Presented by Rockfact Music Club, IRON-T21 & Jaunty Productions

The symphonic metal band Inner Core from Lörrach, Baden-Wurttemberg decided to say goodbye after ten years. The venue Rockfact Music Club was chosen for the ultimate concert. Ascéal was announced as support act. I received the message about their farewell by accident and was astonished. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to see them live until now. Therefore, this flaw had to be removed and I went to Münchenstein. However I learned later farewell doesn’t always mean goodbye. The doors opened at 8 pm. Ascéal stood on stage at 8:30 pm. I could see the folk metal group from City of Winterthur as

Rockfact Music Club, Münchenstein,  Switzerland – 20.05.2023

support band of Infinitas at Rockfact Music Club and they kicked ass with their show at that time. Recently they released their album „Untold Stories“ on Spotify. Their performance started with „Trial“. Singer Melissa in a wine red dress convinced with clear vocals and stage presence. Lead guitarrist Simon shined with guitar solos. The song „Valkyrie“ was about female spirits from the northern mythology. It became festive after „Wildfire“ because „Drink Whisky“ paid tribute to this noble drop of alcohol. The spectators had to scream the words „Drink Whiskey“ on command and the rhythm caused a lot of movement in the front rows of the stage. Imre on the flute introduced much harmony into the sound and played bagpipe for two songs. Various side changes by lead guitarrist Simon, bassist Michael and singer Melissa occured during the concert. Besides clean vocals, Melissa surprised with growls and a breakdown was in the sound. A cover from the track „The Dragonborn Comes“ by Saltatio Mortis was played and dedicated to all fans of video games. „Stolen Bride“ about a journey into a new world came afterwards. Actually the show would’ve ended and the band members wanted to leave. Having said this, numerous calls for encores rang out. „Farewell“ got played as encore and Melissa, Simon, Nathan, Jonas and Imre said goodbye after. They obtained applause for their performance. Setlist Ascéal Trial Soulmate Valkyrie Wildfire Drink Whisky The Chosen Two Wolves Wild Hunt The Dragonborn Comes Stolen Bride Farewell A short interruption was made for the reconstruction of the stage. A welcome moment to talk with friends about what happened and visiting the merchandise stand. The lights went out and headliner Inner Core entered the stage at 10:05 pm and began with „The Queen I Am“ after an intro. Singer Anna Rogg made a little mistake when she announced „Symphony“ instead „Crystal Sky“ and caused laughter. After she realized that, she rowed back and above mentioned song got played. Anna dedicated „Symphony“ to all musicians outthere. She vocally alternated between opera and clear vocals. She showed her vocal versatility. Guitarrist Massimo Giardiello shined with guitar solos and seemed sovereign at any time. Aaron could present himself as bassist for the first time after Richie Echevarria‘s departure from the band. He made a good figure on stage with sunglasses on the head and a calm aura. Anna asked the spectators to clap in „Blame“. The acoustic guitar took the limelight in „Keep The Distance“ and „Ghost Dust“ and the hardness turned back a little. After that something unexpected happened. Madeleine Fuhrer had to go on stage on Anna's instruction and was honored for her commitment with a bouquet of flowers and an envelope. She received a lot of applause and showed her joy with a beautiful smile. „Kingdom of Mirrors“ was dedicated to Massimo’s deceased mother. Once again clapped along to the beat of the song. During "Morning Shots" some bottles of "Kleiner Feigling" with the Inner Core logo passed out to the audience and it was time to drink on command. Tasted good and increased the joy of the live spectacle. Nice gesture from the four-piece. Furthermore, Anna pointed out the short film "Morning Shots" by Swiss filmmaker Animus Nitra with the song of the same name contributed. „Desert Snake“ began with an oriental touch and Anna entered the stage with a white transparent cape with sewn lights. She spread her arms and made fine movements with her hands and thereby appeared as a butterfly. To implement an idea so ingeniously impressed me very much. „Unholy“ was programed as last song but the fire didn’t go out yet and an encore was demanded. This was granted in the form of „Sweet Addiction“ from the first album „Soultaker“ before the appearance finished. Singer Anna, guitarist Massimo, bassist Aaron and drummer Tobias received a lot of applause. It was great seeing them live and their show turned out very well. It was made clear by Anna that the band will continue in this formation, but no longer as Inner Core. A slightly different kind of farewell than one was used to. Setlist Inner Core Intro The Queen I Am Crystal Sky Symphony Blame Keep the Distance Ghost Dust Kingdom Morning Shots Desert Snake Unholy Sweet Addiction Conclusion: it was an interesting evening with musical variety. Engineer Stefan Walker was responsible for the sound and Tobias Schäublin for the light. Both did their job well and contributed to the successful event. As the only point of criticism from my point of view, both bands would‘ve deserved a lager crowd of fans. Livereport by Dominic Latscha