GIG REVIEW: Keep It True Rising II @ Posthalle (Würzburg, Germany)

3 days, countless bands, pure Heavy Metal. Let’s do this Germany!

Friday

Witch Cross start off our weekend with a melodic and fiery set of classic riffs, speeding drums and sharp vocals. This obscure legend proves more than worthy to plant the Heavy Metal flag on Pösthalle today. With their catchy classics ensuring that Keep It True Rising gets a great opening show, I have to say they absolutely nailed it. Bangers “Night Flight In Tokyo” and “Face Of A Clown” really do kick things off with class.

Kev Riddles’ Baphomet continue the energy and melodious output with a gloriously played set of Angel Witch classics. Seeing these songs played in front of passionate maniacs proves to be something that Kev and his crew and totally capable to do. The explosion of approval when the bands’ (Angel Witch that is) eponymous hit was played as closing track was unforgettable.

Mythra blast into life with soaring vocals and face melting guitars. The rhythm side is equally potent as their driven and anthemic music fills the air with electrifying and metallic excellence. This call to arms certainly got fists pounding. There was something distinctly powerful about their delivery which was really bewitching and definitely a special one (though that may seem redundant to say if you look at the lineup poster to apply to any single band).

Saracen bring their prog-rock tinged NWOBHM to the stage with a superbly otherworldly atmosphere and rocking set. Simplistic and evocative riffs, booming drums and those classic synths backdrop some truly impressive singing. A bit less heavy than their predecessors but Saracen certainly Keep It True. 

Holocaust playing their classic album “The Nightcomers” in full was destined to be special. Their live presence was exhilarating and the tone was so raunchy that every single note could be felt through the skeleton. From the opening to ending, there was not a moment of dullness (as anyone who knows the record should be aware) because the night came for all Heavy Metal maniacs. They still have Heavy Metal music in their blood, but I guess you’re only as young as you feel. 

Grim Reaper experienced the loss of legendary singer Steve Grimmett prior to this festival which was a huge tragedy for the Metal community. But these guys are made of stern stuff and with help from some guest vocalists (Steve’s son Russ, Harry from Jag Panzer and Olof from Enforcer) as well as the original guitarist Nick, they soldiered on to give us a spectacle in Steve’s memory. Simply put, this was a blindingly emotional and powerful show that truly honoured a legacy that must never be forgotten. With adrenaline presumably through the roof, the band and guests handled such an occasion beautifully. So all you headbangers out there, put on some Grim Reaper records and reflect on the talent Steve left us and how it can never be erase. The show must go on…

Saturday 

Konquest set the day off with a bang. Their rocking blend of shredded guitars, well-paced riffing, amazing bass lines and mountainous drums are met with eerie vocals in a manner not far from Heavy Load. This very rhythmically percussive but also technically proficient mixture sounds absolutely as phenomenal live as it does on record. 

Riot City burn the air with scorching and speeding Heavy Metal that proves them to be the electric elite indeed. With riffs so sharp it’s like a storm of razors and some of the best vocals I’ve heard in a long time, backed by drums like thunder throughout. This is clearly a band beginning their quest for world domination and one that will definitely be successful if the two albums and their live show is any indication. 

Wytch Hazel slow things down with some proto-metallic rocking that has a sombre but still energetic ambience. Their riffy and haunting music was definitely a change in direction from Riot City, but a perfect example of the diverse span of Heavy Metal that is encompassed at Keep It True events. 

Demon Pact add some of their fiery and hard hitting material to the mix. As an extremely rare reunion, this was destined to be a memorable set and their often punky brand of Heavy Metal does not disappoint. Sleazy, groovy and pounding with forceful instrumentation. Resurrecting this band was a wise move. Look out for the raiders!

Blitzkrieg, those who read my Studfest review from a couple weeks back will know they slayed. Once again their absolutely perfect renditions of classic material hits all the right points with masterful musicianship and triumphant vocal delivery to deliver a full set of essential Blitzkrieg bangers. With a German name, they have to deliver here and nobody can accuse them of bringing any less than their a-game. Two shows in a couple weeks and I still want more Blitzkrieg!

Avenger speed in with their ferociously heavy set. Tight, refined and unforgiving, you cannot escape the wrath of the enforcer. Packing such a punch that the whole room throws back, their stage presence was extra memorable which when coupled with such powerful songs, nobody will be forgetting this appearance. Somewhat more extreme than some of the other British bands. the speeding frenzy of Avenger enforces headbanging from all.

Quartz have an amazing sound which fills the air with the classic, rocking NWOBHM cult hits. A large array of grooves and chunky sounds hit hard with that uniquely English sound that’s still alive and kicking. Anthemic songs get everyone singing along and the set flies by with a blur of headbangers and fist pounders. Another cult act I never thought I’d see, and another that ruled!

Tygers Of Pan Tang certainly leave the crowd spellbound after seconds with their triumphant crashing metallic fury taking to the stage with an uproar of appraisal from the crowd. This one of those sets with so much rhythmic force that it’s impossible not to be carried by the kinetic energy of the tygers. Great song selection and appropriate hard-hitting performance, I for one am glad to know I’ll see them again on the next leg of the tour. 

Paul Di’Anno and company give us a storm of classic Iron Maiden hits. Taking many of the finest cuts of both the first two albums this set is an early fans dream as they gallop, shred and roar through an hour of stellar old songs. Paul really brings the past to life with his more rough vocals and the band capture the essence of these ancient numbers gloriously. Anticipation was high for this set, but I think it far exceeded expectations. Not to mention the untamed singing from the audience that carried the songs into an arena-level of noisiness within a relatively intimate venue.

