By José Gandue @Gandour Photo by Simona Malaika @simonamalaika
In 2013, Swedish producer Daniel Bergstrand, responsible for recordings with world-class groups such as Meshuggah, Behemoth, In Flames, Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend, Soilwork and Dark Funeral, He was invited to be part of the jury for the Rock al Parque competitions. He, along with two Colombian professionals, reviewed the material of more than three hundred local bands to select a little over twenty acts for the festival's final days. Among musicians close to the metal genre, Bergstrand's involvement led to expectations of a wide selection of traditional heavy metal bands. The result was quite the opposite: Bergstrand and his colleagues chose very few projects related to metal, punk, and hardcore. Upon arriving in Bogotá, the producer explained that I felt that what I had heard was antiquated and clumsily crafted. He lamented that the bands that had been left out were simply copying, and poorly at that, European influences, rejecting the possibility of exploring local rhythms and incorporating them into their repertoire. The resulting resentment spread to many of the audience, and the 2013 festival, due to this and numerous other problems not worth mentioning, had low attendance compared to previous years.
All of this was four years ago. And it feels like that discussion was a long time ago, Especially after what happened on the first day of the event. Yesterday was a good start to the festival, as the metal community celebrated that the lineup included bands that, delving into the development of a heavy sound, incorporate indigenous textures. Seeing Umzac combine elements of death metal with rhythms typical of central Mexico, and a Head Tambó, with a corrosive but at the same time lively sound, Its connection to Caribbean textures, and the complete acceptance of the audience, was gratifying. Those who arrived early at Simón Bolívar Park celebrated these blends and embraced them as their own. Then, in a pleasant transition, they moved on to the stages where classic acts like Herejía and Darkness were performing.
Yesterday there were some very special moments in the programming. On the Bio stage, the female trio Poker thoroughly entertained thousands of people at their concert, and then the Brazilian band Nervosa captivated the audience. with that delicious combination of corrosion, seduction, and strength. Then, at the end of the day, Death Angel, with an exquisite display of each of its musical components, more than demonstrated its extensive live experience. On the Plaza stage, in the afternoon, the German band Heaven Shall Burn presented a breathtaking sonic block, and then, at the end of the night, The Americans Lamb of God expressed, with a brilliant concert, their pride in having participated in the festival, saying that yesterday's was the largest audience they had ever faced in their career.
I insist, yesterday was a good day. The Bogota metal scene, preserving its pride, its acidity and its fervor, It has moved away from radical confrontational positions with other sectors of Colombian music, and new generations attend Rock al Parque eager to hear a wider range of sounds. Resentments are healing, and we find ourselves facing an audience that wants to celebrate music above prejudices.
It would have been interesting to see Daniel Bergstrand among the spectators. He would surely have celebrated the passage of time at our festival.
[metaslider id=813]