Hateful Chains

 Another Gig!

So we sent info about the up-coming Crimson Sun video to all of our contacts and guess what happened? Uma Obscura from Sweden replied and asked if we had a chance to come play at Uma Obscura festival on November 19th! And we did!

So how did I have this contact again? Well, it goes all the way back to 2018, when we played one of our first shows ever at Lumous Gothic festival. being a tiny band nobody knew yet, we played on the first day of the festival. The other members had another gigs the following day, so I was left alone to enjoy the festivals Friday shows. It was there that I met and spoke to people who had come from Umeå, Sweden, and of course it came up that they organize an alternative arts festival called Uma Obscura. After that I have been sending them messages and info of our coming releases every now and then, and it seems now was a good time and place to have us in Umeå. Sincere thanks for the opportunity!

In order to get to Umeå we either would have to fly or take the ferry from Wasa to Umeå. Ferry would be cheaper and better timetable-wise, but we would have to drive through the night from Turku to Wasa.  There was also the thing that some of us participated in a contemporary music festival in Turku just the preceeding week, and actually had a concert on Friday night. So we knew it would be a somewhat heavy trip. What wouldn't you do for music if you had a chance, though? So, the ferry and driving we chose.

After the Friday nights concerts a few hours of sleep, then packed our minimal instruments and luggage into the back of a tiny car and started for Wasa. Smooth driving, no elks or deer in sight, which is a common threat when driving during the night in Finland. Smoothly on to the boat, breakfeast and loads of coffee, a few hours of sleep and then off the boat. 

Umeå looked like a nice place, pretty much the size of Turku maybe. We were at the Umeå Folkets Hus a bit earlier than expected, so we had a tiny bit of waiting to do before it was our turn for soundchecks. Ample time to locate more coffee. We were the only ones using actual drums, so our drummer was bit on the edge about having everything he needed there. But no worries, all was set and done and come soundcheck- time, everything runs smoothly there too. So nice to be in the hands of pros! We of course got a sneakpeak of the other band's sets and were already eagerly waiting to hear and see all of it! The other bands being none other than Gallows Eve from Malmö and Priest!

So after soundcheck there was enough time and we had to use that for rest and refreshing after the long drive. But we also took the chance to visit Umeås famous Guitar Museum which happened to be exactly next to the Folkets Hus. Interesting visit, some peculiar gadgets and strange guitar models there. After eating and resting I basically spent my time getting ready with my face and attire. This time I chose just a simple dress to allow easy movement and accessorized it accordingly. In due time we located ourselves to the festival place and hung around in the back, tuned instruments, waited, and saw a part of Gallows Eves show. Really good and enjoyable, nice Goth Vibes! Exiting to go after them...

                                                                                                                                                                

The part of the show that I still haven't really figured out, is the entrance. It seems to go differently every time. This time we started with Acid Rain which has an intro, so there' s enough time to make it dramatic and whatever, but some how I decided to go on stage with everyone else and then there were these long awkward seconds before the show actually took off. I guess there is no right or wrong in this matter, but maybe I'd prefer some dramatics and structure in the entrance to the flattening of the mood and waiting game. Also because I'm not really one of a joker. 

But anyway, show was awesome and singing felt so easy. Like, no signs of sleep deprivation whatsoever, which I had been a bit afraid of. Everything worked, I could hear everything on stage, even the acoustic guitar somewhat. That seems to be an issue most of the time and at times I've had to rely on
sight while playing. But not this time, thanks to the people mixing!  

Before our own show we really had to focus on guitars being in tune and everything else you have to focus on before a show. So unfortunately we couldn't watch all of Gallows Eves show. But we did catch a few songs and they sounded great! Definitely a band to follow. After our performance there was Priest coming up, so the excitement didn't drop one bit! 

The whole band stayed to enjoy their show and it was really pro (which they are of course) and well- thought as a whole. Something for us to give a thought to... The priest's vocalist made even the speeches between the songs a part of the show, kept the same voice and didn't drop out of character, which I really admired. Also I think it might be a natural thing to do with a mask on. The vocalist moved in the crowd and put his hand on peoples heads to bless them. Unfortunately that was a bit of a trigger for me, given I've been raised in a conservative christian home and had my share of the christian charismatic movement. Sorry about that!

After this dramatic show there was talking to people and then, sleep! Sound and deep sleep. Next morning was a far more refreshing wake-up than the morning before. Breakfast at hotel, saying good byes and checking for every item before leaving for the haven. The journey home was a smooth one, except the weather had taken a turn for worse and there was a lot more snow than on the way there.  Luckily, no deer or moose anywhere, and we arrived safely home. 

End of report

Flora