GIG REVIEW: Keep It True XXIII @ Tauberfrankenhalle (Lauda-Königshofen, Germany)

After many COVID-19 related postponements, Keep It True is back in all of its glory! Below I decided to focus on some choice sets rather than cover every single band I watched. Hopefully it will give some insights to this marvellous few days or bring back fond memories for fellow maniacs in attendance.

Wednesday (warm-up show)

Herzel opened with their bold and exciting take on Heavy Metal which incorporates all of the epic tendencies of USPM with the gallops and harmonies of NWOBHM. The French horde hit the stage with power and made for a truly enjoyable first band of the weekend. As a big fan of their record, it was great to finally catch them! 

Vultures Vengeance clearly had a lot of fans in the room as they were met with rapturous applause and for good reason. These metallic titans blistered through a crushing set that simply dominated. Taking cues from the likes of Running Wild back in their prime with equal measures of speed and melody. This was a perfect band for the German hordes.

Helstar naturally were going to be unforgettable. Playing only material from the first four records and doing so with razor sharp precision was glorious to witness. Blending their more extreme stuff with some technicality, the performance was totally mind blowing and so well refined. A show like this in an intimate setting always rules, this more than most. 

Thursday

Blood Star are one of my favourite current traditional Heavy Metal bands, ever since their debut 7”. Covering material from this and their album which was released the day after their set with a melodic, feisty and totally epic start to the day. Tracks like “Cold Moon” from the new record and my favourite, “Tortured Earth”, drew out singing from the crowd, showing their impact has already begun to make its mark.

Griffin brought their legendary USPM majesty to the stage with a tight and anthemic performance that set the audience alight. Warranting plenty of singing and fist pounding from the crowd, this gem of the American old school has clearly not been forgotten. William McKay led a very impressive Heavy Metal attack that ensured the Griffin banner was still being flown.

Halloween took things one step further with props and stage antics while the music did not let them down. An absolutely classic performance of “Don’t Metal With Evil” in its entirety is something nobody there will forget anytime soon. “Haunted” and “Tales From The Crypt” were my highlights as well as the title track. These guys still sound exactly as they do on the record!

Sodom played perhaps the best setlist of their career, spanning only the 80s stuff (plus a Venom cover) and playing harder than ever. Totally evil, blasphemic Thrash Metal assault of the senses. It felt like Sodom had resurrected their best days musically but with their current experience and abilities to give us the perfect show from the band. Brutal, chaotic and invoking sheer carnage, this was a truly monumental end to the first full day.

Friday

Messiah Force for me were the best band of the weekend. Having released a legendary album in 1987 which is a certified called classic, this is not something I ever expected to hear live. But I did, and they played to perfection with a razor sharp set that melted faces and crushed skulls. Blistering guitars and scolding vocals atop mountainous rhythm sections reigned Heavy Metal fire upon all in the vicinity.

Pagan Altar may slow things down somewhat, but the forceful playing ensures their set is no less heavy. This was an intense and haunting experience that showed a legendary band in their prime. Everybody seemed to be ensnared by the mystical charm of their set which culminated in a truly epic rendition of “The Time Lord” which was mesmerising.

Cirith Ungol are easily one of America’s best bands for me. Despite their lengthy hiatus, it seems this band is back with a vengeance since their return as they play both old and newer material with a soaring, epic and magical set that feels perfect for a Keep It True headline slot. Their setlist was nicely varied, featuring tons of classics and some newer cuts. All played with a feverish passion that shows the band have not lost touch in their lengthy lifespan.

Saturday

Sölicitör start the last day with a bang. All tired bangers are immediately awoken by this venomously piercing set of Speed Metal glory with Amy quite literally rallying us to arms with a giant sword. A powerful and well oiled machine to deliver the first dose of battery. 

Vulture continue the death by high speed Metal theme of the morning with their superb, shredding sounds. Their set seemed to fly past in a sea of total mayhem, just sheer excellence from these maniacs who perfectly walk the line of being true to the old school while offering refreshing new records. These guys are definitely deserving of their adoring legions of fans, proving they have the mettle for it with ease.

Acid was definitely one of the most anticipated sets for many in attendance and for good reason. Kate led her band with vocals as powerful as back in the glory day. Amidst all of the classic material we even got treated to a Dio cover! This was another of those adrenaline pumping sets that just seemed to go by in an instant due to the maniacal headbanging that ensued. Ending on “Max Overload” which sent the audience into frenzy was a total highlight.

Vicious Rumors playing material from the Atlantic Years was another real treat and despite some tragedy and changes over the years, these guys still delivered a blinding set with a savagely heavy execution. The guitar wizardry and skilful delivery of their new vocalist met with some ruthless drum skills was punishingly heavy and yet packed with melody and energy.

Keep It True has been a total triumph. Everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives at what is inarguably the most dedicated event for true Heavy Metal maniacs. Personally, I cannot wait for more of this kind of mayhem and will never be forgetting this weekend. From the organisation, to the perfect lineup to the horde of awesome bangers in attendance, everything was perfect. So if you ever want to come to Keep It True, come on join the legion!