One of Germany's most respected festivals, Euroblast is set to return for its ninth outing. Taking place from 29th Sept - 1st Oct 2017, this years' event is headlined by Devin Townsend Project, with a host of prog, djent and metal acts set to appear over the three day happening. Here we take a look at five of the best set to take to the stage.
Returning for its ninth year (and thirteenth occasion), tech-metal event Euroblast once again will play host to some of the top prog, djent and crossover bands from around the world. Set in the confines of the city of Cologne, Germany, its location is both picturesque and historic, and the perfect place to soak up the abundant technical metal vibes. To prepare for the festival eonmusic have assembled a list of our top five recommendations for bands not to be missed at Euroblast. Eight-string riffage in 5/7 time; Norrie Kivlehan.
Devin Townsend Project.
Whether intentional or not, Townsend and co are notorious for putting on a casual comedy show in amongst their gloriously upbeat musical spectacle. Since chatting to eonmusic in Belfast earlier this year, the Canadians have played at countless huge festivals all over the world, including a recent headline slot on the Prog in The Park stage at Ramblin’ Man Fair in Kent. One of the busiest bands on the circuit when it comes to touring, they know the ins and outs of how to put on a stellar performance, so it is no mystery as to why they are headlining Euroblast. Expect fun, fun, and the occasional improbable riff.
Devin Townsend Project.
Whether intentional or not, Townsend and co are notorious for putting on a casual comedy show in amongst their gloriously upbeat musical spectacle. Since chatting to eonmusic in Belfast earlier this year, the Canadians have played at countless huge festivals all over the world, including a recent headline slot on the Prog in The Park stage at Ramblin’ Man Fair in Kent. One of the busiest bands on the circuit when it comes to touring, they know the ins and outs of how to put on a stellar performance, so it is no mystery as to why they are headlining Euroblast. Expect fun, fun, and the occasional improbable riff.
Devin Townsend. Photo: Jamie Hunter.
Textures.
After 16 years on the go, with various line-up changes and five phenomenal studio albums released along the way, the guys in Textures have decided to call it a day. However, they’re promising one hell of a farewell party, and that includes a stop off at Euroblast for one of their last ever festival shows. Bringing their progressive melodic metal music to life with added atmospheric sounds, powerful riffs, and complex time signatures, the final touch of magic is supplied by Daniel de Jongh's mesmerising vocal approach. One band not to be missed before they go.
Exivious.
As with Textures, the fellow Dutch fusion-metallers are moving on to fresh pastures, following a career spanning the last 20 years. They may be nearing their end, but speaking to eonmusic earlier this year, guitarist Tymon Kruidenier was philosophical about the band’s approach; “it's the only art-form, in my opinion at least, that the musician is able to speak directly to someone’s heart”, he says. The band brings to the table an extremely complex array of compositions that somehow come together to make the perfect jazz sprinkled metal performances. Every note, and segment of each song has been given careful thought to bring to life an array of unusual and unexpected riffs, that just work together. No strangers to having a cult following, these guys will sadly be missed in the live show scene, but here is one last chance to catch them before they disappear.
After 16 years on the go, with various line-up changes and five phenomenal studio albums released along the way, the guys in Textures have decided to call it a day. However, they’re promising one hell of a farewell party, and that includes a stop off at Euroblast for one of their last ever festival shows. Bringing their progressive melodic metal music to life with added atmospheric sounds, powerful riffs, and complex time signatures, the final touch of magic is supplied by Daniel de Jongh's mesmerising vocal approach. One band not to be missed before they go.
Exivious.
As with Textures, the fellow Dutch fusion-metallers are moving on to fresh pastures, following a career spanning the last 20 years. They may be nearing their end, but speaking to eonmusic earlier this year, guitarist Tymon Kruidenier was philosophical about the band’s approach; “it's the only art-form, in my opinion at least, that the musician is able to speak directly to someone’s heart”, he says. The band brings to the table an extremely complex array of compositions that somehow come together to make the perfect jazz sprinkled metal performances. Every note, and segment of each song has been given careful thought to bring to life an array of unusual and unexpected riffs, that just work together. No strangers to having a cult following, these guys will sadly be missed in the live show scene, but here is one last chance to catch them before they disappear.
Exivious. Photo: Press.
Car Bomb.
The delightfully named Car Bomb drop by Euroblast amidst their European tour. All the way from New York, these Americans play mathcore; a fusion of metal and punk. With admirers in high places - Gojira's Joe Duplantier produced their most recent album ‘Meta’ – there is little doubt that these guys are going to bring a bona fide heavy show to this years’ festival. With down-tuned, crushing and chugging riffs reminiscent to that of Meshuggah, Car Bomb are sure to invite some odd-signature insanity to their show.
Andy James.
Having stepped outside of his band Sacred Mother Tongue to pursue solo work, English guitarist Andy James will lure a crowd with his spacey, yet crunchy, refined sound. Sticking directly to no particular genre of metal, James' instrumental guitar riffs and solos are sure to draw a crowd – if not for the catchy, up-beat sound, then surely for the musicianship.
Also due to appear over the weekend are The Algorithm, Uneven Structures, Twelve Foot Ninja, among many others. Euroblast has been praised as mainland Europe's biggest and most important festival when it comes to prog metal and djent, with an array of bands travelling from all over the world to attend. Given Euroblast XIII's line-up, this is one festival not to be missed for fans of more technical music.
For more on Euroblast, including full line-up details, and how to get there, visit the official Euroblast site.
Tickets for Euroblast 2017 are on sale now, with various options including with or without accommodation available HERE from €117.00.
The delightfully named Car Bomb drop by Euroblast amidst their European tour. All the way from New York, these Americans play mathcore; a fusion of metal and punk. With admirers in high places - Gojira's Joe Duplantier produced their most recent album ‘Meta’ – there is little doubt that these guys are going to bring a bona fide heavy show to this years’ festival. With down-tuned, crushing and chugging riffs reminiscent to that of Meshuggah, Car Bomb are sure to invite some odd-signature insanity to their show.
Andy James.
Having stepped outside of his band Sacred Mother Tongue to pursue solo work, English guitarist Andy James will lure a crowd with his spacey, yet crunchy, refined sound. Sticking directly to no particular genre of metal, James' instrumental guitar riffs and solos are sure to draw a crowd – if not for the catchy, up-beat sound, then surely for the musicianship.
Also due to appear over the weekend are The Algorithm, Uneven Structures, Twelve Foot Ninja, among many others. Euroblast has been praised as mainland Europe's biggest and most important festival when it comes to prog metal and djent, with an array of bands travelling from all over the world to attend. Given Euroblast XIII's line-up, this is one festival not to be missed for fans of more technical music.
For more on Euroblast, including full line-up details, and how to get there, visit the official Euroblast site.
Tickets for Euroblast 2017 are on sale now, with various options including with or without accommodation available HERE from €117.00.
