Ed & Rocco's, Geleen
I've said it before, I say it now and I'll say it in the future as long as needed: "the Dutch metal scene is more alive than ever and really deserves some serious (international) attention!". It’s cool that after so many years of American and Scandinavian domination other countries like Denmark and France are blooming up! Talented bands that acted beneath the underground surface are getting a chance to have a glimpse beyond their homeland boundaries. I think it should only be a matter of time until more talented bands from countries like for example Italy and The Netherlands will get that chance as well!
Saturday the fourth of November was a nice living prove that there are talented bands around with strong own material. With two Dutch thrash acts on the bill and a case-load of beer the Saturday night couldn’t go wrong at rockacfe Ed&Rocco’s in Geleen.
State:Chaos is a new band that was formed early 2006, but existing of experienced members one can expect a tight and solid sound. Co-owner of the bar, Rocco (ex-Callenish Circle, ex-Chemical Breath, ex-Form), who plays the guitar, already warmed us up times before this show by playing some home-recorded songs. With the tonight’s gig being their first one live together, many people where very curious about how it would turn out. Well, the overall reactions during and after it where absolutely positive! With a sound strongly based in Scandinavian new-school thrash like The Haunted, added with some old-school US thrash and some death metal elements the band worked their way through a furious set of own material. I was pleasantly surprised by the playing of all members on all fronts. Drummer Martijn (Desensitised) and bassist Maurice (ex-In Memoriam, Existenz) delivered a firm band technically skilled core on each song. Guitarists Rocco and Mischa came up with creative, interesting riffs that sounded very vivid and tight as Japanese eye-lids! Singer Remco (Infuriate) did an excellent job as well with his powerful grunts and occasional screams, although a bit more variation in his vocals could give just a bit extra to the songs I guess. The performance-attitude from all members was pretty energetic and it made clear they did not come to talk, but thrash! After eight songs the show was over. State:Chaos can look back on a very cool first gig and I think everyone should check this band. People who are interested should check out the band’s web and my space site or wait a while, because the band will hit the studio in December to record a four-track promo cd called “Ashes of Misery”! You can watch a live-clip from the song "From the Grave", filmed on this night, at http://www.myspace.com/edenroccos.