Every time we go to BRUTAL ASSAULT, we're filled with incredible emotions. This time was the same. Travel in a jolly bus, full of noise and metal music went surprisingly quick, what's more we've reached our place on time, which doesn't happen very often. Unfortunetly, when we've reached the place we've witnessed a hige line for acreditations, which lead us to lack of free hotel place for next year. Usueally we book it after arrival, but this year someone was faster... Well, life... Year after year more and more interested people comest there, in 2015 organizators estimated, that there should be around 30,000 maniacs, which was immidiately visible thanks to the ammount of metalheads storming the city. Jaromer became for four days a metal stronghold, totally dominated by maniacs of harder music. Putting this festival in Josefov stronghold is a paradise, perfect place for such an event.

This year there has been prepared a lot of attractions connected with celebrating 20th anniversary of the festival. Those, who remember the first editions for sure see, how monstrual is this event now, gathering maniacs not only from Europe. I love this atmosphere. I always meet a lot of friends there. Four days long party with metal as a headliner. I wish, that it could last for whole eternity. I'm surprised, that Czech can do inour "neighbourship"such a great event (and it's not the only one in this country), while here festivals are dead after 2-3 editions. It was like that for example with Metalfest, which started really well. Metalmania, one of the oldest festivals in our country stopped as well. What is going on? Are there on interested maniacs? The problem is for sure not the audience. It's enough to see how many metalheads from Poland visits Brutal Assault year after year, to make sure what I'm talking about. I wonder where's the problem and how to solve it? Well,let's leav this topic and focus on emotions connected with XX edition of Brutal Assault!

First day of festival, Wednesday, 5.08.2015

11:40 I think that we shouldn't avoid an interesting formation, which was unlucky enough to play at early morning hours. I won't lie- I've met for the first one RAMMING SPEED, only because of my friend's recomendation. Szymon, if you're reading this- I owe you a beer. It was worthy to wake up, as Ramming Speed appeared to be a pieace of great, thrash metal. Fast, very brutal, mixed with crossover woke me this morning much more effectively than morning coffee, I was drinking everyday near festiwal entrance. Full of power and aggression Americans had a small audience and shitty hour, yet still they've menaged to be natural and energetic, showing that they have this music in their blood. Dirty guitars fitted well with venomous vocals. How I regret, that I didn't knew Ramming Speed earlier... Luckily, I'm no longer making this mistake! WM

19:30 This day I've menaged to see legendary NUCLEAR ASSAULT, which I had a chance to see twice in couple of days. I couldn't miss this gig, especially that it was band's farewell tour, entitled "The Final Assault". Gentlemen, despite the fact that they aren't the youngest people anymore, have no mercy for themselves and gave a lot of energetic tharsh, played on world's highest level. I was pretty surprised, that thic concert was quite early. That's bad, because with all lights, smoke etc. it would be even better, but music itself defended just perfectly. The first one was "Rise From The Ashes", from monumental work "Survive". Total energy made a lot of people go crazy. Glenn hitted his drumkit, as he was 20 again. From time to time we could see a wave of his gray hair. After that it was time for "Brainwashed", from "Survve" as well. My face was so happy, as if I've won the lotterey. Erik Burke, guy who's the newest part of Nuclear Assault made a great job, perfectly filling John's guitar parts. "Brainwashed" is relatively slow song, compering to the rest of the songs in insanely tempos. Also, looking at Dan Lilker we've got the living evidence, that metal preserves. This guy looks the same, as 20 years ago. Maybe with some additional wrinkles.

