The Spirit has the honor of being the first international band to confirm an Israel concert since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023. The German four-piece death metal band confirmed on their Facebook page that they will perform in the Gagarin Club on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Yishai Sweartz of Raven Metal and Gal Gur-Ariehave worked miracles to bring an international metal concert to Israel, despite the emotional, physical and financial risks involved.
The Spirit formed in 2015 in Saarbrücken, Germany. They released their debut album “Sounds From the Vortex” on their own label Eternal Echoes. Word quickly spread of their chilling blend of black and death metal influences, drawing rave reviews from underground metal publications. Their haunting songs and live performances soon caught the attention of Nuclear Blast Records. Their 2020 album “Cosmic Terror” was well received but their touring plans were cut short by the COVID pandemic after only one month of shows. They were eager to get back on the road and conquer the world with their music.
Their third album “Of Clarity And Galactic Structures” pushed their progressive influences further. Lead singer and songwriter M.T. was more confident exploring these elements after challenging himself creatively. He took influence from classic progressive rock bands and discovered new artists in the genre through the pandemic. The band enjoyed experimenting with these progressive textures but ensured the songs still flowed well.
The band is currently working on their fourth album.
Some bands are accused of plagiarism. Änglagård is a band that will never be accused of stealing someone else’s tune. Sure, there was a Genesis tape playing as we walked in, and audience members sported a range of prog rock t-shirts, from Jethro Tull to King Crimson, but the complex, instrumental songs performed by this Swedish five-piece are like nothing else.
The show was an act of love and devotion by Shachar Tal, who crowdfunded the entire concert through an organisation he named Highly Unprofessional Productions, and Kumeran Sahar, who led the production team. The event felt less like a rock concert and more like a bunch of friends getting together to celebrate amazing music. Although it had a very intimate feel, the venue was completely sold out with over 300 people coming to listen to the music of Änglagård.
If you are not familiar with Änglagård, they play unplayable songs with even more unpronounceable titles. The band began in 1991, broke up in 1994, reformed in 2002, broke up again in 2003 and then reformed again from 2011-2012, again from 2014-2017 and reformed most recently in 2022. Three of the current members have been in the band since the beginning (or near enough) — bassist Johan Brand, guitarist Jonas Engdegård and drummer/percussionist Mattias Olsson. They were joined on this tour by Staffan Lindroth on keyboards and Oskar Forsberg playing flute, saxophone, megaphone and shaker.
Tal came on stage to welcome everyone who contributed to bringing the band to Israel and he introduced the band.
Änglagård came on to the small, intimate stage as the tape played Prolog. Then they launched into Gånglåt från Knapptibble. Brand explained that this song was originally recorded for an English prog rock magazine as a floppy record. According to him, those floppy singles are very rare today.
If you are not familiar with Änglagård’s music, they weave patterns of sound with syncopated, odd time signatures. I suppose the best description I can give is organised chaos. If you imagine the more tame, sanitised prog rock bands of the past few decades, Änglagård is nothing like that. They are daring and breathtaking and constantly pushing the limits of what is possible to play and to hear.
Brand played his bass as a lead instrument, often venturing up to the dangerous part of the Rickenbacker neck. He alternated between using a pick and fingers on his Rotosound 606s.
Engdegård switched frequently between electric and acoustic guitar, though he also pulled out a classical at one point. His leather trousers contrasted sharply with Forsberg’s blazer and shorts.
Forsberg’s vibrato-drenched flute sparkled like a diamond, while his saxophone augmented the heavy, bassy keyboards. And he even pulled out a megaphone for “Kung Bore.” Lindroth stayed out of the spotlight, but his keyboards held the entire ensemble together.
Olsson was like a magician, pulling one trick after another out from his drum kit. He played drums, chimes, a gong and a host of other percussion instruments. He even switched to guitar at one point. His rhythms took the band out into the deep, dangerous waters of anarchy, yet remained the bedrock of their sound.
The audience was an interesting mix. There were plenty of middle aged men and women along with a contingent of head banging teenagers in the corner of the stage.
Änglagård in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David SedleyÄnglagård in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
To highlight how personal this concert was, the band came out to chat with the fans (and sell some merch) during the break (yes, they had an intermission). There were a lot of hardcore fans lining up for photos with the guys.
