THE TOP FIVE RECORDS ROADBURN EXPERIENCE FANZINE

From the foreword:
"We thought we’d do something special with our Roadburn Festival report this year, so here you have it. This is basically me (Mattias), re-living my youth of a fanzine maker; Nitad only came out with two issues in the mid 90’s (the first one can actually still be bought at www.topfiverecords.se) but at least I got a mention in Ekeroth’s Swedish Death Metal book. This zine will be an annual thing though. We are by no mean journalists, we just love music and the Roadburn Festival (which we are not in any way affiliated with by the way). And of course this “zine” is free so you’ve got nothing to lose, except maybe 10 minutes or so of your life.

To keep up with what all you pretentious record collecting assholes love (myself included), it’s of course hand numbered, and the fancy goat on the front is hand coloured."

So there you have it. Get your free copy by dropping a mail to info[at]topfiverecords[dot]se
The zine is limited to 500 copies, but we will save some copies to hand out at the 2012 festival.

Like I said, the zine is free of charge, but if you should feel that you want to donate some postage money (a Euro, a GBP or a couple of USD), feel free to do so via Paypal, to paypal[at]topfiverecords[dot]se

ROADBURN FESTIVAL DAY 4 - Afterburner (April 17 2011)

The fourth and final day of the festival started a bit early for us. At about four in the morning the phone starts ringing. First we ignore it, but after a while it gets a bit annoying and we answer, it’s the receptionist, she says “oh, isn’t this Greg Andersons room?” About 30 minutes later we are woken up by some random dude walking in to our room and starts taking his shoes off. “Uhm, sorry man, I think you got the wrong room.” The next morning the phone rings again, this time it’s one Stephen O’Malley asking for Greg. “No sorry, it’s the wrong Anderson.” “Ah ok, I guess that’s been happening a lot?” I guess the hotel staff must have been confused with two Andersons at the same time...

The Afterburner seems to slowly but steady becoming a regular fourth day of Roadburn. This year they had upgraded it by using the Main Stage and the Green Room, as compared to last year when it was the Green Room and the Bat Cave, and there are a few more bands playing as well. One part of me likes this as you actually never want to leave, but on the other hand the Afterburner works as a great closure with an even more relaxed atmosphere than the first three days. That’s actually what all great festivals need; a relaxed after party that lasts for an entire day.
Unfortunately the whole day is pretty much a haze for some reason. And no, not because of various substances mind you, but probably because this in fact day number four of a festival where there is so much to take in and process, and a festival where I like pretty much all of the bands performing. I guess that’s a lot for my brain to handle. When I look at the notes I wrote down while watching the bands perform I’m starting to question myself quite a lot. But yeah, I remember some things, so here we go.

First band for me was the classic American doom act Blood Farmers. This was their second set at the fest, they also played the first day but I couldn’t see them then since they clashed with Wovenhand. They were really impressing on stage with killer riffs and a very strong repertoire. They even played a new song, called “1000 Yard Stare”. Don’t know exactly how “new” this song is by now, but it sounded like something they could have written back in the day. Awesome stuff. Why this band hasn’t produced more music is beyond me.

Blood Farmers

Next up was Japanese death metallers Coffins. I was really looking forward to seeing them as I like Autopsy as much as they do. Well, maybe not that much, but close. It was great to see how much they enjoyed being up on the Main Stage, Uchino’s (guitar/vocals) smile when he took pictures of the crowd lit up the whole room. Their old school Death Metal (or Death Doom as they call it) is pure excellence and they delivered a very tight set that more people should have seen. Oh, and it was almost impossible to reach their merch table afterwards...

Coffins

For some reason I missed out on Dead Meadow, which I regret now. Next up on the Main Stage was Black Mountain, but fortunately I had seen them a few months earlier in Stockholm so I could avoid the agony of choosing between them and Black Pyramid. Knowing myself I would probably have chosen Black Pyramid anyway. I fell in love instantly with their debut album from 2009, and they were actually just as good live as on my turntable at home. This band has a way of producing great riffs and melodies that other bands would kill for. Their second album due out this fall is at the top of my list for most anticipated albums of 2011.

