[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] As tradition dictates, the festival kicked off with student bands, this year Leem had the honor of opening the festival. Together with Silver Wave they had 30 minutes to show that the next generation of bands is in the starting blocks and that there is no shortage of new blood. Led by a singer, equipped with a really great voice, they were able to inspire the few spectators who had already gathered.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Silver Wave then came onto the stage almost directly without any major changes, they even kept one guitarist. A vocal duo was presented here, consisting of two young women, one of whom also played the bass. Above all, she impressed with her voice, which was really special. Like Leem before them, they also played a few cover songs in a way that gives hope to see them on stage more often.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] After ten minutes of conversion phase, we continued straight away. Now Missprint came on stage, who were still part of the school bands at the last edition, in 2019. I thought they were pretty good back then, but you could tell they were inexperienced and it was one of their first gigs. What can I say, they no longer play covers, they have their own material and you can tell that, despite Corona, they have gained a lot of experience. If you compare both performances, it was a day and night difference in a positive way. Clara likes to jump across the stage like a bouncy ball, which doesn’t make it easy for us photographers to capture her, and she interacts much more with the audience. Randy now happily lets his hair fly, which at the time also failed because of the length. There were also two line-up changes on bass and keyboards, with Nülle being keyboardist and guitarist in one. In any case, a very good performance, which was good advertising to visit the band at a concert.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Fourth came Mind the Gaep. I had no idea what to expect, so I couldn’t have been negatively surprised. On the contrary, I was actually pleasantly surprised. With a stage hog as a singer, great and honest Rock’n’Roll was presented here. With endless fun and a singer who really enjoys being on stage and showing it to everyone. But not only him, also the guitarist and the bassist show how much fun they have on stage and give everything. Here you get something for your money. As if their five-year hiatus from 2015 to 2020 never existed.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Local bands tend to be seen more than once in the local festival season, as is the case here with Thursday in March. Only seen a few weeks earlier at the Traffic Jam, they were unknown to me until earlier this year. But in hindsight I see it as a mistake. I liked them a lot at the Traffic Jam, but I got a better impression here, even if they unfortunately had to play with one guitarist less. But that didn’t detract from the performance. In addition to singer Nessa, the other band members also jump across the stage very exuberantly, full of energy and intoxicatingly. If you like action on stage, paired with good rock, but also slower, more melancholic songs, you’re not wrong here.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Farewell Spit are also a band which isn’t new to me, as I saw them at the Open Doors Festival last year and thought they were really good there. It was particularly noteworthy that their drummer was unable to play that day and therefore Valentin from Apart from Us stepped in and mastered it cleanly. As usual, the performance itself was very good, it was fun, even though singer Alica didn’t have as much space on the stage as at the Open Doors Festival, she again knew how to make full use of this space and the audience with their facial expressions in the spell and pull on the lyrics. A pleasure to watch it all.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] After things had been relatively quiet up until now, Protagonoize was the first hardcore band of the evening. And what can I say, they were true to hardcore. Hard riffs, hard direct music and an unrivaled hustle and bustle on stage. The only one who stayed reasonably in place was the drummer. But that’s relatively normal. They were definitely able to convince me, even though it was their first concert ever. But then you realize that it’s not the first band of the musicians. Action on and in front of the stage, they could sweep the audience away.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] With Frau Ruth it became a little quieter again, but still more rocking. For me, they also have something in common with Thursday in March, because I was also able to see Frau Ruth live at the Traffic Jam, but back in 2019. Back then, like here at the RAK, they knew how to convince with very solid rock and their performance. There was a lot of dancing and there was also a “jump up with us” moment.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Back to business. Strengthened by the fresh beer pong tournament victory of drummer Sven and bassist Flo, the stage was cleared by Watch me Rise. Sven has such energy that the cymbal stands regularly fell over and a roadie had to go on stage to restore the original state. Singer Josh could hardly keep still for a second, jumped onto the speakers next to the stage, jumped off the stage into the audience or climbed up the superstructure. But since Watch me Rise don’t do normal hardcore, but emo hardcore, there were of course also emotional moments, which culminated in the last song when Sven sang a duet with Josh. Sven also carried one of the band’s main messages on his t-shirt: “It’s ok not to be ok”. A very important statement.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Rising Anger was billed as passionate with a heartfelt nature. The description was quite appropriate, it was a similarly intense show as that of Protagonoize, this time including holding the microphone to the audience and “let them spit into the microphone for me”. Which was also gratefully accepted by four people from the spectators. A performance in which the chemistry between the musicians was perfect and which just calls for a visit of a full concert.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] It was slowly getting dark and the acts were getting bigger. Next up was Emmerich, the evening’s co-headliner. Moritz Hammrich, actually singer and guitarist of the band Blackout Problems, started his side project here. Coupled with a lot of desire and joy to perform, this performance was also one of those where at least one of the musicians on stage just couldn’t keep still and was practically in constant motion. Except for the moments when Moritz stood alone, just playing his guitar and a few very thoughtful songs. I hadn’t really had him on the screen before, but that was a performance that on the one hand fits in very well with the festival, on the other hand it really made you think. Was fun and I’ll keep an eye on him.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Then came the second co-headliner, the punks from Rogers, who were in the middle of their 10-year Rogers tour. I knew them already, had chatted with Chri a bit earlier in the day as he sat comfortably next to the sound engineers to watch the student bands. Around a quarter to ten it started, big lights gave an idea that it would be a big light spectacle. And so, what the photographer is sorry for with a lot of backlighting, is the fan’s joy. Looks awesome, hard to photograph. I thought to myself, “Challenge accepted” and off we went with the theme song of the last tour, Mittelfinger für Immer. Full of energy, immediately continuing with a song which suits perfectly to the first, Einen Scheiss muss ich. It just kept going, with lots of enthusiasm and making the crowd pogo and dance. I found it quite funny that Chri somehow didn’t quite get it with the names of Egelsbach or the festival, he also said Egelsberg or Rock im Keller, Rock ausm Keller or similar slips of the tongue. It didn’t spoil the mood tho. Chris‘ guitar then also wanted to contribute to the amusement of the audience. Chri was just telling something and suddenly the guitar strap and the guitar came loose and fell with a loud “knock” on to the stage. This was commented on with “I guess the guitar didn’t feel like it anymore. Do you still feel like it?”, which of course was answered in the affirmative with loud cheers. At 11 p.m. it was over after an encore of three songs.