Davidavi (Vidi) Dolev, vocalist for the opening band Subterranean Masquerade joined Änglagård for the vocals on “Kung Bore.”
Olsson summed up the love in the room when he spoke of the songs and the audience as being old friends and becoming new friends. He quoted the Beatles, saying, “We’d like to take you home with us, we’d like to take you home.”
The concert ended with a haunting theme played in flute.
Subterranean Masquerade
Subterranean Masquerade in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
I’ve seen the opening band, Subterranean Masquerade once before, when they opened for Sons of Apollo. I was very impressed with them then, and they were even better this time (with a slightly different lineup).
Vocalist Dolev looked like an extra from Fiddler on the Roof and spoke of how he was recently weaned off sleeping pills. He has an amazing vocal range, switching from a baritone to growls and then to a high falsetto.
The band’s analogue keyboard textures transported us back to the early 1970s. The pounding toms ensured it was rocking while the duelling guitars interwove lines in a blend of middle eastern and Celtic lines.
Subterranean Masquerade in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
At times, the band were jumping like hasidim at a mitzvah tantz, while at other times they were thrashing and bashing.
The band, comprised of Dolev on vocals, Tomer Pink, Omer Fishbein and Or Shalev on guitar, Shai Yallin on keyboards, Golan Farhi on bass and Jonathan Amar on drums, are one of Israel’s best. Check them out.
Änglagård Setlist
Höstsejd Ur vilande Jordrök Vandringar i vilsenhet Ifrån klarhet till klarhet Kung Bore Encore: Sista Somrar
The Venue Grey. Ibn Gabirol 30. On floor minus one of a shopping mall with a parking lot conveniently located downstairs. Seated venue with capacity for just over 300 people. There is food and drink available. Tables for four. Best to come with a few mates if you feel uncomfortable on my own.
Blues legend says will not travel to region due to ‘unrest’
Blues legend Buddy Guy announced via Facebook on Tuesday that he is cancelling his two scheduled Israeli concerts due to “unrest and recent military operations.”
He had been scheduled to play Caesarea and Tel Aviv on July 19 and 20, 2023.
The Offspring played a wild mix of their old hits and new songs at the Tel Aviv Expo Center on Tuesday night. The band was especially gracious and excited about coming to Israel for the first time, even inserting Hebrew words like “Shalom”, “L’chaim” and “Sababa” into the performance
photo Daniel Lester
The band appreciated the crowd singing along. Lead man, Dexter Holland, and lead guitarist Kevin Wasserman (aka Noodles), paused Bad Habit in the middle and messed with the crowd and warned them they were going to curse.
photo Daniel Lester
Balloons and confetti were thrown into the crowd and the stage was “decorated” with dancing man inflatables.
Come Out and Play
All I Want
Want You Bad
Staring at the Sun
Hit That
Hammerhead
Bad Habit
Iron Man / The Trooper / Sweet Child o’ Mine / In the Hall of the Mountain King
The Black Keys hit the stage in Park Rishon LeTziyon, Tel Aviv, for their debut performance, bringing “Dropout Boogie” to Israel.
The Black Keys
At the same time The Offspring were hitting the stage for their debut in Israel at the Tel Aviv Expo center, The Black Keys hit the stage for their own debut at Park Rishon LeTziyon. The Black Keys opened with “I Got Mine” from 2008’s Attack and Release, and continued for almost an hour and a half playing hits from throughout their discography. In fact only 2 of the songs played were from their most recent album, Dropout Boogie, despite the fact that Tel Aviv was a stop on their Dropout Boogie tour.
photo Aaron Wolfphoto Aaron Wolf
Patrick Carney played the drums in his signature way- almost slumped over the kit, while Dan Auerbach seduced the crowd with his unique blues-rock riffs. The backing band stood behind the two, and the stage was backlit by a large panel that displayed images relevant to the song or album (some of which were probably lost on fellow fans not from northeast Ohio).
The night climaxed with the Keys’ encore where Auerbach played the delicate opening to Little Black Submarines. The entire crowd was silent until Dan began singing along with all 10,000 fans at Park Rishon. The Black Keys finished their set with their (probably) most popular song Lonely Boy.
Swedish virtuosi will perform in Grey Club in Tel Aviv on September 11
Swedish progressive rock band Änglagård will bring their unique style of symphonic prog to Israel for the first time in September. The band is set to play the Grey Club in Tel Aviv on September 11, 2023.