Black Pyramid

I stayed in the Green Room to check out Germany’s Samsara Blues Experiment. They in fact turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the festival. I had of course heard their debut album, “Long Distance Trip”, and really liked it, but seeing the band live was something else. It was like one long jam in the vein of bands like Earthless for instance. Very groovy space-riffs that you never wanted to end.

Samsara Blues Experiment

Unfortunately it had to end, because I had promised myself to end the evening with Sourvein over at the Main Stage. Not a bad change of venue though since Sourvein showed us all what sludge is all about, as they were supposed to have done last year, but for reasons you know, cancelled.

Sourvein

And then, all of a sudden, Roadburn Festival came to an end. I know that there’s of course always a lot of hard work when organizing something like this, but this year must have been a vacation for Walter, Jurgen and the rest of the crew compared to last year. The only change in the schedule that I noticed was the delay of Earth that I mentioned on day two, and that was no biggie.

What more can I say? Awesome festival as usual, and oh yeah, a great place to spend your hard earned cash as you can see below.

ROADBURN FESTIVAL DAY 3 (April 16 2011)

Day 3 is also the last regular day of the festival, although, with the expanding Afterburner you might call this a 4-day fest, but more on day number 4 later. You might think that nothing can top SunnO)))day, but I mean, this day I’m finally going to see Shrinebuilder, Weedeater, Stone Axe and Swans... April 16 is also Record Store Day, and I took the short walk from the hotel to the Sounds record store. I was hoping to buy the Nirvana “Hormoaning” 12” and the Neurosis “Sovereign” 12” but they were nowhere to be found. I did however walk away with the Sonic Youth “Whore’s Moaning” 12” and the 2010 reissue of the self titled Grand Magus LP (clear vinyl, and not a RSD release, but still). On a side note, when I got back to Stockholm there were lots of RSD vinyl still available, so no harm done.

Why not start the third day at the Midi Theatre with the, apart from Sunn O))), best performance of the entire fest. The air in the venue is thick with incense smoke and the stage looks like... well, it looks like Master Musicians of Bukkake are about to enter, and they are, and I am blown away. Such an amazing performance, performed by amazing musicians. I know some people think their theatrics on stage are a bit much, but I like it, it fits with the music perfectly. And you don’t have to take everything 100% serious all the time either. I mean, come on, the guy has glowing fingertips, lighten up. They start by calling our attention with a dungchen, you know, those big ass Tibetan trumpets, and give us new songs from their excellent latest album, “Totem Three”, including favourites like “Prophecy Of The White Camel / Namoutarre” and “In The Twilight Of Kali Yuga”, as well as the awesome krautrock gem “Failed Future”. The Master Musicians played a free show a couple of weeks later in Stockholm, and it was just as good that time around as well. Hope to see them again soon.

Master Musicians of Bukkake

Master Musicians of Bukkake

On to the main stage to catch the last 30 minutes or so of the Candlemass set. I walked in just as they were finishing the “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” set with Johan Langquist on vocals. Would have been great to see the whole thing, but you can’t be everywhere at once. Especially when you’re attending an amazing Bukkake session. Langquist, although perhaps not much of a stage persona, still has that amazing voice that made me fall for Candlemass in the first place. Luckily for me he enters the stage once again, this time alongside Robert Lowe performing “Don’t Fear the Reaper”.

Candlemass

Finally it’s time for Weedeater. Dixie was in great form, informing us that “There are usually only two people in the audience, one with weed and one with coke. I’m sure those people are here tonight as well though, we’ll meet up later.” He of course drank whiskey all through the set, washing it down with beer, but he managed to not puke, probably to some people’s disappointment. The new songs from “Jason... the Dragon” have really grown on me and they were even better live. The first couple of times I listened to their latest album I thought it was good, but felt that they could do better. After about a week of listening to it I loved it! And after experiencing the songs live in their right environment I love them even more. We also were treated with their cover of the excellent Lynyrd Skynyrd track “Gimme Back My Bullets”. The only thing I’m missing now is a Barstul performance, man that would have been great for the Afterburner...

Weedeater

Weedeater

Unfortunately I didn’t see much of Voivod at the main stage. I thought though that they were a bit uneven in the beginning but it took on after a while. From what I could gather later on their set at the Midi the night before was much better. Should have been there...

