Speed Of Night With Nostalgic Flights

Voivod, Poison Ruïn, Pryne

Arena Wien – Große Halle, Austria 20260715

Hot summer, low battery, high thirst. Time for some live action. Time for Metal. At the big hall of Arena, three bands manifest the past and future of the genre, while Arena Beisl offers relieve for Hardcore fans with Octopoulpe (KR/FR/MX) and Urban Misery (A). 

Before the start, the voice of Ice-T with the sound of Body Count wind through the broiling room. Even though it is not sold out, it will be a hot evening starting with local support Pryne (StoneFree Records like Cadû, Lurch, Ozymandias, MOTL) already, established in 2021. They gather the crowd with their Progressive music and several voices. 

Two videographers capture the happening, as Pryne consider Sludge as mindset. With Poison Ruïn from Philly / US and their Anarcho Punk Death Rock Dungeon Synth, the pace increases. The Bassist literally kicks ass, as they mix old and new, slow and fast, atmospheric and brutal slams, transferring to the pit. 

It takes hydration breaks at the „Sanctuary“, as Voivod are tonight’s headliner. Hailing from Québec like e.g. Twisted Minds, they visit the country for Area 53 festival with names like Cavalera and The Devastation. Their logo, artworks and general visual style catch the eye of Cyberpunk enthusiasts. 

With their history going back to 1982, E-Force jumps in for their regular singer Snake again. Rumbling with double bass drums, they come to bluesy sounds and back. „Ripping headaches“ from 30-year-old „Rrröööaaarrr“ is one highlight amongst many like the Pink Floyd cover „Astronomy Domine“ from „Nothingface“ 1989. 

In the heat of the night, the Canadian pioneers like Annihilator or Anvil (who will play Weberknecht soon) leave a happy audience. Apart from Area 53, they continue to perform at Randal Club in Bratislava with Death Angel, who themselves will appear at Speedfest Austria and will celebrate „Act III“ with a tour accompanied by Vio-Lence.