Änglagård was formed in Sweden in 1991. The band’s sound is heavily influenced by the 1970s progressive rock scene, particularly by bands such as King Crimson, Yes, and Genesis. Their music features complex arrangements, intricate guitar and keyboard work, and a strong emphasis on melody and harmony. Änglagård’s music is often described as “symphonic prog.”
Although the band split up in 1994, it reformed in 2009 and has been active ever since. The current band lineup is Mattias Olsson (drums), Johan Högberg (bass), Jonas Engdegård (guitars), Oskar Forsberg (flutes, saxophones, keyboards) and Staffan Lindroth (keyboards).
Israel band Subterranean Masquerade to open
The band is being brought to Israel by a brand-new promoter called Highly Unprofessional Productions. The promoters say that the concert is, “crowdfunded as a purely non-profit initiative. A work of passion, by fans of the band.”
Well established, highly renowned Israeli band Subterranean Masquerade will open the concert. I last heard them open for Sons of Apollo and was very impressed with their tight sound and impressive musical talents.
History of Änglagård
Änglagård’s debut album, “Hybris”, was released in 1992 and was a critical and commercial success. The album features a blend of acoustic and electric instruments, with a strong focus on the mellotron, a keyboard instrument that was popular in the 1970s. The album’s intricate compositions and complex arrangements garnered praise from fans and critics alike, and helped to establish Änglagård as one of the leading bands in the progressive rock scene.
After the release of “Hybris”, Änglagård went on hiatus for several years before reuniting in 2002. The band released its second album, “Epilog”, in 1994, which further cemented their reputation as one of the premier progressive rock bands of the era. The album features a more mature sound, with a greater emphasis on acoustic instruments and a more subdued approach to the use of electric instruments.
The band’s intricate compositions, virtuosic musicianship, and classical influences have inspired countless other musicians to explore the boundaries of progressive rock.
The venue
Grey Club (Tel Aviv) is located at 30 Ibn Gabirol Street. It is one of three Grey Clubs (the others are in Modi’in and Yehud). There is a wide variety of music happening at Grey – check their website (Hebrew) for more concerts.
The Washington band played loud, rocked hard, and the crowd loved it
The Melvins tore up the Barby Club on Wednesday night with a fast-paced, no-nonsense crowd pleaser of a gig. And they will do the same again on Thursday night, July 6, 2023. The last time The Melvins played in Israel was in 2007. Just like buses, you wait 16 years for a Melvins show and then two come along at once.
There was no time wasting with this band. They came onstage at 10pm exactly, to A-Ha’s “Take On Me” and launched into an hour’s worth of material (In that time they got through 14 songs) with no breaks, no time for anyone to catch their breath and hardly any time to applause at the end of each song. Then, after a very brief break, they came back for a one-song encore. Though that song was “Boris” which lasted 15 minutes, including at least five minutes after two-thirds of the band had left the stage.
I have heard of The Ramones blasting through a dozen songs in half an hour, and trying their best to shave off a few seconds when they could. The Melvins (who’s name I’m sure was at least partly inspired by The Ramones) were the next best thing. One strong song after another. No introductions, no “thank you”s, no “ifs” or “buts.”
Buzz Osbourne stomped around the stage in heavy boots and a wizard’s robe. With his fleece of grey hair he looked like a dandelion that had taken up magic and guitar. Unusually for a guitarist, his pedal board was at the back of the stage, next to his amps. Which meant that some of his greatest moments were played with his back to the crowd, while he was absorbed in the musical mayhem he was creating.
The Melvins’ Buzz Osbourne, Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Aaron Wolf)
Steven Shane McDonald wore a sharp red suit and mangled a hot red bass. In contrast to Osbourne’s moody stomping, McDonald danced, jumped, posed and shape-shifted for the entire hour. He both threated and made love to the crowd with his bass.
The Melvins, Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Aaron Wolf)The Melvins’ Steven Shane McDonald, Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Aaron Wolf)The Melvins’ Steven Shane McDonald, Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Aaron Wolf)
Dale Crover kept the entire show moving with his drumming. While Osbourne and McDonald were tuning their instruments, or searching for the magical optimal feedback point, his incessant rhythms kept the crowd hopping and jumping. The only time he stopped drumming, and almost the only time the band spoke to the crowd, was when he came up front to introduce the others. While the other two had big pic stands, Crover’s head mic allowed him to harmonize and syncopate the vocals almost without anyone noticing.
