Bass player Lurgo Fransson tries to represent some rock & roll attitude, and guitarist Magnus Hageras seems to attempt a solo with his teeth, but realises it’s less risky with his fingers. The background vocals can hardly be heard, as well as the keyboard, but that’s something the band probably can’t do anything about. The personal highlight during this half an hour show is the pretty up-tempo “When I Fall” from their latest album Refuge For Degenerates.

The Hellacopters
Time for the main course. In the dark venue a few shadows move on stage, plugging in guitars. The lights snap on, a wall of sound, and from scrap a band comes exploding. This is high energy Rock & Roll! Robert torturing his kit like an animal, Strings’ hair waving through the air, and his fingers speeding over his guitar.

Nick also using every moment when he‘s not needed at the microphone, spreading his energy all over the stage. All the rock & roll poses and ingredients are exposed. This might seem like an act, but it doesn’t look forced. No, coming from these guys it’s very convincing.

Also Boba is very disarming when he isn’t playing the keyboard, waving his tambourine with the looks of a happy little boy. Kenny is the only one who has to get a little warmed up during the first few songs, looking like he had a rough night.

The albums Grande Rock, High Visibility, and their latest By The Grace Of God, are strongly represented in the set. The songs are overwhelmingly performed and very tight also thanks to the good sound in the venue.

Some personal highlights: “Hopeless Case Of A Kid In Denial” (announced as: “This is a song about me..”), “Toys And Flavours”, and a thundering “Soulseller” from Paying The Dues, ending with guitars held as machine guns firing at the audience. This sure was a 200% Rock & Roll Party.

(Review & Pics: Cor Schilstra)