Couple of moments later Dan introduced "New Song", this time from"Handle With Care". Under the stage moshpit grew bigger and bigger. Pure energy was coming from the speakers, spreading the madness across the audience. This song goes 100% well live, and first drumsticks were thrown into the audience. "Critical Mass", another song from "Handle With Care"- so far dream-setlist. Sound of guitar killed without mercy, crowd's aggresiont reached highest point. How many emotions are along with these old songs. Sometimes we miis John's red, long hair, but his voice didn't change even a bit. He still spread the destruction. I love this song, it's amazing. I didn't catch a break after "Critical Mass", and guys are already starting title song from "Game Over". It's amazing and shocking! Hard to velieve, that this song was created three decades ago. A lot of crowdsurders starts to travel across the audience, and "Game Over" fluently turns into "Butt Fuck". Dan started to force his throat and John changed him a minute later. Everything gets faster and and suddenly song lost it's tempto and turned into a blues- and than it get even faster couple of seconds later. What a destruction! After it there was a moment of silence, when everyone shouted "Nuclear, Nuclear, Nuclear!" Gentle guitar tuning as well suggested song from debut, so it was time for "Sin". Something wonderful, how many emotions can be woken by those songs! John's solo as always shows everyone where are their places, no mercy there! "Died In Your Arms", premiere song from single entitled "Pounder". Composition is opened by powerfull guitar riff. Unfortunettly, John's clean vocals doesn't fit really well here. Seconds later everything get back into good shape. Song has a big potential, but it sounded like it was written in a hurry. Something is missing there, although main riff is amazing. Echoes of good, old Nuclear are visible there, and even if song didn't throw me to my knees, I can't say it's a bad one. "Analogue Man In A Digital World" was another new song, this time there was more fire in it. "Wake Up" was another classic from "Handle With Care". Awesome feeling, everything went perfect and based on great riffs. After that it was timme for a massive attack, which was "When Freedom Fies". As it seems, this afternoon was dominated by songs from "Handle With Care". I don't think that anyone had anything against it, but I missed couple of more songs from"Game Over", "Survive" or succesfully avoided last years "Out Of Order" or "something Wicked". Crowd under the scene started crazy moshpit again. Where are these people taking all energy? Yes, I know- it's music that gives them wings. I've felt my neck for next two days, but that's metal, right?

Last moment to take breath and Dan announced three-song-long destrucion, "My America", "Hang The Pope" and "Lesbians". Of course, everything filled with deadly speed. These songs smashed audience violently. At the end, Nuclear Assault served us "Trail Of Tears", destroying everything that effectively, that there was nothing to pick up after the gig. It's amazing how many energy can this band take from the audience. For sure, we'll miss this gigs! LWS

21:05 First day seemed to be really interesting. I've seen TRIPTYKON four times already, and every gig gave me euphoric state of ecstasy. Remembering previous gig in Cracow, where I've heard for the first time HELLHAMMER's "Messiah", I was excited with a thought, that they may play it again. Darkness started to cover everything, and red light was putted on band's logo. Along with intro played from the speakers- that gave an amazing, diaboical impression. First song after musicians appeared on the stage was immortal "Procreation (Of The Wicked)", CELTIC FROST, from first mini LP "Morbid Tales". Heavy, much more massive version literally smashed into flor. Vanjaattacked bass strings wildely and constatly was banging her black hair. Powerfull vocals of Warrior, drawling every word gave me thrills. Everything was much slower than on original record, it literally smashed me. It was first song, and I was already having a legs made of cotton.

Next song came from TRIPTYKON's debut album and it's entitled "Goetia". Psychodelic intro step by step transformed into something infernally beautiful. There's a lot of darkness in this song. Warrior singing phrases "Satan, savior, father Lord, consturctor of my worl, Master, destoyer, redeemer, Guide me, I am the open wound" gives thrill of emotions. Green light with white, pointing relectors gave an additional spell to it. Santur's backing vocals made an exceent job here. Brutality connects with darkness. Thick drumparts of Norman Lonhard, with a lot of characteristic additions perfectly fills everything. Spooky riffs, especially in more tarry parts crushes with power so hard, that it's difficult to catch a breath. A lot is going on. It's even hard to say, when songs end, and it's not the shortest one. Eleven minutes long studio version was enlonged to over seventeen minutes.

Another CELTIC FROST's classic was "Circle Of The Tyrants", from band's second mini-LP. It's worth mentioning, that this composition appeared also on "To Mega Therion", in 1985 as well. Who doesn't remember this concert video, which MTC loved to play? Whole scene has drowned in infernal red. Atmopshere is getting harder and harder and after first tacts Warrior shouts his famous "ugh". Whole starts to get faster. How POWERFULL is this song! Riff after riff it's a rape on my soul! I feel madness ripping me from the inside, euphory, tears of joy, ecstasy. If I could, I'd fly over the crowd and go straight to hell. After these songs I already new, that nothing could overshine this wondefrul performance.

After that there was a moment to take breathe, while crowd was shouthing band's name, hundreds of hands raised into the air and screames cuttd through the air. Warrior thankd everyone, blue light filled whole scebe. Tom announced "Tree of Suffocating Souls", from the last TRIPTYKON album "Melana Chasmata". Fast, intensive parts, mixed with smashing heavyness of downtuned instruments left bloody pieces of human meat. That's one one the fastest songs in the setlist, which sounds like CELTIC FROST, which shouldn't be surprise to anyone. It's worth to mention Santur's guitar solo, which was the piece o good work, with orienta scales succesully filling all the space.

