RIP Colectiv

There are so many things to say about this, and yet all of them are of so little importance. It could've happened to us. May God rest them in peace and help everyone who is suffering:

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/at-least-27-dead-180-injured-in-explosion-fire-during-bucharest-heavy-metal-concert/ 

Late edit: the death toll has now reached 58 and this accident has completely changed our country and maybe even our lives in a way that is hard to understand for most. I never imagined the death of almost strangers (I only knew one of the deceased) could have such a huge impact. 

Blackmore's Night, All our yesterdays

Blackmore's Night make me happy, it's as simple as that. Of course they're not the kind of band where one remains in awe at the originality of the song structure, at the complexity of the chord progressions or at the skills of the musicians (though Ritchie Blackmore is still a name that holds weight, even with his new-found lightness), but they are the kind of band that tells a story, sends an emotion, creates a mood. My heart is filled with joy and positivity and I'm transported to a fairy-tale world every time I listen to them. And after all, what is the purpose of art, if not "washing the dust of daily life off our souls", as Pablo Picasso beautifully put it? 

Stratovarius, Eternal

It's hard to make a review of a Stratovarius album when all, with the exception of the (ironically) self titled release, are generally a repetition of one giant review called "Stratovarious - the band". After ten thousand changes of members to the point where there's no original member left, after the brain behind the band left and fought with the remaining guys for name rights, after everyone thought Stratovarious is dead and buried, these guys are as loyal to their sound as ever and, surprisingly, as fresh as ever. 

Amorphis, Under a red cloud

Amorphis is one of those bands that you either love for giving up "that death metal shit" and starting to play something more intelligible, either hate for turning mainstream when they were able to produce such a wonderful Tales from the Thousand Lakes. With Under a red cloud it almost looks like they're trying to please both sides, but when the two sides are irreconcilable, the result is a somewhat incoherent record, with sparkling highs and murky lows. 

Machine Head, Arenele Romane, 23.09.15

„Who’s opening for Machine Head? Machine Fucking Head.” That was the joke you could hear from every mouth last night after Machine (Fucking) Head gave us a recital it’s not easy to forget, even if you’re not a fan as dedicated as most of the people in the audience were.