We’ve waited a year for the mighty Shrinebuilder, and fuck was it worth the wait! As you probably know they had to cancel last year because of Iceland and them not managing to keep control of their volcanoes. It was really an overwhelming experience to see these four dudes on the same stage. Anyone doesn’t know by now who they are? Ok, for the last time; Scott Kelly, Al Cisneros, Dale Crover and of course, Wino. There, what more do you need? I can admit though, that somewhere in the middle of the set they faded a bit, only to regain strength after a while and finishing in great form. I also wish that Al had more time on the mike, not that I complain when I hear Scott or Wino. It’s hard to describe Shrinebuilder without writing cliché after cliché. But yeah, they were heavy as fuck and I guess we could be glad that another volcano didn’t erupt during their performance. What a way to go though.

Shrinebuilder

Shrinebuilder

After this I literally ran over to the Bat Cave to witness the last half hour or so of Stone Axe, who had finally made it over to Europe. I’ve been a big fan ever since their first 7”, “Riders of the Night”, in 2008, and am a fan of Mos Generator as well of course. The first thing that struck me is that damn what a great vocalist Dru Brinkerhoff is. I mean, of course I knew the man could sing, but to manage to make it sound exactly like on record is rare. I could tell that they gained a lot of new fans that evening. Overheard several people who had just walked in not knowing who Stone Axe are bursting out their love for them. The show ended quite abruptly though; the band was having so much fun on stage that they didn’t notice they were out of time. They promised to come back next year, don’t know if they meant Roadburn or Europe in general, either way, be sure not to miss them. And buy all their vinyl records. I have.

Never thought this day would come, but there they are; Swans entering the main stage. They start off with the intro to end all intros. We’re talking 20-30 minutes of pure bliss. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any louder it does, and drumsticks are flying all over the place. I’m not the only one finding myself just standing there staring with an open mouth in complete awe. The high point of the concert is an amazing performance of “Sex, God, Sex” from the 1987 album “Children of God”. I guess I can die now. The new songs from the “comeback” album “My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope To the Sky”, like “Jim” and “Eden Prison” are experienced in their right element. There seems to be some tension on stage from time to time, at least it looks like Michael Gira tells off the band on a few occasions, maybe it’s just the perfectionist in him, I don’t know. There are some laughs on stage as well though, like when Gira introduces the band and turns to the long-haired caveman-like Thor Harris and says, “This is Thor, he looks like one of you.”

Swans

The next morning Michael Gira comes down to the breakfast buffet at the hotel, of course with his big white cowboy hat on. He walks around, carefully looking at the various dishes, and then leaves. Maybe he wasn’t hungry, or maybe it was because the rest of us stopped eating and just started staring at him in awe again...

ROADBURN FESTIVAL DAY 2 aka SUNNO)))DAY (April 15 2011)

Yeah, we’re pretty slow over here from time to time. But here we go; day two of the fest. As you probably have figured out, this was the day curated by Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley, aka Sunn O))). Weather was awesome and after the breakfast buffet at the hotel a few beers were enjoyed at one of the great establishments close to 013.

There was not much time to spare though as the first act out on the main stage was none other than Keiji Haino. This amazing man who’s been in the music industry for something like 40 years, and finally he’s standing on a stage in front of me. He started out the concert with his guitar, producing amazing sounds and proving that it’s not just a riff making piece of equipment. After a while he put the guitar away and went nuts on his machines. At times he seemed to disappear from the stage without me noticing, but all of a sudden he popped up like a jack-in-a-box from behind the table with his gadgets. He closed with more guitars accompanied with his very impressive voice; that man can scream like no other. It was an amazing concert, really experimental as you would expect, and well, everything I was hoping for actually.

Keiji Haino

I’ve said it before; if you’re enjoying a Big Kahuna burger with a beer and you’re arriving at the Green Room when a show is about to start you’re basically too late. At least I managed to hear Trap Them, and see the top of their heads from time to time. Needless to say, they ripped the whole place a new one and sounded crushingly awesome. I took comfort in the fact that I was going to see them in Stockholm a week later. But did I? Of course not, I missed out on the whole thing, probably for some really stupid reason, but hey, they will come back right? Right.

