Brutal Assault may not be the biggest festival when it comes to the European metal festival scene, but it still manages to maintain a strong lineup that attracts a whole lot of metalheads. This year the festival took place from August 9th until August 12th, 2023. Located at monumental Fortress Josefov – which is probably one of the best locations to host a metal crowd – it not only boasts the atmosphere of a heavy festival but also allows participants to cool down in its chilly nooks and corridors, or hide from rain as it did on the festival’s first day.
The festival’s first day started with bands like IMMOLATION, AGNOSTIC FRONT, SODOM, I AM MORBID, MESHUGGAH, and POSSESSED.
Kicking off the festival with force, I made my way to a performance that consistently delivers unwavering quality: IMMOLATION. Hailing from the United States, these death metal veterans took the stage to showcase their latest album, “Acts of God,” released just last year. Despite closing into their fifties, the stage energy they exude would lead you to believe otherwise. IMMOLATION‘s presence set an electrifying tone, a testament to the enduring power of their music and performance.
An essential live experience that cannot be overlooked is witnessing the godfathers of hardcore, AGNOSTIC FRONT, take the stage. Despite the passing of time, these guys continue to radiate the raw energy that defines hardcore. Their album “Get Loud!” from 2019 was still in the spotlight as they took the audience on a journey through their iconic sound, reminding us of the enduring power of their musical legacy.
When the stage is claimed by thrash metal, a surge of energy courses through the crowd, inducing sheer euphoria – a feeling that might make me slightly biased. However, when we’re talking about the quintessential German thrash giants, SODOM, you cannot be surprised. Their performances encapsulate the very essence of what we adore about live concerts. During their set, SODOM was actively promoting their album “40 Years at War – The Greatest Hell of Sodom,” a testament to their four decades of relentless musical prowess. As we moshed and thrashed to their performance, it was a declaration that the fire of their music would continue to blaze for another exhilarating 40 years.
Amidst the sentiments that humorously dubbed them a MORBID ANGEL cover band, there’s a candid truth we all share: the desire to witness I AM MORBID bring those iconic albums to life on stage. Led by David Vincent, the band embarked on a musical journey that celebrated the 30th anniversary of the monumental “Covenant” album. As the summer air resonated with their performance, it became abundantly clear that the allure of these albums endures, igniting our collective nostalgia and fueling our yearning for these iconic songs.
Djent, an acquired taste for musical connoisseurs due to its intricate heaviness and complexity, proves to be an engaging soundscape that even a layman can appreciate given its vast scope. MESHUGGAH, don’t exactly need extravagant stage antics or other crazy stage shenanigans – their music speaks volumes on its own.
Hailing from Sweden, MESHUGGAH was set to promote their 2022 release, the aptly titled “Immutable.” As I basked in the intensity of their performance, it became clear that certain elements remain unchanging in the best possible way.
HEILUNG don’t simply present concerts; they weave immersive live ceremonies that encapsulate the essence of their music. Their primal melodies resonate with the most fundamental instincts within us. If one is seeking an experience that transcends the ordinary, their performance is nothing short of extraordinary.
Sparing no expense, HEILUNG‘s stage sets are a marvel to behold. Complete with an astonishing array of actual trees, musicians, and warriors, their visual landscape mirrors the grandeur of their sound. The result is a seamless fusion of audio and visual elements, culminating in a sensory journey like no other.
Can we all collectively salute Jeff Becerra, a true embodiment of resilience and inspiration? Despite being paralyzed since 1989, he continues to grace the stage with his presence. Even after losing an eye last year, his determination prevails – proof of his indomitable spirit that fuels his performances.
As death metal pioneers, POSSESSED didn’t disappoint, delivering a grand spectacle as anticipated. Their performance served as a poignant reminder of their lasting impact on the genre. Promoting their 2019 album “Revelations of Oblivion,” they not only reaffirmed their musical prowess but also demonstrated the unwavering vitality of their artistic journey. With their awe-inspiring performance, POSSESSED fittingly wrapped up the first day of the festival for us.
Notes by Maria Sawicka, text by Laureline Tilkin
Photos by Maria Sawicka
