Arkona's Novosibirsk gig review (2nd of April, Horizon Club)

Having come to myself after this remarkable event, I'd gladly tell you, dear metalheads, how cool the 2nd of April's Fest was. I hope those who haven't attended it would be especially interested, while those who had would be ablr to refresh their memory.

As for me, I had been waiting for this event for a long time not only because I'm Arkona's fan, but also as their creative work is cognate to mine. The most interesting thing for me was to see how this band would present themselves here, in Novosibirsk, as to get acquainted with them via records and web is one thing, to feel their energy alive - the other.



Besides, Arkona for me is the pride and a 'new hope' for Russian Metal stage, proving our bands are not at the back of beyond and may be recognised worldwide.

The person responsible for the Fest organisation was Dmitry (Demon Project). I have to admit that all he's done was professional and top-level, everything went on just in time. The advertising campaign was made on a grand scale (not without our help), both the sound and the background appeared to be quite ok for the Horizon Club, although not without some minor imperfections.



Two local bands have opened the gig: DEMON PROJECT, the veterans of Siberian industrial metal and: of course we, WELICORUSS! While at the very beginning the crowd were only gathering and getting themselves moving, towards the end of our set, Finntroll and Dimmu Borgir's covers, the slam was wild and the metalheds were obviously 'ready and prepared' for our special guest.



During the soundcheck we've noted that there were 2 new musicians in Arkona's line-up: the violoncellist and the one mastering the folk instruments (a bagpipe, other kinds of ethnic pipes, a flute). This, of course, livened up and enriched the sound, at the same time presenting some problems to the general mix equalisation of the club.

On the whole, Arkona's gig was rather vigorous, they've performed with zest. Folk and pagan fans were totally caught alight, while the other metal styles' admirers although appreciated this Moscow band live at its true value.



The set list, long enough (1,5 hours), included all of the most significant compositions from the band's 5 full-format albums, what made the fans feel really satisfied.

All in all, the general after-gig impression is the best possible. Almost never before had I felt such a lively atmosphere in the Horizon. There are several reasons for such a success, the main of them are the top-level promoter's work (thanks to Dmitry who's risen to the occasion) and, of course, Arkona's performance. I hope to see more of them on tour soon!