And there slowly started "Altar of Deceit", from "Melana Chasmata" as well. Very massive, heavy song with sick atmosphere. Warrior's possessed screams, completed by powerfull, deep vocal are like nails coming under listener's skull. Grim and evil song is very suggestive, gives some kind of undefined worry and subconscious fear. There's something mega-archaic there, something primaly evil. Everything pulses with power of ancient magic. After that my dark dream came true: Warrior announced song from repertoir smelling like rotting cadaver and decay: HELLHAMMER! "Messiah" started, and the stage turned into infernal torand. Vanja on one side, Santura on the second- both banging their heads like maniacs. I can't believe, that I've heard "Messiah" live for another time. It's like travel back in time to "Satanic Rites" from 1983. Concert was ended by "The Prolonging" from "Eparistera Daimones". Stage once again was filled by red color. More and more darkness came with every tact of music, which ripped listener's guts. After this concert I was annihilated. I don't know f anything will be able to massacre me like this. It was pure Mysterium of Evil and Darkness. LWS.

00:10 After the concert that happened two years earlier I had big expectations about MAYHEM. Unfortunettly, this time I was extremely disappointed. Even if guys were playing with two guitarists, they couldn't reach destruction level, which was created by only one of guitar operated by Blasphemer. Toloch and Hedger couldn't give Mayhem's power even in the most classic songs Attila this time propably took too much psychoactive things. Sometimes he was absent at the concert. He was there only with his body, his spirit flew away to some distant place.

"Silvester Anfang" from cult MLP "Deathcrush" started the evil mysterium, purple light was putted on white MAYHEM logo. Cadaveric atmosphere influenced crowed with dark sounds. At the back, behind the altar builded from human skulls and bones sat almost invisible Hellhammer. Smoke covered the scene, and a moment later rest of the band appeared and it was time for "Deathcruch". attila, dressed in uniform, with human skull as a prop screamed like a possessed one. Despite the fact, that it could be better, everything was correct. Attila, standing bhing the altar announced "Symbols of Bloodsword"- grim and misanthropic intro with clean vocals turned into storm of brutality. Hellhammer reached speed of light, but guitars didn't sounded very clear. They didn't have this kind of power, as we can hear on album. Attila looked like a ghost, standing on the alter, playing in theatrical way with skull and vomiting grim voices, as if he's been possessed by whole legion of demons. Sick guitars connected with madness in vocals did good job, although I think that with every next song Attila went further and further away. "To Daimonion" live didn't buy me. And I think that I wasn't only one- people near the scene didn't start any madness. It's too sick and twisted music to give energy to the crowd. After last sounds Attila left from behind the altar telling everyone "good FUCKING evening", and after short monologue he annonced "My Death". Red color covered the scene, sick sounds started to take an impact on listerens. Attila was playing with gallow's rope, looking somewhere into the fog, which seemed to be covering his eyes even more. I don't know, maybe it's another song, which isn't well for a concert? Everything sounded like it's forced to play, without power and guitar solo was just a shame. Whole gig started to loose power. It wasn't the best setlist ever. After one moment needed to tune Necrobutcher's bass Atilla announced another classic- "Carnage". Cadaveric green and purple covered the scene. This song cheered me up a bit, although it still was played far from perfection. Surprisingly Necrobutcher's bass sounded well. Actually- he saved the gig, because guitars sounded very bad. It's hard to believe, that two guitarist are unable to play what Blasphamer was doing alone on Mayhem's gigs.

Atilla was makingmore and more unarticulated noises, as if he's been possessed by some kind of Kandahar demon. In "Illuminate Eliminate" sickness is getting stroner, Attila's voicec are more and more insane. Unfortunettly- it's another song, that didn't go well live. Luckily, after those psychotic sound it was time for a classic- "Chainsaw Gutsfuck", with clear bass buitar. Smoke and red light covered the scene. And I was shocked- even this song didn't sound well! Euronymous is propably moving in his grave. Zero energy, everything is forced to play. Another classic, "Freezing Moon" went much better, although it's not an easy thing to play Euronymous' riff. Listening to this song gives thrills- you can feel wind of death, decay of rotting corpses in old forgotten tombs and moon eye of the beast shining on a black sky. This song was the strongest part of concert, but it's mostly due to composition itself and Dead's fenomenal lyrics.

