Haggard, Club Quantic, 26.10.2018

I don’t even remember how many times I’ve seen this amazing band live, I’ve lost count. But every single time, no exception, it was a magical night and what I do remember is the feeling of absolute happiness at witnessing something so awesome. But first, a few words about the opening bands. 

We didn’t catch much of Eternal Silence because apparently no matter how many times we go to Quantic Club, we just can’t seem to get right that exit to the left. And backtracking takes precious time, and they played for only half an hour, and that was that. But the little that we saw gave a good impression. The band members were quite endearing and also very confident in playing and interacting with the crowd. 

I wasn’t very excited about Sound Storm at first, especially since the female lead singer looked like she was trying to channel her inner Simone Simons (thankfully only in her affected mannerism, as her vocal performance was a lot better). But as they played more, they slowly won me over. First with their lovable attitude (the half-shaved guitarist was simply adorable, he looked so excited to be there and had the most contagious enthusiasm), then with their songs as well and finally with their insane male vocalist, who gave off an impressive performance, screaming, grunting, reaching high pitched notes, then going low and back high and grunting some more… The man sounded like at least two different people, displaying such versatility with mechanical precision and charisma at the same time. If he hadn’t messed up the tracks order announcing Back to life when they had just finished playing it (which of course generated a lot of good-natured laughter on stage), I would’ve been worried that he’s not human. But apparently he is.  

Finally, my precious Haggard. These people are just incredible, on every level. Aside from Ayreon, there’s not a single band/project that I love as much as I love Haggard. There’s not a single group of artists able to produce such wonderful music. I know every note and lyric and yet, I would still stand there amazed, with my hands clasped at my chest and a huge smile on my face, taking it all in and marveling at how beautiful everything is. There is so much talent in their music and so much soul, it’s one of those bands where the emotional and technical aspect are equally notable. 

And speaking of the technical aspect, of course we’re already used by now to Asis’ perfectionism and how he would never even dream of doing a show without checking every instrument and microphone right before they start playing (although I’m sure they had already done hundreds of checks before letting the crowd in). Maybe to some it’s off-putting, but to me it’s a testament to how much this guy cares about delivering the best possible performance. I chalk up the lack of an album for the past ten years to the same perfectionism and console myself with the idea that I wouldn’t want them compromising and putting out a record that’s anything less than incredible. I still gasped like a silly little girl when they announced they’re playing a song about the Grimm brothers, though (and turned a few amused heads in the process, as well as turning red from embarrassment). 

I already knew how talented all the instrumentalists were, and being in Romania, Asis just *had* to tell us again the story of how they luckily found Catalina at the last minute after their flute player couldn’t attend a show and how impressive she was in learning all the sheets in a few hours before the show. But Janika, the new lead singer was a surprise for me. Su Ehlers is one of my favourite performers and I was immensely sad to see her go. Despite of the numerous line-up changes, in my eyes she had always been the soul of Haggard (along with Asis, of course). So naturally I was very curious to see who would step up in her place (I rarely watch live performances before going to a band’s show, I kind of see them as spoilers and I like going in not fully knowing what to expect). Let me tell you, she is amazing. Granted, she doesn’t quite reach the levels of Su’s charisma and I can’t blame her for it because Su was really special, but vocally she is absolutely superb. I don’t think I’ve heard such high notes sung with such ease, and not just hitting one lonely note, actually singing whole verses. Not to mention that she only stopped headbanging in order to sing. I’m not kidding, she just headbanged for 10-15 minutes straight, raised her head, went to the microphone and started vocalising like she had been standing there all along. Looking perfect in the process. I’m telling you, that woman is not from this planet! Even my husband, who is not usually a fan of operatic singing and leans more to the Leather Leone’s and Alissa White-Gluz’s of the world, kept going “wow, where did they find her?” and “omg those vocals are insane”.

And amidst this boatload of talent and inspiration were their wonderful passion for playing and love for their fans. As beautiful as their music is and as splendid as their interpretation is, it’s ultimately their warmth and joy that fill me up during a live performance. I know they love coming to Romania, especially since two of their band members are Romanian, and the audience clearly loves them back, but I have a feeling this is how they always are with their fans. They talked so much to us and in such a natural, non-fussy way, that at some point it seemed like we were just friends having a chat. Catalina opened the show by speaking to us in Romanian and challenging us to be louder than the Germans because she gloated to the rest of the band about how awesome we are and we’d better not let her down. Asis went through the crowd during Herr Mannelig and interacted with us (and being the gentleman he is, he needed to mention that he doesn’t want anyone feeling offended that he refused the beers offered to him, but he doesn’t drink alcohol). And at the end of the show he told us that they’re just going to change their clothes because they’re sweaty and then they’ll come back and take pictures and chat with us, which is something they do regularly at their shows. They’re so kind and friendly and one can feel how much they care for their fans and how genuine it is. Not to mention they seem to have a lot of fun on stage, playing Slayer and Metallica interludes, joking, making fun of one another and always giving their best. 

And the audience responds to that. I think they’re one of the most beloved bands here in Romania. They may not fill stadiums, but they have a very loyal fanbase, one that got a decently-sized venue sold out. It’s actually quite fascinating that they’ve come here almost every other year since at least 2008, they haven’t put out a new album in ages, and still their show was sold out. And everyone seemed so so happy to see them. Of course each show has the mega-fans that sing all the lyrics, can’t stop headbanging and generally look like they’re having the best day ever, and of course all audience members are enjoying themselves in their own way, but there are always those big old serious metalheads that look like they haven’t smiled once in their life. Well, last night I saw those serious metalheads with their faces lit up. It was such a different vibe from anything I’ve ever experienced, it seemed like everyone let their guard down, stopped giving a crap about their image and how pretty their hair and corsets look or how uncool it is to have a grin on your face and just appreciated being there. Everywhere I turned, people wore on their face this wonderful mix of being excited and content and it was Haggard that did that. And if there was any question as to whether it’s worth it to hear the same songs played by the same people for the fifth time or if repeating it so many times would make this experience lose its shine… well, last night put those questions to rest once and for all. Haggard is an absolutely remarkable band and there’s no limit to the amount of bliss they can make me feel.