Alex's enthusiam and superior performance made the night rather special, getting to see these wonderful musicians up close and personal was simply a rare treat. The power of their sound isn't quite understood until you've experienced it.

After the show, all of the band members came out to sign autographs and chat with the crowd. Matthias (guitarist) was taking handheld video of people's comments on the show, while the rest mingled, signed autographs, and chatted. Every one of them were gracious, approchable people. Getting to meet and talk to them was also a rare treat.

I'll definately be seeing them again the next time they're here. I just hope the venue affords them a bit more room for their stage show, and offers a bit better sound system.

The only pictures we got were blurry camera phone shots (forgot to bring a real camera), but I'll add them later.

[freydis]

Also..... the staff at the I-Rock were nice folks. Despite the no re-entry policy, they let my husband go out to the car to get our CD's so we had something to be signed.

[Scary Guy]

What no re-entry policy? (speaking as a staff member BTW).

As far as the sound goes, I'm sorry I wasn't there to take over. Everyone seems to like it better when I do it. Ted knows what he's doing though usually since he's been doing it since 1989.

Sorry I didn't make it out, I felt guilty about not hitting Ozzfest with my friend who got me a ticket (couldn't afford the gas to get out there) so I just stayed at home and slept, still depressed about it too.

[freydis]

What no re-entry policy? (speaking as a staff member BTW).

As far as the sound goes, I'm sorry I wasn't there to take over. Everyone seems to like it better when I do it. Ted knows what he's doing though usually since he's been doing it since 1989.

Sorry I didn't make it out, I felt guilty about not hitting Ozzfest with my friend who got me a ticket (couldn't afford the gas to get out there) so I just stayed at home and slept, still depressed about it too.

Um..... the one taped up by the door? Heh.... guess that means it's there for show?

Yeah.... had a lot of squealy, feedback-y moments. :( The levels for Liv's vocals were also waaaaay off throughout most of the show. The first couple of songs you could barely hear her. The staff were really cool, though, don't get me wrong. The sound was just less than stellar last night. So yeah, you shoulda been there!