When I first found out that Winter was going to perform at the festival I almost couldn’t believe it. It had been in the back of my head though ever since news got out that Southern Lord was going to reissue their one and only album “Into Darkness”. But I didn’t really dare to hope for them to reform, and especially not to perform in the same venue where I happened to be present. How was it then? Well, they sounded like it was still 1990 and they really tore it up on that stage. I heard a few people complaining afterwards that they could really improve on their stage presence. Who cares with material like that? It was a great concert with great music and they seemed to really enjoy themselves on that stage. Left me more than satisfied.

Winter

Unfortunately Earth arrived in Tilburg a bit late, so they had to move them to the Midi Theatre instead of the main stage. I really like the Midi though, so no complaints from me, but a few people didn’t find out in time and missed out on the whole thing. Too bad for them since Earth delivered like they always do. I didn’t get to see the whole set though, and once again took comfort in that they would play in Stockholm when I got home. And this time I didn’t miss out. I’m guessing the two shows were pretty much the same. They played a new song from the upcoming part 2 of the “Angels of Darkness, Demons of Lights” album, with the introduction: “I know you’re going to laugh, but this is a waltz, so pair up and enjoy”. We also got to hear “Ouroboros is Broken” which was very much appreciated as well as the closing song, the Jimi Hendrix cover “Peace in Manhattan” from the “Pentastar...” album. Going to the Stockholm show I also got to see the amazing Sabbath Assembly as I didn’t get to see them at Roadburn. They played the same time as Winter; ah all these clashes!

Earth

Earth

The last time I saw Corrosion of Conformity was in Göteborg in 1996 when they opened for Metallica. I honestly don’t remember much of that show except that James Hetfield joined them for the last song (I’m guessing it was “Man or Ash”). I bet though, that their Roadburn performance was slightly better. Performing was the “Animosity” line-up, which meant no Pepper Keenan. I’m guessing he’s pretty much busy with Down anyway. Still, C.O.C. managed to squeeze out an album as good as “Animosity” without him, and they managed to pull off an amazing live set without him as well. I’m a big Keenan fan though, so I’m not saying their better off as a trio, only that they’re a pretty damn good trio as well.

Corrosion of Conformity

The highlight of the day for me were about to take on the main stage. Well, not only the highlight; if it weren’t for Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson this day would have turned out completely different. Not that a regular day in Roadburn land is something to complain about, but you know what I mean. Going to see Sunn O))) made me miss out on fantastic bands like Hooded Menace, Grave Miasma and Incredible Hog. Worth it? Oh yes. This evening’s concert turned out to be something really special as the band was joined on stage by Keiji Haino to my great surprise and enjoyment (as you might figure out from my ramblings above). Attila Csihar was of course present as well, so was T.O.S. Attila and Keiji Haino ended up having what could best be described as a screaming battle. Those two incredible voices at once on the same stage were completely overwhelming. The whole show was of course extremely heavy on the bass, just as much as one would expect, or perhaps more, so much in fact that I think my insides shifted place. I can say without exaggerating that it was the best two hours one could have.

Sunn O)))

Sunn O)))

The Secret; this crusty Italian outfit that I might had missed out on if it weren’t for Southern Lord releasing their latest album, “Solve Et Coagula” last year, took on the Bat Cave in full force. It felt like people were a bit tired at this point, or maybe they’d lost their hearing at the Sunn O))) concert, because how you can stand still to the crushing sound of The Secret is beyond me. “Solve Et Coagula” was one of my favourite albums of 2010, and this being the first time seeing the band live I instantly became an even bigger fan than I was before.

For some reason I had pretty much forgotten about Scorn. I listened to their first three albums a lot back in the early 90’s when Earache ruled the world. Then, from ca 1995 when Mick Harris was the only member left, Scorn somehow escaped my radar. They/he is a very welcomed return to my life though, Harris alone on stage presenting a great mix of dub and industrial with lots of bass. A perfect way to end the second day.

Scorn

ROADBURN FESTIVAL DAY 1 (April 14 2011)

We arrived in Holland the day before the festival, and not a volcano in sight. Roadburn is by far the highlight of the year, and this time we planned ahead a bit more than last year. Resulting in a room at the Mercure Hotel, just a block from 013 and the Midi Theatre, perfect.