Bend left the stage, with sounds reminding of horror soundtrack in the background. Atilla was making some infernal noises and suddenly there was time for an attack. "De Mysteriis Dom sathanas" spreads deadly massacre. Hellhammer was playing on drums like he was attached to nuclear reactor. Tired of pain and sickness voice of Attila started to be more and more evil in this song, like if he was constantly transforming from one demon to another. This song sucessfully recompensated couple of bad songs, which lowered gig's value. Finally MAYHEM woke from hipnotic sleep. Another shot: "Pure Fucking Amrageddon". Attila was wearing his cult cape in that moment. Everything ended with scream, sound of possession and drums played faster than light. LWS.

 

Second day of festival, Thursday, 6.08.2015

14;05 I've always wanted to see live masked freaks from Sweden, playing under the name DR. LIVING DEAD!. And my wish came true. Bastard son of Suicidal Tendencies and Nuclear Assault entered stage of Brutal Assault this year. And what can I say- they war powerfull!! Energy, appeareance, sound- DESTRUCTION. Even despite the fact, that Dr. Mania didn't sing everything perfectly, concert itself was perfect. Well, previous album, "Crush The Sublime Gods" is deffinitly a good material to be played live! Wild mosh and crazy maniacs under the stage. It's impressive, that despite that heat, Doctor decided to make everything hotter and gave a hell to thrash maniacs! Madness reached it's highest point, when band played title song from "Radioactive Intervention". Bands like Dr. Living Dead shows, that classic's legacy is still strong, and will live through the ages. From the other hand- it's impressive how guys survived in masks during that heat ;) WM

17:45 I have never been fan of ARCTURUS, but I've always have much respect for incredible skills of musicians creating that band. I decided to check out how this band goes live. Too bad, that they've played pretty early, loosing a lot from it's theathricallity. Darkness, lights and smoke are elements, which would with this concert a way better, than sunny heat, which was merciless to everyone. As well- setlist didn't appeared to be the best one, and new arrangements of old classics were terrible idea. A lot of people after this concert left disappointed.

18:35 After I've seen TRIPTYKON at the first day, I thought that nothing will surprise me anymore. I was wrong, and after ASPHYX show, I quickly changed my mind.

Gig itself stared pretty bad for me. This time I couldn't get fotopass acreditation, so I needed to take photos from the crowed. When I've took my place within safe distance from the scene, I couldn't expect, that moshpit will grow so qucikly, and it hitted me, along with stairs I was standing on. I've lost my balance, fell and broke camera's lens. Despite that, what I've seen and what I've heard recompensatetd me this. ASPHYX next to TRIPTYKON was the best gig of XX edition of Brutal Assault. And who cares, that theyve played in the sun, without smoke or lights? Music itself smashed everyone.

Moment after Martin thanked all fans, that came to the gig, there was a time for the first song- well known and liked "Vermin", from the very beggining attacked with unstopable force. After it there was perfect "Scorbutics", when all heads started to bang to the rhytm. It was impressive. Suddenly, I realized, that I was in the middle of the pit, which was moving with a force of enraged tornado. For the moment I've lost contact with reality, but when there was a time for "Death The Brutal Way" I enjoyed the gig again. There was more and more people, and total hell started under the stage. Martin gave us couple of moments to take breathe, when he made a toasts and said good thing about Czech beer. But after that, band started to play again, like perfect warmachine they've made destruction by "Into The Timewaste". Pit under the scene started to become more and more dangerous and powerfull. After that it was a time for another metal anthem- "Deathhammer".

Total massacre! Rocking song goes really well on concert. The same as coming from debut "The Rack" song "Wasteland of Terror"- total death march. Audience didn't slow down for a moment, which gave band a satisfaction- Martin was looking at it with a joy in his eyes. Another devastation act was "Asphyx the Forgotten War", played with no mercy. Tar coming from speakers smashed into the ground. Another strong hit was title song from "The Rack". How powerfull s that! On the very end they've played title song from Asphyx's second album- "Last One On earth", smashing me into the ground. This concert burned a mark on my soul. It's amazing, how great can this band be on concert. I'm sad, that ASPHYX didn't have much time. I wanted more and more, but festivals got it's law. LWS

19:25 ENSLAVED in compare to ARCTURUS played way better concert. Everything here was expressive and what's more- they've sounded way heavier, than they do on albums. There were some smashing songs. Too bad, that much of the setlist were new songs. Only classi there was „Allfáðr Oðinn”, from second demo entitled "Yggdrasil". Songs from "Vikingligr Veldi" or "Frost" were missing. Nevertheless, set wasn't bad, we've heard titles like „Thurisaz Dreaming”, „Fusion of Sense and Earth”, „Building With Fire”, „As Fire Swept Clean the Earth” or „Ethica Odini”. Performence yet let me wth big insufficiency. Maybe if band would have more time, we could hear also my favourite songs? LWS

20:20 Swedish Death Metal is always waking strong emotions in me. I was awaiting this concert with big curiosity, especially, that I haven't seen BLOODBATH live before. I was so curious how they were going to sound. Especially when it comes to compositions from last album, "Grand Morbid Funeral", which smashed me without mercy.

