It was with a certain enthusiast that I arrived for the second day of the festival. Because Lord of the Lost was playing and I wanted to see them again for a very long time. And I could finally manage to see Behemoth after 3 missed occasions. The sun was as scorching as the day before, the fans multiplied during the night, and the program was going to be epic.
In a twist of fate, the festival coincided with a Catholic day off in Poland, igniting controversy as bands like Behemoth and Ghost, who challenge the authoritative grip of the Catholic religion and question its relevance in modern times, took the stage. They fearlessly confront the antiquated doctrines and oppressive control that have characterized the institution, inviting listeners to reevaluate the role of religion in their lives and society at large.
Catholic Extremist voices rose in protest, proclaiming metal as the music of the devil. However, the festival-goers, with their open-mindedness and love for metal, showcased a sense of unity and respect. It is through the power of music that bridges can be built, transcending the clash of ideologies and embracing the diversity within the metal family.
Even within the realm of metal festivals, unforeseen challenges can arise. The Park Stage, plagued by issues with a contractor, was not ready in time. This led to a reshuffling of performances, displacing some bands to other stages and moving others to other days. Regrettably, Lord of the Lost‘s highly anticipated had also some issues. Their stage not being in time made them cancel their show. The audience, eagerly waiting under the torrid sun, endured over 90 minutes of uncertainty and frustration without any updates from the organizers. While waiting can be part of the festival experience, clear communication is essential to maintain the trust and enthusiasm of the attendees.
Despite the unexpected challenges, the festival persisted, adapting and evolving. The resilience of the organizers and the unwavering spirit of the attendees allowed the festival to overcome the obstacles. It was just a little bit more dense and physical to run from one place to the other. Choices had to be made.
Without Lord of the Lost, Testament opened the festivities on the Main Stage. The legendary thrash metal band, unleashed their ferocious sound upon the festival grounds. With lightning-fast riffs and blistering solos, their music was an unrelenting force that sent shock-waves through the crowd. Their dedicated fan-base reveled in the technical prowess and uncompromising approach that has defined Testament for decades.
For years I had missed a Behemoth concert. And I was waiting with great excitement their gig that day. The darkened realms of blackened death metal materialized as Behemoth took the stage. With their intense and atmospheric sound, they immersed the audience in a foreboding and mystical ambiance. Behemoth‘s performances were as visually striking as they were sonically overwhelming, with elaborate costumes and props enhancing the dark theatricality that accompanies their music.
Finally, Ghost transcended the boundaries of mere concert performances, crafting a haunting and immersive spectacle. Their fusion of classic rock and metal influences, combined with intricate melodies and enigmatic lyrics, created an otherworldly experience. The band’s anonymous members, hidden behind eerie masks and costumes, added an element of mystery to their theatrical showmanship, captivating the audience and transporting them into a macabre theater of sound.
Heriot’s raw intensity and authentic heaviness were a testament to their status as the real deal in the metal scene.
On the Desert Stage, Heriot is a force to be reckoned with and sculpted a live performance that resonated deep within the soul. Their intense and visceral music wielded strength through riffs, fear through scathing vocals, and aggression through raw power. Their set tapped into the essence of heavy music, forging an uneasy yet captivating connection with the audience. Heriot‘s raw intensity and authentic heaviness were a testament to their status as the real deal in the metal scene.
White Hills also made an impression on the Desert Stage with their exploration of psychedelic rock. Their music was a kaleidoscope of sonic textures and mind-altering rhythms, taking the audience on a cosmic journey through time and space. White Hills created an immersive experience that defied conventional boundaries and unleashed the power of sonic exploration.
That was it for the second day of Mystic for me. I would have preferred a programation starting earlier in the day and finishing not that late in the evening. The last concert at 1h30 was a little too much after a such a day. I love Moonspell and really wanted to see Otto Von Schirach but the fatigue took the best of me away.