The first day of this riff filled event started out strong with the Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble at the Midi Theatre. I’d wanted to see them for quite some time, well; I actually want to lay my hands and eyes on everything that Jason Kohnen aka Bong-Ra produces. I mean, just listen to the Killahman Machine 7” singles for instance and try to prove me wrong. TKDE performed an excellent set, with their great combination of violin, horn, trumpet, soft vocals and lots of bass from Kohnen. The bass almost takes over at times; don’t know if this is intentional or if it’s just too high in the mix. Either way, I liked it!

The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble

After this perfect festival opener all we could do was to stay at the Midi. Why? Because Ghost were about to enter the stage. The place was packed of course, since the Ghost hype is far from over. When the robe clad members walked on stage you could barely move up front without being elbowed by some dude with a camera. Does the band deserve all this fuzz then? I guess you know where I stand on this. Last time I saw them was when they opened for Watain in October 2010. That whole night was one of the highlights for that entire year, and the Roadburn set worked as a great reprisal of said night. I saw them again a few days ago (May 13), and they managed to make me like them even more by adding the Beatles’ cover “Here Comes the Sun” to the set list.

Ghost

Over to the main stage at the 013 where Wovenhand had taken the stage. I was really glad that Roadburn finally booked them to play. And what a set they did. David Eugene Edwards owns the stage like no one else. I found myself almost paralyzed, just standing there staring at him where he sat on the side of the stage on a chair with guitar in hand. It was pretty overwhelming at times and I almost couldn’t take it anymore. Strange feeling that; one part of me wants to stay, taking it all in, wanting more. And one part just wants to flee, longing for something easy to absorb...

Wovenhand

Staying in front of the main stage waiting for band I’d wanted to see for, well, it seems like forever. I’m talking about Pentagram and I was trying not to get my hopes up too much. Back in my mind I was sure that they weren’t going to show up, but all of a sudden Bobby Liebling and Victor Griffin are right in front of me. Bobby is running around on stage in his high heels and seems to be in a very good mood, joking with the audience in between songs. It was a good show, but it was nothing mind blowing I have to admit. I heard later on that the band weren’t that satisfied with the Roadburn set and that they could do a lot better. I believe them, but still, it was Pentagram and I got to finally see them.

Pentagram

Had to miss the last bit of the Pentagram set and head over to the Green Room to catch Today is the Day. That’s of course the thing with Roadburn; it’s all about compromising. On the other hand, on most occasions I’m satisfied with a 30 minute show, so this luxury problem isn’t really what I would call a problem. Still, you can’t see all the bands no matter how much you run around between the stages, but going to see TITD was a no brainer. It was an awesome set, and I didn’t expect less from these guys. For some reason I don’t remember much of their show, and my notes are extremely cryptic, even for me. Maybe it was because what was about to hit me on the main stage...

Today is the Day

Godflesh! Never thought this day would come. But here they are; Justin Broadrick and G.C. Green right in front of me, ready to perform their entire debut full length “Streetcleaner”. Knowing what a great musician Broadrick is, and what an excellent album “Streetcleaner” is this could in no way go wrong. Of course it didn’t either. Godflesh really gave it all on stage. Even after the first track, “Like Rats” it looked like Justin Broadrick was about to collapse of exhaustion. But he just kept going giving it more and more for the entire hour and a half.

Godflesh

The first day was almost over and I tried to decide which of last bands I was going to see. Carlton Melton, Count Raven or Soilent Green. I chose the latter, and well, the band and the crowd seemed to be as tired as I was. Ben Falgoust made excuses to the crowd that they were suffering from jetlag, but still I think they did a good show. It was a great ending to an awesome day.

Soilent Green

WE'RE OFF TO ROADBURN

Finally! At this very moment I'm packing my bags to head off to Holland in the morning. To Holland to do what? We're gonna get our doom on at the Roadburn Festival of course. We're going to see bands such as Sunn O))), Swans, Weedeater, Shrinebuilder, Candlemass, Master Musicians of Bukkake, Stone Axe, Ghost, Godflesh, Pentagram, Voivod and well, many more. We're gonna spend all our money on merch, records and beer.

To support us in our time of need, go to www.topfiverecords.se and buy some records while we're away. We won't process any orders while on the road, but your orders will be reserved for you. We've recently added loads of great records, go check them out.