When first sounds of the intro began and red filled the scene I've felt the thrill of emotions. At the beggining they've played "Let The Stillborn Come to Me", from last record. Classic, swedish guitar sound hit from the beggining with full force. Another song came from "Grand Morbid Funeral" as well, and it was "Mental Abortion". So far setlisted did well. Next shot between the eyes was "So You Die" from "Ressurection Through Carnage". Massive, very heavy guitar sound connected with Nick's grim voice made impression. On "Breeding Death" some problems with guitar amp appeared, what cause death metal machine to loose it's power a bit. Well, thing like this happens to everyone. Nick did his best to entertain audience, who understood whole situation. After couple of minutes this song came back (perfect composition by the way). Next hits were "Anne" or fenomenal "Cancer Of The Soul". Band still had problems with guitars and outside it started to get darker, which made gloomy atmosphere stronger. Each another song made atmosphere more and more spooky, "Weak Aside", than "Unite In Pain" or "Like Fire" were other strong hits. Finishing everything "Eaten" was perfect final. Despite technical difficulties, this gig made an amazing impression. LWS

21:15I realize, that BIOHAZARD is a formation, which doesn't fit magazine's profile in 100%, but we can't deny that Thursday on Brutal Assault belonged to them. Biohazard's hardcre legend was build mostly on amazing gigs. And it's time to realize how wrong was everyone, who crossed out this group after departure of Evan Seinfeld. Billy Graziadei still hold this band and shows who's the boss here! And bless this guy for that! For that, and for amazing contact with audience, even better setlist and overwhelming power. Ground shaked, when audience jumped into the rhytm of Biohazard's songs. And band did everything to make it even more intense. Personally, I'm a big Biohazard fan, and I was shocked to see what was going under the scene. What's more- setlist was based on "State Of The World Adress" and "Urban Discipline". Do I really have to add anything? Billy was in amazing vocal conditions. Whole band in general sounded, like they were in their top form now. Maybe last studio albums aren't that good, but for sure I can't deny how strong Biohazard is live. When they played "Down For Life" or "Tales From The Hard Side" it seemed like it was a fight for survival in the pit. Personally I find Biohazard the best band of that day. WM

22:15 Oh, Cannibals had a pretty difficult situation to enter the stage after Biohazard. Hardcore guys set level really high, event for death metal legends. Did CANNIBAL CORPSE menaged to be stronger than previous band? No. With all my respect and good memories for this powerful group- their show was just medium. Of course, material is strong itself, especially that last album, "A Skeletal Domain" is really good. But seeing Cannibal Corpse couple of times made me realize- it's only a machine. Playing everything precisely from A to Z, but losing somewhere it's naturality and power, which makes gigs so special. And what Biohazard had. Cannibals without problems reached level of brutality and violence known from CDs. There were couple of classics, and of course Corpsegrinder's famous talks, known from bad jokes. I'm sure, that group fans were delighted, especially those seeing them for the first time. Unfortunettly, I've seen Americans couple of times before, and I get sad, that once again I've felt like listening to record, but nothing more. WM

23:20 KREATOR in my eyes is from the long time a fallen legend. First albums had been a milestones in metal history. Each song perfect and everything damn aggressive. But from a decade? Nothing speciall, let's face the truth- weak albums. And this tendencie had been finalized by terrible and unlistenable "Phantom Antichrist". What can I say? Exactly that's what we've seen on concert. While it was time for classics like "Flag Of hate" or "Pleasure To Kill"- blood and destruction. Everything played perfectly and agression of material defended itself. New songs? Boring and nothing special, here are melodies, here uninteresting parts...yawn. Kreator setlist was builded mostly on new songs, and mixing them with classics gave even stronger feeling of contrast. Mille wasn't in his best vocal form, guitar sounded to gently as well. What's more, they've tried to save the gig by using special effects. Come on, confetti? On Kreator? This Kreator, who recorded "Endless Pain" Years Ago? What the fuck? What more can I say. Kreator have even stronger image of fallen legend in my eyes now. I just hope, that someone will invent time machine, so we'll be able to put Petrozza there. This guy needs to be reminded of how he played in past years. WM

