So, my friends, ladies and gentlemen, hardcore fans and all those who want to become one!
On June 22, the local heroes MyTerror honored their fans in the heart of Düsseldorf by providing a perfect lead-in to the holiday. The venue was the Foyer at Worringer Platz, a location that is very easy to reach by both car and public transport. Doors opened at 9 PM and the entry fee was initially (!!) 6 €, which I found absolutely worthwhile.
The good Andy and I wanted to witness this event, and we met around a quarter to nine in front of the venue. Here we already encountered the first MyTerror fans. Yes, you can really say that, as at least every third person was wearing a MyTerror shirt. After a few cigarettes and conversations with those fans, we entered the Foyer. You first find yourself in a spacious entrance area, where you are let in by a friendly "welcome committee." Off to the ticket counter, entry paid, stamp received, and off we go. Now you initially stand in a sort of lounge area. There are various, very cozy seating options from a couch to large cushions that you practically sink into when you sit down. I’ve been told that’s good for your back. There was also a small merchandise table, and you have the opportunity to check your jacket for 1 €. Okay, passing by the jacket check, lounge, and merch area, all separated from the stage area by a black curtain, your head is immediately blasted by something that is fondly referred to in "professional circles" as VOLUME. We now stood in front of the stage, which is quite acceptable in size, especially if you don’t have two guitarists and a singer, but with a bit of creativity, you can make a virtue out of necessity. A little further back, there’s a bar with really fair prices and very friendly service with a certain flirt factor. That’s how it should be!
Before I start judging the bands, a little note:
The sound was generally quite muddy, which was not due to the bands but rather to the acoustics of the venue (this is not a criticism of the Foyer), so I won’t be focusing too much on the overall sound with each band.
Alright, enough of the long speeches. Let’s get to the first band of the evening:
PROZAC INSIDE
A very young band that was founded in 2009 and, after some struggles, finally formed in February 2010. Hardcore was immediately on the agenda, from the first to the last minute. The songs sounded very young and fresh. The audience present felt the same way. The atmosphere was still quite restrained. However, the band was always eager to establish a connection with the audience. Overall, you can say it was a successful performance. A few good stage moves from guitarists Sascha, Max, and Pat; pounding drums from drummer Manuel until he dropped, and singer Timothy Shaw, who was visibly invested in the performance, made Prozac Inside the ideal opener. One can hope for more, as there is good potential in the band. Perhaps a few refinements here and there, and Prozac Inside can definitely establish themselves. You don’t have to hide, guys! Keep it up!
Grade: 3 +
DEAD END
First off: a musical kick in the face, but the finest kind! Here you could immediately notice the difference from the previous band, at least in terms of stage experience and the "riff wall." The singer took the alternative route of having his concert IN FRONT of the stage. This had the wonderful effect of giving his bandmates plenty of space, creating an "eye for an eye" with the audience, and the following singers followed this example. Most importantly, what I liked the most: I felt like I was in a kind of music video that you can touch. The guitarists moved continuously, and the drummer appeared to be like a clockwork. The songs were well chosen, increasing in intensity from one to the next, culminating in an explosive finale. The guests' mood slowly but surely left the apartheid. The response became noticeably louder. There were also some heads who were wildly kicking in the air in a Capoeira style, but they made sure not to hurt anyone. All in all, DEAD END set the bar very high, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. So far, the best band of the evening.
Grade: 2
THE EYES OF MEDUSA
Next up was hardcore until you drop. The level remained the same, so high! The band name was already interesting. Fortunately, no one turned to stone who looked the guys in the eye. Perhaps this can also be seen as a play on words when you translate the word stone into English and conjugate it into the verb form. The band's presence was very convincing. The singer took every opportunity to make direct contact with the audience. Although he was weakened by laryngitis, he still impressed with his very energetic presence. Slowly but surely, the venue transformed into a small cauldron. The Capoeira dancers were also increasing in number. I particularly noticed the guitar work. Guys, you are finger-fumblers! Of course, the drummer should also be mentioned, who was the focal point on stage. Strong fill-ins, background shouts, and an occasional spinning stick, that’s how I envision a good drummer. That was a successful gig that leaves hope for more. There’s a lot of potential behind it!
Grade: 2
MYTERROR
Now it was time for the headliner. The place suddenly filled up. And the atmosphere was already heated before the concert. MyTerror plays hardcore of the finest kind. That evening, they were unbeatable in terms of stage presence, sound (this time 1A), and variety. When the intro started, I couldn’t believe my ears: I heard "Hallelujah" chants paired with a techno beat in the best pub hits manner, which then abruptly stopped and was replaced by heavy guitars. When singer Schröda finally gave the starting signal, the fuse was lit, and the place exploded like an atomic bomb. These guys burn like fire, and the gasoline was their numerous fans. The atmosphere was at boiling point, and MyTerror kept providing new boosts, maintaining contact with the audience the whole time. Everything felt very personal; Schröda skillfully breaks down the barrier between band and fan, as everyone felt personally addressed. Cult bassist Schmiddie was clearly the best act of the evening in terms of stage presence. Guitarist Kreuzberg was also in a true frenzy. He initially came on stage with a jacket, but later switched to a tank top. Didn’t you sweat like crazy under the jacket? Drummer Pambo delivered a very straightforward performance. There were also plenty of strong fill-ins to admire here. Overall, when it comes to the riffing, the rhythmic collaboration, and the tightness (meaning the precision of the parts and the refinement in songwriting), I have to ask: Why haven’t you made it to the top yet? For me, this gig was definitely worth it and motivated me to buy a shirt from this band during the gig. For 10 €, you really can’t complain. This shouldn’t be my last MyTerror gig. In this sense, definitely see you next time! Clearly the top act of the evening!
Grade: 1
I hope I did justice to each band; for me, the evening was very worthwhile. In conclusion, there’s just one negative thing regarding the venue. I heard that if you leave the place and re-enter, you have to pay a small fee again, which increases each time. I can understand wanting to keep guests in the venue and accept that as a gesture for the bands, but I can also understand guests who need to step outside for some fresh air.
So, my friends, copper engravers and knuckle-dragging music lovers.
That’s it from my side; I thank all the bands and all the readers and wish you a pleasant week.
PeaZe!
Daniel