Setlist:

1. Mittelfinger für Immer
2. Einen Scheiss muss ich
3. Zu Spät
4. Mensch
5. Alles für nichts
6. Ganz nach oben
7. GMNMADE
8. Kreuzberger Nächte
9. Wo immer du gerade bist
10. Nachbarn
11. Vergiss nie
12. Wohin
13. Intro + Nie euer Land (Zugabe)
14. Allein (Zugabe)
15. Einen letzten Band (Zugabe)

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] But that wasn’t the end of the Raus ausm Keller, there was Raum 27 as an after show band. The whole thing was actually planned as an acoustic set, but things turned out differently than expected and they performed with a full band. It would have been interesting, but even so it was pretty cool. Hybrid pop was a good term, despite the late hour they managed to mobilize the audience and celebrate the festival with them. At the same time, it was also a celebration for Tristan, since it was his birthday the next day. At midnight their friends Rogers took the stage with alcohol in their luggage to celebrate the birthday, which was a worthy conclusion to the festival and everyone could go home with a good feeling. I’m already looking forward to next year to come back to the RAK.

The post Raus ausm Keller 2022 – 03.09.2022 appeared first on Catching Movement.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] This year’s highlight of the evening was a woman who should not be unknown to anyone who has heard a little bit about techno and especially the Love Parade. And it was none other than Germany’s Techno Queen, Marusha. At least most of them should have heard their biggest hit to date, Somewhere over the Rainbow. Unfortunately, I never made it to the Love Parade in Berlin myself, so I was all the happier that a piece of the same history will come to Pfungstadt, where I live, to DJ there. I also think that the visitor record is to be owed to her. You could also tell that she was having a lot of fun. She stayed true to vinyl and continues to DJ with it. She  had a bigger bag with her records on stage. When it got darker, not only did the lights from the stage and the otherwise very unusual and beautiful lighting from the grounds come better into view, but the two stilt walkers also came out very well, as they were illuminated with smaller LEDs and very artfully dressed. They went through the spectators and the dancing people, only to dance a bit in front of the stage themselves, as far as the stilts allowed. Where DJ Dag played for 90 minutes, Marusha was allowed to stand at the mixtables for two hours and chase her music through the speakers.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Tom Wax, another “local” DJ, was allowed to end the evening, as he was born very close to Pfungstadt and, like DJ Dag, was resident DJ at the Dorian Gray, both at the same time. He also DJed at the Love Parade, the Mayday and other big well-known techno festivals, but that didn’t stop him from going back to his roots and honoring the Phungo Festival. While he was DJing, Marusha stayed a bit in the background of the stage and danced to his music. He was then allowed to make people dance until 11 p.m., whether in front of the stage or in the queues in front of the drinks stands. That way did end an all-round successful day for the Phungo Festival, which will be difficult to top next year, but hopefully will come close.

