There’s understandable concern amongst Rock fans as to who will replace the greats of the genre over the coming years. With Rush, Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Slayer, Genesis and their ilk all but a happy memory to many and with KISS on their never-ending Farewell Tour and Whitesnake on their last lap, the clock is ticking for many of our favourite bands from our collective youth. Just who is going to step into that gargantuan hole that these bands will leave?
Over the course of four days in Newcastle, three acts stepped up and showed that the future is not at all gloomy but is indeed, very bright. Robert Jon and the Wreck hammered out some tasty Bluesy Rock ‘n’ Roll, all slide guitar and gravel throated vocals, while Europe delivered some of the finest classic Hard Rock you’re likely to hear all year. This evening, another contender staked their claim for future greatness. Step forward the Von Hertzen Brothers from Finland.
Although they have been around for 20 years with 8 albums under their belt, including the superb, recently released Red Alert In The Blue Forest, they have slowly but surely built up a strong, loyal following who have fallen in love with their particularly potent mix of Prog Rock, without the excess widdle and Finnish Folk built upon towering, hugely memorable melodies and exquisite vocal harmonies but best of all, they have songs by the bucketful that cover so much ground musically keeping everything sounding so unique and so fresh.
On a Monday night in Trillians, Newcastle’s premier Rock club, Von Hertzen Brother’s delivered an absolute masterclass in quality musicianship and beautifully crafted songs with Mikko’s velvet coated voice shining on the beautiful “Blue Forest” backed by the wonderful, spinetingling harmonies of his brothers Kie and Jonne while the haunting melody of “All Of A Sudden You’re Gone” drifts along in haze of beauty and the cinematic “Sunday Child” was crafted to resonate around stadiums.
The ability to switch instruments from bass, guitar, mandolin and keyboards maximised the range and scope of their material from the up-tempo “You Don’t Know My Name” to the Folk tinged “The Promise” or the Electro Pop diamond of “Peace Patrol” they moved effortlessly across genres.
“Flowers and Rust” was the first introduction to the band for many in the UK and tonight it was met by a roar of approval before “New Day Rising” brought the show to a thrilling climax.
With Von Hertzen Brothers on the cusp of greatness, many in the crowd will be able to say in years to come that “I was there” and that moment is coming ever closer. It won’t be long until Von Hertzen Brothers are everyone’s new, favourite band.
Review and Photos By Mick Burgess
Great review & pics’ Mick, VHB are my favourite live band and once again they were brilliant at Trillians, I also went to Glasgow the following night and they almost took the roof of the place, it was quite stunning to witness and one of the best gigs I’ve seen them play in the 10 years I’ve been following them, the new album is also their best to date in my opinion. VHB = Onwards & Upwards !!!!