Written by:	Abattoir
Published:	January 31, 2019

Round 03 : Cojones (17.01.2019 - Zagreb/Croatia) --> Venue: Vintage Industrial Bar

CONCERT REVIEW:

Off to our neighbour country and their main city, Zagreb, where I went to check out a local band, called Cojones. As I have mentioned in preface, regarding this concert, this was actually the alternative for the initially planned gig in Italy (Terrorizer, Skeletal Remains, De Profundis), which did not happen for me due unfortunate reasons. However, being a "plan B", Cojones are far from the renome of the aforementioned bands, however, in certain ways that doesn't count much.




Cojones, the quartet coming from the main city of Croatia, basically represent a stoner rock vibrations in pretty well manner. They were the only act, performing this night. I did check them out a bit prior this event and I found them promising with quite solid and quality sound in first place. And that was actually enough for me to attend this gig and seeing them live, to see what this experience has to offer. Also, I didn't want to bother to much with the search of a substitute event for that matter.




Cojones tried to expand the diversity of their music originality on different levels, though not always successfully. Noticable was also the fact that on some occasions the vocalist struggled with its performance. With 'occasions' I'm reffering mostly to the parts of tracks, where higher notes of clean vocals came to place. I can say that the guitars were the winners, concerning of their complete sound, though I do have to admit, I might be sometimes to easily impressed with certain stoner sounding riffs.




All in all, it was a good jam, with ups and downs during the set, and with that pointing out to the whole package: band performance and attitude on the stage, the quality and originality of their music, the sound of the instruments individually and alltogether, and the crowd response in some way. Not a night to remember, but certainly not a waste of time either.

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Round 04 : Lightning Bolt (26.01.2019 - Zagreb/Croatia) --> Venue: Klub Mocvara

CONCERT REVIEW:

"Lightning Bolt live? I should be pumped for this right?", quoting myself from the preface writing prior this event. I was excited, that's for sure. However, only when I have witnessed the whole show, seeing/hearing it by myself, then I have realized completely, why those, who have experienced live performance from this duo, feel to be pumped to the extremes.

Lightning Bolt is a Rhode Island-based duo, featuring Brian Gibson on bass and Brian Chippendale on drums/vocals, creating and bringing the obnoxious noise into your life since 1994. This gig was part of their "one-week trip" to Europe, so nothing extensive in terms of touring. Might feel a bit fortunate that they've stopped so close. The club this night was completely full with tensions all around.

In this case, you don't have to prefer s certain subgenre in terms of musical taste(s), not at all. Interestingly enough, this was my first noise rock/metal band, that I've seen live. Not to be misled completely, Lightning Bolt's music present much more than only noise. Even some jazz, punk, and other influenced music directions are involved.

The only, or rather saying, one of the most important things, that you have to take into account here is, being prepared to bear the attack of noise. Because its absolutely devestating. Yeah, who would expect that, coming "only" from a drum and bass combo, with some outer-space-sounding echo vocals on top of it. There is no rule, no certain pattern or specific clarification for that matter. Once you are inside this pit and massive exploration of beating the hell out of those instruments, it's just stunning. In one way, you would feel getting totally crazy, then on the other hand, you just stand still, feeling numb, not completely aware of what's going on in your head.

To conclude this one. You might feel that I've overestimated this event or being very praiseful for that matter. However, it's an actual fact, being proved from the very beginning till the last beat. Lightning Bolt's Brian Gibson and Brian Chippendale are not the usual dudes and do not tend to care if you can survive or not their napalm of earthshaking sound. You either do and lovin' it (as I did), or you don't and stay whimpering 10 miles away in your wet pants.

Staggering performance and very positive conclusion of first month concert hunt.


You can check out the photo gallery (plus one 20+ minute videoclip) at this location. Presented by Subsite Hr (subsite.hr).

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Round 05 : Messa, Assumption, Mist (02.02.2019 - Koper/Slovenia) --> Venue: Youth Center

CONCERT PREFACE:

Moving completely to the west part of our country, where I'll witness a triple-doom-metal appearance. Consisting of two Italian doom metal acts, Messa and Assumption, and my fellow countrymen Mist, who will be performing as the opening act this night. Also, in last couple of years, the most recognizable doom metal band from Slovenia. The main focus is head out to the headliners on this bill, Messa, who also put out Feast For Water, a very well received and praised new record, their sophomore relese.

Entrance fee: 8?

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Round 06 : Monster Magnet, Puppy (07.02.2019 - Zagreb/Croatia) --> Venue: Culture Factory

CONCERT PREFACE:

This will be my third time visiting Zagreb, however in another different venue. Culture Factory will host New Yersey-based quintet Monster Magnet, who need no special description. This established stoner metal/rock representatives released their new full-length effort, Mindfucker, earlier in 2018. From my part of view Mindfucker didn't blow my mind, to comment briefly, though their live appearance might will. Supporting them on this European tour will be Puppy...never heard of them. Monster Magnet are promising an "electrifying" Euro tour. Well? lots of them do. Will see about that.

Entrance fee: 15?