The crowd last night was like a fourth member of the band. They were moshing and bopping and even a few — very slow motion — stage dives. Not like diving into the deep end of the pool, but gingerly climbing in at the shallow end.
If you are looking to rock your socks off tonight in Tel Aviv, head to the Barby Club — if you are lucky, there may be a few tickets left.
To say the three members of The Aristocrats are virtuosi is an understatement. Last night in Tel Aviv Guthrie Govan (guitar), Bryan Beller (bass) and Marco Minnemann (drums) displayed almost superhuman mastery of their instruments. As well as a fantastic sense of humor.
The June 26th concert was held in Reading 3, a beautiful music venue on the Tel Aviv port. Previously, I have seen two of my childhood guitar heroes perform at Reading 3 — Paul Gilbert and Yngwie Malmsteen. It is possible that Govan and co surpassed them both in their dexterity and skill.
The band walked out before a packed house while Devo’s “Can’t Get No Satisfaction” was still playing over the sound system. So the band joined right in. Then without missing a beat, they segued into “Stupid 7.”
The Aristocrats perform their opening number in Tel Aviv, “Stupid 7.”
After that, each song was introduced with a story, usually with an element of comedy. So, Govan asked the audience to envisage a rockhopper penguin, patrolling Antarctica on a snowmobile wearing a policeman’s cap before the band played a brand new song — “Sgt. Rockhopper.” He also spoke of his sadness at the asteroid which wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, at the end of the cretaceous period, before launching into “Bad Asteroid.”
Marco spoke of his pride at getting a “Parental Advisory” sticker attached to the band’s first album, even though, like all their albums, it was an instrumental. That was because of a song called “Bluesf***er” which tonight began as a five-minute vamp on “Hava Nagila” — probably the most interesting rendition of the song I’ve ever heard.
While Minnemann performed his 10-minute drum solo, Beller sat on a stool at the side tapping time on his legs, while Govan sat cross-legged on the floor, filing his nails with various gradations of emery board.
Minnemann displayed an impressive Hebrew vocabulary, whereas Beller, who described himself as, “a stubborn Jewish kid from New Jersey” didn’t manage much more than “good evening” in Hebrew.
Occasionally, Minnemann would punctuate a song with an “oink” from a squeaky plastic pig he placed on his cymbal. Beller would reply with a “squawk” from a rubber chicken.
Guthrie Govan signs a guitar during The Aristocrats concert in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 26, 2023. (David Sedley)
In between songs, Govan managed to sign a couple of his signature Charvel guitars that fans had bought along with them. He also apologized that he wouldn’t be throwing picks out to the front row, but he only had three to last him the year.
Guitar signed by Guthrie Govan at The Aristocrats concert in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 26, 2023. (David Sedley)
The Aristocrats have performed several times in Israel, and tonight the venue was sold out.
The full setlist was:
(Intro: Devo “Satisfaction”)
Stupid 7
Drink Package
Sgt. Rockhopper
Bad Asteroid
Bonnie and Clyde
Aristoclub / Drum Solo
Through the Flower
Ohhh Nooo
Furtive Jack
Last Orders
Encore: Blues F***ers
The Aristocrats setlist, Tel Aviv, Israel, June 26, 2023 (David Sedley)
Due to popular demand, the Melvins will play two shows in the Barbie Club in Tel Aviv, on July 5 and July 6, 2023. The second show was added after the first show quickly sold out. The band is celebrating 40 years since they were formed, and 30 years since their first major-label record “Houdini” was released on Atlantic Records.
The Melvins are an American rock band that formed in Montesano, Washington, in 1983. Since their formation, the band has undergone several lineup changes, with Osborne being the only constant member. The current band is comprised of Buzz Osborne (guitar and vocals), Dale Crover (drums) and Steven Shane McDonald (bass).
In honor of the 40th anniversary, the band rereleased “The Devil You Knew, The Devil You Know” on Amphetamine Reptile Records.
The band has been highly influential in the development of the sludge and stoner metal genres, and is also known for their experimental and avant-garde approach to music. The band’s original lineup consisted of Buzz Osborne on guitar and vocals, Matt Lukin on bass, and Mike Dillard on drums.