00:20 I need to say honestly, that ANNIHILATOR's concert I've seen from behing, while I was half-dead from tiredness. Nevertheless, it made a good impression on me. Very smooth way of playing their material. Similar to Cannibal Corpse, we had there band, which played precisely everything from A to Z, but Waters appeared to be a greatt frontman as well and he immiediately conquered audience's hearts. Here was a joke, here some accurate comment... Guy knew perfectly, what he wanted to say. Setlist was good as well, songs from debut album weren't missing. Jeff turned to be great singer as well. I regret, that I didn't pay more attention to this concert, it deserved for it for sure. If Annihilator played couple of hours earlier, for sure I would count it to festival's highlights. WM

Third day of festival: Friday7.08.2015

14:10 Brasilians from KRISIUN had been playing with the weather typical for their homeland- heath from the sky was unbelievable, which made the shadow the most required source. Unbroken Krisiun yet entered the stage to do their job. Perfect from A to Z. Murderous precission and heavyness, connected with strong sound made brothers' performance as good, as always. The fact, that formation's last album had been incredible made me expecting even more. And they've made it. During "Combustion Inferno" crowd was taken by pure madness, death metal's force fought with temperature and it's won. I admire band for showing such a power in this weather. Personally, I've watched most of the set under the wall, fighting for shadow. Too bad, that group which presented their incredible form on Brutal assault not for the first time have mut such a horrible weather. WM

At 17.45 there was a time for festival's black horse- BRUJERIA. I've expected a nice gig, but I didn't thought that they were be so strong. Great musical work, perfect show... Jaromer's stronghold has been transformed into enormous mexican camp, under the command of masked musicians, armed with machetes. Strongest point of concert was "Matando Gueros", where madness hitted every listened. A bit earlier bloodbath started to sounds of "Anti-Castro". Perfect form of band, connected with naturality on scene and great imige appeared to be a jackpot. Waving machetes, Pititis dancing and spanish ceremonies made an incredible atmosphere. As well as perfect was "Marijuana" at the end, which made even the most grim guys to be taken to interesting, but a bit less metal fun :) WM

20;20 In the evening there was a time for festival's turning point- gods of grindcore, NAPALM DEATH themselves. I'll be honest- since forever I'm band's maniac, and I know what they can do live. And along with my expectations- it was the best and the most brutal point of whole festival. From starting "Everyday Pox", through following "When All Is Said and Done" Napalm destroyed. Even Mitch wasn't that missed, as they had a good replacement. Pure perfection. Mosh growned into enormous size and reached the apogeum of brutality. Barney with his crew just made everything even more intense, as they've put all killers in the setlist- "Scum", "Suffer the Children", there was litereally everything. What's moer, songs from new "Apex Predator- Easy Meat" went well live too, which shouldn't surprise anyone, as this album is wonderful. It's always worth mentiong what Barney is talking to the audience- it's a well known fact, that this guy is smart as hell and he has something to say, so between the songs he calmly tried to explain what he wanted to express in his lyrics. Really mature and classy guy. Unfortunetlly, it couldn't be that beautiful. In the middle of the gig all sound went down. Band gave it's best, trying to keep a good attitude and play in current conditions, but it was far beyong saving and they were forced to quit the stage before the time. Too bad, because even this painfully shorted performance showed their class and probed, that nobody is as good live, as Napalm Death. WM.

20:50 That year's set of bands playing under the tent had couple of strong accents. One of this was performance by Greeks from DEAD CONGREGATION, who gave true hell. Even despite the short set, it's intensivity forced listeners to find all reserves of energy. Brutally played death metal effectively spreaded destruction and scene was constantly in red light, which reminded of the true Inferno.

21:15 Another great gig! Brasilian legend showed it's class. Unlike shamefull concert of Max's Soulfly- SEPULTURA smashed into the ground. First of all- good setlist, full of classics and retrospective looks into the past. "Arise", "Troops Of Doom", "Inner Self" or other classics hasn't been missd. Nice surprise was for example "From Past Comes The Storm" or "Biotech Is Godzilla". Except for that- great condition of musicians: Kisser as always was full of virtuozery, Casagrande beyond the drums is a killing machine. Derrick also made it pretty well. Great complement of whole was a good lighting work, which made Sepultura's gig look monumental and gave huge approval from the audience. One of best gigs, even despite the fact, that they've antered the scene, where Napalm Death already showd it's class. WM

22:10 I was really curious, to see CANDLEMASS, especially that this time behind the microphone there was supposed to be knows from "Chapter VI" Thomas Vikstrom. I was curious, how classic Candlemass songs will sound with his vocals. So far I've seen band with Messiag Marcolin and Robert Lowe, so I've wondered how compering to these gentlemen Thomas will sound. And I need to tell, that this year's gig blowed me into the pieces.