The post Hier kommt der Bass – 20.8.2022 – Phungo Festival appeared first on Catching Movement.

Setlist:

1. Still Cold and Lost
2. Age of Paranoia
3. Beyond the Fears
4. Deeper into Time
5. Behind Your Mask
6. The Weakest Spot

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Then Postmodern Fantasy came on stage with their symphonic pop metal. I myself discovered them by accident not too long ago and was really looking forward to see them perform. In line with the latest video, everyone except singer Franzi came on stage with their rabbit masks to play the said song. Immediately after the song they were put aside so that they could finally see something, since the view under the mask was very limited. What followed was a cool show with lots of interaction between the musicians and between the musicians and the audience. A performance which, musically and in terms of the degree of heaviness, was a very nice transition to the next band and makes you want to go to a Postmodern Fantasy concert again. Which, due to the region of origin in the Rhine-Main area, will definitely be within the realms of my possibility.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Next up was Groove Metal from Frankfurt, with Mein Kopf ist ein Bruter Ort. Brutal music, yes, but very nice musicians on stage, unfortunately with one of the last performances by shouter Patrick Schuch. I was allowed to see them in 2018, back then at the Steinbruch Theater, and remembered them very positively. I wasn’t disappointed this time either, great show, always very well-timed shouter changes and sweeping guitars with the necessary heaviness and the right groove to rock and bang along. There was even a guest appearance by Christian Schmidt‘s brother, a rapper, who did a cool song with the band. It will be interesting to see what Patrick‘s successor will be like, but also here a band that makes you want more and is underestimated in my opinion.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Then it kind of went back to the beginning, now that it was ALL WILL KNOW‘s turn – with their normal set. As usual solid, humorous, full of energy and exciting. In addition, surprising for the band, there was a parallel performance by two fire artists, which gave the whole thing an extra kick. They can do that more often. As always, it was great fun. The performance also fitted perfectly into the increasing degree of heaviness that one was able to experience that evening, starting with their acoustic set.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Although the degree of heaviness of the music went down again, the cult status blew up with the appearance of the Godfather of German Metal, namely Rage. And what a show they put on… A lot of fun, joy, energy and Peter Wagner showed that he is far from finished with the subject of live shows, which will please everyone who can relate to Rage. Of course, the most well-known song in Germany could not be missing from the set list, Straight to Hell. It was received with appropriate enthusiasm. Of course, there were also the usual “Repeat after me” games with the audience, which all worked out wonderfully. After 75 minutes and an encore of two songs, the end of a great festival day was unfortunately already reached at quarter past 11. After that you could have a chat with the musicians which did put away their stuff, which showed that despite the level of popularity, there is no distance to the fans.

Setlist:

1. Resurrection day (+Intro)
2. Let them rest in peace
3. Shadow out of time
4. End of all days
5. My way
6. Back in time
7. Black in mind
8. Virginity
9. Straight to hell
10. From the cradle to the grave
11. A new land
12. Don’t fear the winter
13. Higher than the sky

The post Phungo meets Metal up your Life 2022 – 12.08.2022 appeared first on Catching Movement.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Second came Pentastone who always wanted to play at the Metal Up Your Life. After the Phungo meets Metal Up Your Life 2021 already worked out in the summer and more or less counted as half, tonight was time for them to finally hit the usual Metal Up Your Life stage. You could tell that they were having fun and enjoying themselves, which resulted in a terrific performance.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] As usual, the band behind the Metal Up Your Life played next to last, the band ALL WILL KNOW. I don’t have to waste a lot of words about the performance, it had its usual high quality. The encore was fun though, much to the annoyance of singer Steve, because they played Last Christmas, where Steve kept saying “I hate you”.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Headliner was the modern melodic death metal band Dieversity from Würzburg, for whom it was the first gig with the new singer Robin. A fact that neither the band, nor Robin, nor the performance showed.

The post Metal Up Your Christmas 4 – 11.12.2021 – Oetinger Villa Darmstadt appeared first on Catching Movement.

At first played the duo He.artwork which are Sami (Singer) and Jascha (Guitar). They make acoustic music with a lot of heart and an incredible voice. Very entertaining and it is always worth to listen to them.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Next in line was the band Third Wave from Frankfurt, which plays Modern Metal, with some Metalcore influences. This time without their lead singer, because he was ill, but they still rocked.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Third band of the evening was ALL WILL KNOW, the band of the organizer Jan Jansohn. Playing fine melodic death metal with two singers and one shouter, they had their usual very strong outing to blow everybody away.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Words of Farewell was the headliner of the night. Coming from the German Ruhr District, they brought progressive melodic death metal to the evening. It was not their first appearance at the Metal Up Your Life, and just like last time, they delivered.

