Presented by Rockfact Music Club & Jaunty Productions

Rockfact Music Club, Münchenstein,  Switzerland – 27.04.2024

The Swiss metal band Crystal Ball released their twelfth record „Crysteria“ two years ago. Active since 1999 and the homebase in canton of Lucerne made me so happy when a concert was announced for canton Basel-Country. The venue Rockfact Music Club in the municipality of Münchenstein came to enjoy this musical delicacy. Bad Marilyn had the honour to perform as support act. A very interesting starting position for all lovers of metal. I participated in this event after a strong increase of curiosity. You simply couldn’t miss something like that! The Rockfact opened at 7 pm and Bad Marilyn inaugurated the evening musically a short time later. The band has been around for a short time and gave two concerts with singer Andrea Böll (ex-Infinitas) so far. I was able to see them in a small setting last year and was looking forward to their live performance. „I Die Inside“ sounded and it started. The music of the five-piece is a mix of power metal with changes between growl and clear vocals results in an interesting sound. Andrea grined like a Cheshire cat on stage and convined with her facial expression game and voice when the sinister sounds alternated with the happy sounds. Furthermore she wore a nice dress in black with an interesting design. Gitarrist Sammy Lasagni (ex-Gods Of Silence, ex-Godiva) shined with guitar solos. His colleague Andri Leonardo provided the keyboard melodies. There was a lot of movement on stage and the various members changed positions that everyone in the audience could see them on their respective sides of the stage. Andri, Sammy and bassist David Craffonara repeatedly engaged in little duels of dexterity. Drummer Armin twirled his sticks and showed a lot of passion and joy in the background. The statement "Tonight you can buy our debut "Eye Of The Snake" before the official release on May 3, 2024" was a cool gesture to me. The songs were met with applause, as the catchy sound was able to unfold thanks to the powerful mix. The spectators were forced to chant „Retribution“ and start a circle pit in „Retribution“. Unfortunately there was no circle pit at her request but much commitment chanting „Retribution“. A slip of the tongue occured after „We Will Rise“ because Andrea anounced „Retribution“ instead of „Revolution“. Andri noticed that and made Andrea aware who showed a sheepish smile. 60 minutes were sufficient to make a good impression. Well done on the third concert. Setlist Bad Marilyn I Die Inside Eye Of The Snake Eternal Pain Legend Of Salvation When She’s Gone Childen Of Tomorrow Perfect Moment Queen Of Thunder Retribution We Will Rise Revolution A short break followed and Crystal Ball entered the stage at 9:50 pm. I must confess, I saw this group only once live and was a little bit nervous about the upcoming event. This feeling disappeared soon after the keyboard intro and with the first song “What Part Of No”, which kicked off the show. Their older tracks based in hard rock but sound got a progressive metal touch with the incorporation of guitarist Peter Berger (ex-Fortress, ex-Daydreamer, Ex-Banging Heart, Ex-Appearance Of Nothing, Ex-Killer, Ex-Cutest Beast). Pedal to the metal from the beginning. Singer Steven Mageney gave a great vocal performance and searched contact with his bandmates. In addition, fountains of mist kept shooting out of the devices on the stage, which increased the entertainment factor. Guitarrist Scott shone with his guitar solos and often had duels with rhythm guitarrist Peter Berger, which was extremely cool. The way the two mingled on the instruments was simply superb. Bassist Cris Stone did the same with his fellow musicians. Lots of movement and the music was much harder with a catchy rhythm. The audience applauded the performance and had a lot of fun. Steven introduced „You Lit My Fire“ with the statement „This song is about cars and women“.  Older songs like „He Came to Change the World“, „Skin to Skin“ were played besides „Crysteria“. Steven raised upwards a flag with the band logo and it became quieter after „Deja Voodoo“.  Scott took an acoustic guitar and sat besides Steven and „Memory Run“ rang out. Scott left the stage after this song and Steven sang alone „Till I Meet You Again“, which was dedicated to his deceased mother. Drummer Marcel Sardella came on stage after that and startet to play the drums, bassist Cris Stone reunited with the other members and brought the hard sounds back when „Alive For Evermore“ and „Crysteria“ were presented. Songs with positive vibes followed with „Liferider“, „Anyone Can Be A Hero“ and „Make May Day“ and caused a warm feeling. It would have been all over now, but the fervent fans had a different opinion. Loud calls for an encore in the direction of the backstage allowed the entire formation to return. During "Hellvetia", Steven Mageney entered the stage with a Swiss flag in his hand and received a lot of sympathy. The last song "Paradise" by "Liferider" from 2015 marked the end of the show. The 90 minutes flew by. Steven Mageney, Peter Berger, Scott Leach, Cris Stone and Marcel Sardella received frenetic applause for their first-class live spectacle. They really deserved it. Setlist Crystal Ball Intro What Part Of No Undying Director’s Cut Dr. Hell No Call Of The Wild Suspended You Lit My Fire He Came To Change The World Skin to Skin Hold Your Flag Deja Voodoo Memory Run Till I Meet You Again Alive For Evermore Crysteria LifeRider Anyone Can Be A Hero Make My Day Hellvetia Paradise The live spectacle had come to an end and the bands' merchandise stand was very busy. A selection of top-class metal was playing in the background and visitors were able to discuss their audio-visual impressions with others. Sound mixer Andi Brehm was responsible for the powerful, great sound. Stefan Walker was responsible for the lighting. Thank you for your contributions to this magical night. A further special thanks to organizer Madeleine Fuhrer from Jaunty Productions,  supported by the IRON-T21 team. You have served us a musical treat once again. Livereport by Dominic Latscha