Not only because it was played perfectly and Thomas sounded like a phenomen, but also setlist fullfilled my dreams. Starting from "Mirror Mirror" from monumental "Ancient Dreams", than "Bewitched" from "Nightfall". After those two I had legs made of cotton. After athat there was time from "Black Dwarf" and than "A Cry From The Crypt", from "Ancient Dreams" as well. After this songs it was hard to put myself together, and it wasn't the only ones for that night. There was also "Emperor Of The Void" and songs from "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus", from that album we could hear "Under The Oak" or "Solitude", which ended the gig. After that ammount of doom metal it was hard to put myself together again, and even destpite lack of couple songs, setlist was amazing. LWS.

23;25 DEATH TO ALL gave me always strong emotions. Fact of seeing in action Gene Hoglan and Steve DiGiorgio, which is the best deathmetal rhytm section in the world was exciting enough to made me see this gig. I won't even mention fact of listening DEATH's music live. And even if Max won't ever replace Chuck Schuldiner, thanks to DEATH TO ALL we can take delights from phenomenal music of that legendary band. It's also worth mentioning, that DEATH TO ALL playing concerts collects money for musicians battling cancer. It's king of action, that's worth supporting. First song of that evening was "The Philosopher" from immortal "Individual Thought Patterns". Impressive, how many emotions can give this songs.. Powerfull sound was breathtaking. I've felt DiGiorgio's pulsing bass in my inside, and Max made it well with Chuck's vocal parts. After this warmup there was time for "Leprosy/Left To Die". Perfect way of playing this compositions gave a lot of joy. Power closed in this songs hit until today. Way thinner Gene was hitting drums with incredible easily. Skill of this musicians is the world championship! Guitar solos were amazing, and playe with a lot of finesy.

Anthems like "Suicide Machine" or "Overactive Imaginations" has been played, after Steve's longer announcement. There it was time for "Spiritual Healing/Withing The Mind", "Symbolic" and it wasn't end of what band prepared for that night. There was cult song from DEATH's debut album "Scream Bloody Gore", which was "Zombie Ritual/Baprized In Blood". That's what I've been waiting the most. Gene played like possessed. Somewhere under my skin I've felt pressence of Schuldiner's spirit. It was hard to say, that author of these memorable compositions isn't alive anymore. At the end there was presentation of DEATH TO ALL line up, and than "Crystal mountain" How good was that gig! Wonderfull! LWS

00:40 For TOXIC HOLOCAUST concert I've waited with big unpatience, especially that I've seen this band only once before. They were playing in Wrocław and made an overwhelming impression back there.

Concert was bega from jumpy "Metal Attack". What's interesting-Joel this time was operating bass, instead of guitar as he usually does. This way or another- it didn't make a difference, as everything ripped off head. Played intensively "Wild Dogs" made crowd move. "Awaken The Serpent" is another song, which makes blood faster. Another song was a bit over two minute"MK-ultra" from "Chemistry Of Consiousness". There was no mercy there, everything was filled with power, like nuclear mushroom minutes after explosion. When I've seen TOXIC HOLOCAUST in Wrocław, they've played in different line-up which shouldn't surprise anyone, as Joel creates music himself. He just needs couple of additional hands to play it all live.

On the gig hits like "I Am Disease" from "Conjute and command", perfect "War is Hell", "666" ir insaely fast "In The Name of Science" hasn't been missed. Intensive and merciless set forced maniacs under the stage to sweat like hell. I couldn't rest after "In The Name Of Science", when like a bucket of boiling oil "Reaper's Grave" hitted me. Death dance didn't slow down, fueled by infernal power. "Death Brings Death" gave me some kind of surprising energetic boost. Damn catchy song! I don't know how Joel is doing this, but his compositions can easily take over the crows. They've played "Endless Armageddon"- and what was going on there! There was time for "Gravelord", "Acid Fuzz" and title song from "Hell On Earth", and it wasn't the end soon! We still heard "silence", or mindsmashing, my favourite "The Lord Of Wasteland". After such a noise it was another shot-"Nuke The Cross". At the end there was a time for "Bitch". I wish more metal armageddon, as it was one of the best gigs of festival. That's how you're supposed to play true METAL. LWS.

