Fast & Slow Rock’n’Roll Finals

Great Rift, Lurch, Kobudai

Arena Beisl Bierwoche Open Air, Arena Wien, Austria 20220806

While this weekend, the 16er Buam play outside of the city and Stoner Blues Baroness-Prog phenomenon King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard unfortunately have to cancel their open air show, the Arena Beisl Bierwoche comes to its end for this year as well. For the finals, three strong and heavy acts share the stage in front of the administration building.

About a year ago, Kobudai made their live debut at the very place. Their Speed Thrash Hard Rock is direct and earthy and spreads from delight in playing. The raw voice fits the ground shaking sound, and „(Don’t Fear) The Reaper“ of Blue Öyster Cult fits into the set greatly. As special, the audience are witness of a kind of Ryte reunion.

As second cool, electrifying and headstrong Heavy Rock outfit, Lurch present their set. Their summer activities include the Woodstockenboi and Picture On Festival, where for sure they will find more fans of their outstanding guitar work, like when playing with Triptonus earlier this year. For that reason, they are the highlight of this evening for many.

The last band, not only of this evening but the whole Bierwoche 2022, is Great Rift. Since their last appearance at the very stage, they released a new album via StoneFree Records and played e.g. at the Austrian Metal Salute with Savanah. They have time for a fistful of songs, including „Golden Skies“, the title track of the album „Utopia“ and „The Return“. A broken string can not hold them back, and so they finish this concert night with great headbanging action. 

Seven days with seven beers and about twenty bands have gone like this again. Luckily, the Bierwoche shirts can remind of the line-up, like the beautiful Lurch designs are a great souvenir as well. And in about a year, the „Bierwoche“-screams will be heard again across the walls.