Diamond Head bring such a strong stage presence from the first instant that it’s easy to forget the outside world. Crushing drums and melodic riffs meet those operatic vocals to create chills and sore necks alike. After a couple new songs, ghostly spell of “In The Heat Of The Night” and a short speech, “Lightning To The Nations” shook the entirety of Bavaria as it was played in its splendid totality beautifully. 

Saxon send forth a barrage of classic material interspersed with the odd newer track. Giving NWOBHM perfection to Germany with no remorse, the setlist is unleashed with true strength from start to end with a perfectly chosen stream of raging tracks to keep all on their feet late into the night. Saxon have a reputation for still being a leading force on the live music circuit and shows like this make it easy to understand why. “Heavy Metal Thunder”, “Strong Arm Of The Law”, “Crusader” and many more essential numbers filled the air with Saxon’s timeless hits that had the audience roaring them back at Biff, though Saxon’s volume was not easy to contend with.

Sunday 

Iron Fate take the stage with melodic fury, utilising dual guitars to tremendous effect with a punchy rhythm section and a very Bruce Dickinson style of operatic vocals which were captivating. Opening the final day can be rough, but with a solid crowd, their music clearly earned the respect it deserved to pull people out in force early. Starting the day with such an uplifting and anthemic band really set a good mood and I hope sets a president for what is yet to come. It may be midday but they rule the night!

Tentation have a certain mystique that seems to hang around French bands like a thick mist. Their superbly triumphant and epic music gallops forth with a contagious stride carried by impeccable musicianship and charismatic vocal delivery. These Frenchmen receive a very warm welcome as they pound through a strong set of magnificent Heavy Metal mayhem without faltering once, clearly one of the most favoured bands of the weekend from the younger selection. Much like Riot City, it felt they had earned themselves a truly wonderful reputation which was easy to hear is justified.

Tytan storm in with their marvellously upbeat classics infused with spacey synths. The overall feel of their show is absolutely packed with electric fury and they can be seen clearly having a great time playing which is infectious. Their passion and skill bewitches all especially during cult hits like “Blind Men and Fools” which is impossible not to love. 

Torch bring down the battle-axe of Swedish might with a force to be reckoned with. The insatiable groove of the band is irresistible and the mean, sleazy Heavy Metal that fills the air is simply killer. Apparently their first time in Germany, Torch have a confident and strong set with a nice mix classic material to fuel the Keep It True fire. The closing moments of “Watch Of The Night” and “Warlock” back to back was simply sublime. Another gem unearthed by the festival for a superb show. 

Cloven Hoof dominate with the sound of pounding steel, piston-like force attacking each and every attendee with epic magnitude. The tightness and refined sound of the band splits the sound barrier with perfect renditions of all the old school rangers from the classic era. A splendid and memorable cosmic conquest, consisting of only classic-era material, hopefully Cloven Hoof will continue laying down the law for many more years. 

Gravestone strike while the iron is hot and follow with more ferociously exciting material. Leaping in with the masterful “Back To Attack” to open a mixed assault of their finest material, this obscure German titan feels like a perfect fit for the festival with spirits on high and amps on higher. Powerful, energetic and tremendously skilful in their execution of the set, this was a real fan-pleasing set.

Tyrant explode onstage as one of the heaviest bands of the festival. Their classic German Speed Metal holds the hearts of many underground bangers such as myself, so seeing the reunion show is a true privilege. Their ravenous lyrics spit across violent riffing and blasting drums with atomic force for an awesome and savage setlist. This mean machine is well oiled and running hot, so be prepared to fight for your life because Tyrant are back and as strong as ever. 

Satan’s blistering melodies and scorching vocals atop riveting drum work hits without warning. Anticipation is high but the delivery is electrifying. Brian’s second performance of the weekend after the amazing Blitzkrieg set and his vocal cords must be made of iron because he’s still on fire. The tremendous guitar work dances so tightly and nobody can deny Satan are one of the most furiously precise and magical NWOBHM bands of all time. 

Riot V floored me, to put it simply. “Thundersteel” played to razor-sharp perfection with ripping axe work, insane drumming and vocals that tore flesh from bone, the entire experience was an adrenaline overload of epic proportions. Such an excellent set for this legendary titan of Metal that got perhaps the most crazed, fierce and wild response from a crowd of maniacs. Like a sea of wolves ready to attack, the response speaks volumes to the magnificence of Riot V’s majestic set. Ending on some choice cuts and even featuring a guest spot from Jag Panzer’s Harry “The Tyrant” on “Magic Maker”, this felt like a dream setlist that delivered in every possible facet. 

Venom Inc were one of my highlights of Bloodstock, only a few weeks prior, where they played the essential “Black Metal” record in its entirety. Tonight, get the “Return To Hammersmith ‘84” show, which promises to be a spectacle. Amidst a wall of Marshall stacks and bass drums, the tyrants of Black Metal emerge with a vitriolic rendition of pure hellfire, with hell breaking loose in the form of “Witching Hour”. This set the standard for their set, a venomous evening indeed with the diabolical power trio playing one of their most intense performances in a long time to a rabid crowd. Naturally raging numbers like “Countess Bathory”, “Welcome To Hell” and legendary “Black Metal” were forcefully blasted into the faces of the feral crowd. The setlist felt perfectly chosen, which makes sense given the ’84 setlist. I’ll keep it short, before I get carried away into the inferno but this was not a show to miss and perfect ending to the most Heavy Metal weekend of 2022!

In summary, this was the most concentrated dose of Heavy Metal mayhem one could dream of. Each of the bands playing is either metallic royalty or a worthy flag-bearer from the new vanguard. Either way, each was a triumph with near endless special sets dedicated to classic material. A sea of die-hard maniacs and organisation that was close to flawless with excellent sound, Keep It True Rising II could not have been more of a success from my point of view.