I only see a couple of songs from openers, Dot Legacy. Immediately, I’m struck by their energy in large doses from this French crew whose influences include tonight’s headliners. Thick riffs come flying, there’s guitarists leaping all over the stage…I think I’ll need to make time to check out their full set in future. I’m on my way to interview the mighty Truckfighters, so have to cut this set short…but we’ll be back.
I make it back to the main room in time for the last few songs for second band, Deville. These guys blast out some serious riffage. Stoner in style but not so down tuned, it’s a serious head banging display with big, clean chords with loads of passion. They manage to really get the crowd fired up. Again, another one to keep up the sleeve.
I’ve so much expectation based off new album “V”. This is my first Truckfighters gig and having been fortunate enough to chat with Niklas “Dango” Hällgren beforehand, I’m pumped to see them come out on stage. Straight away, it’s pure energy. The word “infectious” doesn’t cut it. These guys have the crowd eating out of their hands from the get go. Dango is a machine while Oskar “Ozo” Cedermalm has a voice purely made for stoner metal with plenty of John Garcia style delivery whilst smashing away on his bass.
The opening salvo is purely smooth, with “Mind Control” getting the crowd warmed up nicely. New songs “The Contract” and personal fave “Gehenna” blend in so seamlessly that the heaving crowd don’t have a moment to breathe. All the while, the stage is just a sea of activity – it’s 100% foot to the floor rock but there’s sudden twists with moments where you take a step back and see that these guys have a command of reflective, progressive, sometimes space rock beauty that make you think “wow”.
The set seems to run through too quickly because you can’t help but be entranced. The encores are huge extended displays in the grand tradition of Led Zeppelin with giants like “Mastodont”. There’s an obvious enjoyment from the band and a relaxed confidence in their improvisations. Closer, “Desert Cruiser” is propulsive, irresistible and simply chunky. Bodies fly through the air and sweaty blokes making their way from the front with the “that was wicked” look in their eyes…yeah, my first Truckfighters gig…don’t think it’ll be my last.
(Johnny Zed)
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