Fourth day of festival: Saturday, 08.08.2016

 

14:10 Chilean PROCESSION was another strong point of XX BRUTAL ASSAULT. Even during the daylight, band gave solid portion of doommetal madness. They've played in three-people line up. Started effectively from devastating "Destroyers Of The Faith". Even despite a bit lazy audience, I've felt thrills of emotions. High, a bit histerical vocal of Claudio Botarro Neira fitted well music, a bit candlemassish atmosphere emaneted with majestic force. Janas Pederon's guitar parts are something unforgetable.

"Like a Plague Upon The Earth" was another part of mayhem. Much faster, but not without some slowe parts songs, which can really made a mess. Uno Bruniusson hitted his drumkit without mercy and storm of his hair was rising and falling constatly in the rhytm of his parts. This songs have a lot of rhytm changes, from very fast songs tu bonecrushing rollers. There was another toast to the audienc and announcement of phenomenal "Raven of Disease" from 2009's EP "The Cult Of Disease", inspired by Candlemass and Black Sabbath. At the end there was great "To Reap Heavens Apart" I regret, that bands like Procession didn't have a chance to play longer set. I was a bit hungry after setlist. I hope, that I'll hear them again, and this time they'll play more of their great music. LWS

 

15:30 RATOS DE PORAO were another black horse and one of festiwal's biggest gems. Sewer Rats are difficult to be seen in Europe, and in the same time they're one of the most interesing and the best bands from South America. With incredible curiousity I was awaiting this gig. And I wasn't disappointed. Punk aggresiveness with metal violence. A lot of energy and precission, everything was like crazy! Boka looked like h was about to drop dead behing his drumkit, but he made his job without mistakes. Huge Gordo was screaming into heavens. There was "Crucificados Pelo Sistema" or "Anarkophobia"- classical, violent and powerfull. Despite the heath, mosh didn't stop even for a second. What gig was that! I just regret, that Ratos De Porao didn't have another hour for their gig. It's worth mentioning, that Rats sounded perfectly, which gav more dirt and aggression. Everything as it was supposed to be. I hope, that this legend will visit us again, as I can't imagine missing their gig in the future. WM

 

22:15 What a wonderfull ending of my personal festival's set. New AT THE GATES album is one of the best records of 2015, and their performence at Brutal Asssault couple of years ago destroyed me. So I had a lot of expectations for this one. And they were filled- great setlist and great performance. From classics like "Windows", "Blinded By Fear" or "Nausea", till the newer songs and monumental way of ending everyting- "Night Eternal". Power, heaviness and dark atmosphere... this gig could take listener somewhere far into other reallity, and knock out with it's heaviness in the same time. It's worth to mention, that this gig sounded great as well. What's more- fact that At The Gates played during the night gave them additional atmosphere boost. Phenomenal, one of the bands, that I could watch everyday. Delight, that this gig gave me defeated all the festival tiredness. I haven't seen any concert after them, but I'm pretty sure, that nobody could bit Thomas Lindberg and his crew that night! WM

 

00:25 One of the strongest acts of last day was without any doubts VADER, which showed true skill and class. That's how classic Death Metal should be played. Coming to this gig I was hoping, that this time I'll hear songs from demo "Necrolust/Morbid Reich". It didn't happen, but I don't have any reasons to complain, as gig went perfectly anyway. There was "Wings" from "Litany", and than "Abandon All Hope" and "Silent Empire" from "De Profundis". In concert this song is a slaughter. "Triumph Of Death" from new Vader's work was one of the strongest points there, after that it was "Decapitated Saints" from "Welcome To The Morbid Reich". Vader took no prisoners, big mass of people taken by madness pulsed near the stage in the rhytm of Peter's punches. This song gos 666% well live. "Hexenvessel" was another song from band's new album. How powerfull, amazing that! There was another shots: "Cold Demons", after that "Carnal", but true emotions were about to begin. Here was "Dark Age", after that "Sothis". Band said goodbye to the audience by "Halleluyah (God Is Dead)". As I said, it was a good gig, but I've missed tasty songs from band's earliest period. LWS

01:15 After VADER, where I was insane near the bareers I still needed to watch british ESOTERIC. I knew what to expect here, but what I've seen has crossed my expectations. I've never heard such an ammount of tar comming rom the speakers. Tiredness after this four intensive days for sure affected way I've picked up this gig. Nevertheless, I didn't feel boredom, but incredible anxiety. This sounds lowered listener to the floor. I've never seen them before. I've missed their gigs twice, including Wrocław's one, where I've heard they played well. So was this time. ESOTERIC fulfilled my expectations in 100%. It's hard to think what would happen, if Winter would hit the stage. LWS

XX Brutal Assault review has been made b

 

Leszek Wojnicz-Sianożęcki & Wojciech Michalak