The concert was opened by KAMI NO IKARI, a French melodic deathcore band, founded in 2020, and my impression is somewhat blurred by my position of respecting old school metal and it’s hard to distinguish the band from many others of the genre. But I definitely support having bands of different genres within one concert as it adds to diversity and makes the whole evening exciting and non-monotonous. But definitely the band gave their all and had a good performance.
The second band of the evening was EX DEO, a Canadian death metal band formed in 2008, and they were amazing. Band was founded by the charismatic frontman of the band Kataklysm, Maurizio Iacono. They are thematically related to the Roman Empire, which is of course also connected to Maurizio’s Italian roots. All fans of Kataklysm were delighted with the style and some of the atmosphere from their favourite band could be heard during the whole gig as four members of these two bands are the same! Many of the audience members were curious about this gig and how it will be and I strongly believe that all expectations were fulfilled beyond wildest expectations! The overall concert was extremely good with many highlights, such as the performance of “Romulus” but many others also.
FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE were amazing and I was lucky enough to witness the birth of new fans that were so amazed by the live performance that instantly started adoring the band and ran to the merch stand. Definitely one of the leading creative forces in metal today the band delivered the performance to be remembered for years! The band possesses the power to combine the elements that seem to be totally non-combinable and make the whole experience coherent, fun and wrapped into a special and magical atmosphere of a dark and mystical world of wonder!
DARK FUNERAL just stated that they feel that they are at their peak of creative and performing energy and have proven it big time! The band is considered as one of the biggest black metal bands that ever existed and represent true legends and founding fathers of the unique style that cannot be duplicated. It almost feels like Dark Funeral represents a genre of their own – we should study at a university in order to explore it more. So far, the band have released seven albums, and the most current of them, “We Are the Apocalypse”, was promoted on this occasion.
After almost 15 years, these black metal giants returned to Zagreb as part of the European “Let the Devil In” tour. We had the opportunity to see the band live at Rockstadt Extreme Festival where the band finally had a chance to perform “Shadows Over Transylvania” in Transylvania and we also heard it last night during one of the evening’s highlights! All the highlights of the concert couldn’t be listed as the band possesses magical power of taking you into their dark atmosphere and their unique world of darkness and black shadows. It was a combination of pure perfection, darkness and ecstasy all in one! Do not ever miss an opportunity to see the band live!
Some of the other highlights were performances of: “When I’m Gone”, “As One We Shall Conquer”, “My Dark Desires”, “Let the Devil In”, “Where Shadows Forever Reign” and of course the immortal and magnificent “Unchain My Soul”.
The day after the concert was considered the most depressing day of the year but we haven’t felt it one bit as we know only one thing for sure: as long as we know there’s a good concert and festival season behind and in front of us: all is good. No medicine has ever been created that could boost your spirit, nourish your soul and awaken new-found passion such as a concert as good as the one we just witnessed. Man must have priorities, we are lucky as long as this good ride lasts! All congratulations to the crew and organisers that have put together a perfect and enjoyable show that also ended in decent hours so the travelers could safely start their trip home!
Gallery:
DARK FUNERAL, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Ex Deo, Kami No Ikari; Boogaloo, Zagreb, 19.1.2025