ROADBURN SPECIAL ON RADIO TONIGHT

Tonight, on Netherlands' Majjem Radio there will be a four hour long Roadburn special. It's on at 21.00 CET and will include a one hour interview with Stephen O'Malley from Sunn O))) as well as music from the new Sunn O))) live album, "Agharthi Live 09-10", exclusive track from Void Ov Voices, a track from the forthcoming Master Musicians of Bukkake album, "Totem 3" and loads more Roadburn 2011 music.

You can listen to the stream here.

BUZZOV*EN CANCELS EUROPEAN TOUR

Buzzov*en has unfortunately cancelled their European tour, including their Roadburn performance.

From Roadburn.com

We are sorry to announce that Buzzov*en has cancelled their European tour for spring 2011. Kirk Lloyd is currently undergoing medical treatments which prevent him from touring. This has the very regrettable result of meaning the band will not appear at this years Roadburn festival. We really sympathize with you as we were all were looking forward to experience the band’s vitriolic riffs and rage-filled performance gracing the Roadburn stage.

“First off, we’d like to thank you all for your support over the last year. It was a warm welcome back to the arena and everyone in the Buzzov*en camp appreciated every minute of it. Now, on to the bad news. Unfortunately, Kirk is having some health issues that need to be resolved before he is able to tour again. Hence, it is with heavy hearts that we must announce the postponement of Buzzov*en’s European tour in April and our appearance at Roadburn.

We will have rescheduled dates booked and posted ASAP, and the fine folks at Roadburn have already been gracious enough to invite us to play next year’s event. Once Kirk has completed his treatments over the next several weeks, all should be well and he is expected to make a quick recovery, so the Maryland Deathfest and Hellfest appearances are both still on. soon. We’ll have another update for you shortly. Thanks for your understanding and continued support” –Buzzov*en.

We’re pleased to report that US doom legends Blood Farmers will be playing their first ever European show on Thursday, April 14th. The band is also slated to perform at the Afterburner on Sunday, April 17th. Both sets will be slightly different.

ROADBURN RUNNING ORDER FINISHED

The dreaded moment is here; the running order for this years Roadburn Festival is finished. You know with this festival, where you like, well, almost all the bands, that there's going to be some major clashes. The biggest one for me is probably that Shrinebuilder and Stone Axe play at the same time. Almost at least. If I leave the Shrinebuilder set 10 minutes before it's over, I can catch the last 30 minutes of Stone Axe.

I have a few weeks of hair pulling to make this work. But this is of course nothing compared to what the festival organizers must have felt when putting this together.

http://www.roadburn.com/2011/03/roadburn-festival-2011-the-running-order/

FINAL BAND TO ROADBURN CONFIRMED

Norway's Summon the Crows are confirmed to play at the Roadburn Festival. They will be a part of the day curated by Sunn O))). This completes the line-up for the 2011 fest. Now all we can do is wait for 14 April to come. By the way, Southern Lord will soon release the CD version of Summon the Crows' latest album, "One More For the Gallows".

In related news, Stephen O'Malley, Keiji Haino and Oren Ambarchi will perform the day before the festival at OCCII in Amsterdam. Be sure to go if you have the chance.

GRAVE MIASMA AND TRAP THEM TO ROADBURN

Both Grave Miasma and Trap Them has been confirmed to the Roadburn Festival in April. They will play on the day curated by Sunn O))). This means, by my count, that Sunn O))) has one more act to confirm, and then the line-up will be complete. And what a line-up!

By the way, the first image above is the official Roadburn artwork, made by David V. D'Andrea. Nice one!

A FEW MORE ROADBURN ACTS CONFIRMED

Yeah I know, it's been kind of slow over here at Top Five Records. I've been moving to a new apartment, and those things apparently takes some time. Anyway, here we go.

Ufomammut's 2010 album "Eve" was voted 'album of the year' by Roadburn.com visitors, and now they are booked to play said album in its entirely at this years festival. Why "Eve" wasn't mentioned on my 'Best of 2010' list? I have no excuse.

Ufomammut commented on Roadburn.com:

"Since our “Eve” album was voted best of 2010 by Roadburn readers, playing it at the upcoming festival will have a very special meaning for Ufomammut! It’ll be our chance to properly say thanks to all the people who have supported us throughout the years. See You in April!"