The post Metal Up Your Life 10 – 24.10.2020 – Oetinger Villa Darmstadt appeared first on Catching Movement.

As opener was the young band Coma 12 from the regions around Frankfurt/Main. Established as cover band in Hesse, with music coming from rock, pop and punk, they where able to play at different festivals, markets and celebrations in the Rhein-Main region. Because of missing possibilities to play due to the Corona pandemic, the startet at the beginning of 2020, to write their own music and recently recorded their first album. CoMa12 make progressive rock with catchy melodies. The performance was solid and helped to wake up everybody and give desire to see the rest.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] As second on the stage came Farewell Spit, an alternative rock / pop punk band from Koblenz, which was formed in 2018. They say the following about themselves: Farewell Spit combines the musical influences of all members with the aim of answering the question “how music can process all this – what we experience & enjoy but also love & find frightening”. I can add to this, that it was real fun to see them on stage, with solid, cheerful music and a rubber ball as singer, who jumped and moved around the stage and thus really brought the joy of music to life. I would advise everyone to go to a concert, which I will certainly do when the occasion arises.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Spy#Row was the third band on stage. They make heavy rock, with lot’s of rock’n’roll elements in it. They are not unknown, as they where already the opener for UFA, NAZARETH and W.A.S.P. What is also very special with them, is the fact, that they know each other almost from birth and that they play music together for around 15 years, with the youngest member in his early 20is. You can really feel the synergy on stage. The music is also fun and rocks, and going to one of their concerts is really worth it.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Headliner was, as already stated, Enemy Inside. A Symphonic Metal Band from Aschaffenburg, which I already covered on their Release Show. The show was, as always, with lots of effects, fun and cool situations and very professional, but at the same time with a lot of emotion and passion. Always worth it!

The post Open Doors Festival (Newcomer Edition) – 16.9.2021 – Neu Isenburg appeared first on Catching Movement.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Second band of the evening was Parallel, formed by two musicians from Stuttgart. The special thing with Parallel is, that on one hand Francescos Carusos performs magic with his voice, while on the other hand Koray Cinar makes the rest, with the help of his Looper. A brilliant combination, which makes a lot of fun to hear and watch. Add a lot of humour to that and you get a perfect evening.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] The cover band Sam’s Living Room finished the night. They are from Bensheim, a city close by. They present you with different hits from well known artists, but always interpreted in an own way. Even going so far, that you almost do not recognize the song itself. A very entertaining end of the evening.

The post Romie, Parallel, Sam’s Living Room – Phungo 2021 – 14.08.2021 appeared first on Catching Movement.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] After a short intermission Oversense entered the stage. I did not yet hear a single song nor saw them live, until now. I only knew them from the collaboration between their singer Danny with the band Snow White Blood on their album Hope Springs Eternal. But during the concert I realized, that this was an error. Great band with a great show. For them it also was the first concert since the start of the pandemic and they had a lot of fun. All the energy which was held back during that time was released this evening and that transfered to the audience. Very cool show.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Third band of the evening was the local band ALL WILL KNOW, which is also the band of the organizer of the evening, Jan Jansohn. I made an interview with them some days before the concert, so I was really looking forward to be able see them again performing on stage. The expectations where fulfilled. Lots of energie, fun to play and intoxicating music was played. Of course they played an encore of some songs. It was clear, that the audience missed real good live performances and was famished for it. All three bands till this point passionately gave them what they wanted and needed. 

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Last but not least was The Tex Avery Syndrome playing their set. They are a Modern Metal Band from Frankfurt, with core influences. The band presented a very impressive light show, which was really cool from the perspective of a concertgoer, but not so good from the perspective of a photographer. Combined with that was very heavy music which induced to dance.  Even tho the fans where not allowed to do this before the stage, due to anti-corona measures, but only before their deck chair. But they had a lot of fun doing so and the correct vibe did arise. As the band had to stop playing at 23:30 and not a minute later due to restrictions by the city, they did not play the normal “We go off the stage, wait for the audience to shout encore, come back and play” game, but simply stayed on stage and directly played the encore. That way they kept to the end time.

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] In summary it simply was a fantastic evening, which made a lot of fun and showed that a good metal concert can be made, even if anti-corona measures. Also the combination of the different bands was very good, with a good mixture of different metal styles.

The post Phungo meets Metal up your Life 2021 – 13.08.2021 appeared first on Catching Movement.

Some photos from the acoustic stage:

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Some photos from the main stage:

[See image gallery at catchingmovement.de] Some photos of the audience or the feeling in general:

The post Metal up your Life 2 – 01.10.2016 – Oetinger Villa Darmstadt appeared first on Catching Movement.