The Melvins’ music is characterized by its heavy, distorted sound, slow tempos, and unconventional song structures. The band’s early albums, such as “Gluey Porch Treatments” and “Bullhead,” were highly influential in the development of grunge music, and the band is often cited as an influence by bands such as Nirvana and Soundgarden. However, the Melvins have always been more experimental than their grunge counterparts, incorporating elements of punk, metal, and avant-garde music into their sound.
Over the course of their career, the Melvins have released over 25 studio albums, as well as numerous EPs, live albums, and collaborations with other artists. Some of their most acclaimed albums include “Houdini,” “Stoner Witch,” and “The Maggot.” The band has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Jello Biafra, Tool, and Big Business. Despite their experimental approach to music, the Melvins have maintained a dedicated fan base over the years, and their influence can still be heard in a wide range of contemporary heavy music.
In conclusion, the Melvins are one of the most influential and innovative bands in the history of heavy music. Their unique approach to songwriting and their willingness to experiment with different genres and styles have made them an enduring force in the underground music scene. While their music may not be for everyone, there is no denying the impact that the Melvins have had on the development of heavy music over the past three decades.
The Venue:
The Barbie Club. Kibbutz Galuyot Rd 52, Tel Aviv-Yafo.
With release of new album ‘Diversum’ progressive black metal band tour with European Neofolk band Rome to support
Norwegian avant-garde metal/progressive black metal In The Woods… are set to perform in Tel Aviv for the first time, on June 24, 2023 in the Haazor Club in Tel Aviv (Harechev 13). The opening band will be the Luxembourgish neofolk band Rome.
Norwegian band In the Woods released their sixth album, “Diversium” on November 25, 2022.
The band has been active since the early 1990s. The band’s music can be described as a blend of black metal, folk, and progressive rock. In their early years, In The Woods… was heavily influenced by the Norwegian black metal scene, but they evolved into a more experimental sound over time. The band’s music is characterized by complex song structures, atmospheric soundscapes, and haunting melodies.
In The Woods… released their debut album, “Heart of the Ages,” in 1995. The album received critical acclaim and is considered a classic in the black metal genre. However, the band’s sound began to evolve with their second album, “Omnio,” which was released in 1997. “Omnio” marked a shift towards a more atmospheric and experimental sound, incorporating elements of folk and progressive rock. The album was also notable for the addition of clean vocals, which became a key element of In The Woods…’s music.
Despite their critical success, In The Woods… faced numerous lineup changes and eventually disbanded in 2000, after releasing “Strange in Stereo.” However, the band reunited in 2014 and has since released two albums, “Pure” in 2016 and “Cease the Day” in 2018. These albums continue to showcase the band’s unique sound, blending black metal with elements of folk, progressive rock, and even jazz. In The Woods… remains an important and influential band in the Norwegian metal scene, and their music continues to captivate fans around the world.
Rome performing at the festival Mėnuo Juodaragis in 2013. (CC BY-SA, Laisverobotams/ Wikimedia Commons)
Rome is a neofolk band formed in Luxembourg in 2005 by Jerome Reuter. Reuter is the primary songwriter and vocalist for the band, which also includes a rotating cast of musicians. Rome’s music is often described as a blend of neofolk, post-punk, and martial industrial. The band’s lyrics often deal with historical and political themes, exploring topics such as war, revolution, and nationalism.
Rome’s debut album, “Nera,” was released in 2006 and received critical acclaim for its unique blend of neofolk and post-punk. The album was followed by a string of successful releases, including “Confessions d’un voleur d’ames” (2007), “Masse Mensch Material” (2008), and “Flowers from Exile” (2009). Rome’s music is characterized by Reuter’s baritone vocals, which are often accompanied by acoustic guitar, piano, and atmospheric soundscapes.
Over the years, Rome has established a loyal fanbase around the world, particularly in Europe and North America. The band has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Death in June and Current 93. Rome’s music continues to explore complex themes and challenge listeners with its thoughtful and provocative lyrics. The band’s unique blend of neofolk, post-punk, and martial industrial has made them one of the most distinctive and innovative bands in the genre.
Raven Metal, founded by Yishai Schwartz, has been bringing international metal bands to Israel for years. Additionally, Raven Metal distributes records and CDs that are otherwise unavailable in Israel. Yishai is also the bass player for Israeli band Tomorrow’s Rain.