Sunn O))) has chosen two more acts to their curated event at Roadburn 2011. First up is Keiji Haino. Stephen O'Malley commented on Roadburn.com:

“We are nearly beyond words regarding the honour and pleasure of Mr. Haino accepting our invitation to perform at SUNN O)))s curated Roadburn.

One of our heroes, teachers and certainly masters will appear. We have been following Mr. Haino’s music and witnessing his incredible energy for many years now. The impression that this energies have made and can reflect upon us are undeniable.

It’s forming an super-real evening! Carlson, Brötzmann, Haino! High philosophers of the six strings”.

Next up is Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter. I'm really looking forward to seeing here perform. Such a voice! Stephen O'Malley commented on Roadburn.com:

“We are pleased to announce that our great friends in the Sweet Hereafter will be joining at Roadburn next April. Jesse Sykes is one of the most beautiful chanteuses of recent times, and our collaborations have been most interesting, beautiful and arcane in their essence. Full respect!

Also of note: The magister of Seattle: William Herzog operates as bassist in this outfit and must get honourable mention. Bill has played with O))) many times in the past years as well, including on SUNN O)))s first “comeback” show at SXSW in 2003!

Sweet Hereafter guitarist and co-leader Phil Wandscher is one of my favourite guitar players as well… and a close comrade, especially in all things ALTAR related. Another officer in the guitarist army of our curated day!”

YOB CANCELS EUROPEAN TOUR INCL. ROADBURN

Unfortunately Yob has cancelled their entire European tour of 2011. Which means that we won't be seeing them at Roadburn Festival either, where they were going to perform their entire 2005 album "The Unreal Never Lived". The Roadburn organizers are working hard on a replacement and says that they will have one by this Wednesday (the 12th).

Here's a statement from Mike Scheidt as published on Roadburn.com

“We regretfully must announce that YOB cannot appear at the Roadburn Festival in April 2011. We are heartbroken to not be in attendance. Roadburn 2010 was and is one of the highlight experiences of our lives, as a band and individually as people. We do intend to come to Europe sometime in 2011 and hope to be invited to Roadburn 2012. Until then we want to thank Walter, Jurgen, and everyone who makes this incredible event possible. We also wish to apologize to anyone who wanted to see YOB there this year. We promise you we will be back. Be Well – Mike S/YOB.

MAMIFFER TO ROADBURN

Another great band presented by the Sunn O))) boys. Last saw Mamiffer in Stockholm when they and Dälek opened for Isis. They're a live act you don't want to miss.

From Roadburn.com:

Mamiffer will be part of Sunn O)))‘s curated event at Roadburn Festival 2011, set for Friday, April 15th at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland.

Mamiffer, formed in the desert of California and realized in the forests of Seattle, is based around piano compositions of Faith Coloccia, formerly of Everlovely Lightningheart. Mamiffer’s debut album is titled Hirror Enniffer.

Mamiffer is a move away from a close collaborative process to one of solitary composition and exploration. A move to Seattle completed this process with a rotating cast of collaborators such as Aaron Turner (ISIS), Brian Cook and Chris Common (both from These Arms Are Snakes) providing arrangement, production and instrumentation.

EARTH TO ROADBURN - THE POSTER

We've previously reported that Earth will play at Roadburn, as part of the day curated by Sunn O))). The poster for the concert was nowhere to be seen back then, and we just wanted to share it with you.

The new album from Earth, "Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light: 1" will be out in February via Southern Lord. And yes, it's more amazing than you could hope for. Earth will also head out for a five week tour of Europe with Sabbath Assembly. A few UK dates has been announced, but there's still more to come.

http://thronesanddominions.com/

CASPAR BRÖTZMANN MASSAKER TO ROADBURN

Forgot to write about this, and I'm sure that you already know by now. But just to be sure, Caspar Brötzmann Massaker will play at Roadburn as part of the day curated by Sunn O))). Great news!

From Roadburn.com

Stephen O’ Malley comments: “Greg and I are proud and honored to announce that Caspar Brötzmann Massaker will be performing set during the Sunn O))) curated day at Roadburn Festival, April 15th 2011.  Brötzmann and his band have been a major source of inspiration on both of us over the years and we are very enthusiastic about the booking.”