This weeks photo challenge of the Daily Post had the topic ‘rounded‘. A perfect topic for today – Halloween 🙂 Walking through the street and stores, there are pumpkins everywhere. The mainly orange coloured roundly shaped vegetables are not only delicious to eat, but also used for a very special tradition around this time of the year – pumpkin carving!
Each year on Halloween, many people turn the vegetable into a creepy, spooky lantern. The tradition originated in Ireland and was brought to the USA. There is a myth telling that many years ago, a man called Jack Oldfield tricked the devil by carving a cross into a tree to prevent him from getting down. Making the devil angry, Jack was frightened and made a deal of only letting the devil down if he would never have to be afraid of him anymore. After Jack’s death, he was not allowed into heaven as he previously made a pact with the devil, but was not welcome in hell as well as the devil was still upset. Wandering lost and lonesome through the darkness, he got himself a turnip that was lit with help of black coal.
But what has the myth to do with the tradition of carving a pumpkin? As the Irish came to the USA they recognised that there were way more pumpkins than turnips available, so they changed the tradition. The faces have been carved into the pumpkins to scare demons. With the burning candles inside and them placed in front of the house, they are supposed to protect and spent light in the dark.
Wandering around and seeing all the lovely but foolish looking creepy faces makes this time of the year a special time – HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🙂
Spooky cat pumpkin face
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This week I went the second time to a concert of the American rock band Slaves (US).
A while ago I saw them for the first time live and it was absolutely amazing. When I heard they would have another tour this year, I was more than happy. Unfortunately, the tour got postponed due to health issues of Jonny Craig (vocals). However, nothing is worse than ignoring health issues! Health comes definitely first, and it was great to see that his rest improved his health to the point that the band could announced new tour dates for their ‘Beautiful Death Tour’.
In addition to the new tour dates, Slaves (US), who now consists of Jonny Craig (vocals), Colin Vieira (bass) and Weston Richmond (guitar), released a new single ‘I’d Rather See Your Star Explode’ in January 2017 (via Artery Recordings) and announced a third full-length album ‘Beautiful Death’ for 2018.
Jonny Craig and Colin Vieira – Slaves (US)
Jonny Craig giving his best
Colin Vieira and Jonny Craig enjoying the stage
Slaves
Colin Vieira
Jonny Craig
Air-guitarist Jonny Craig
The doors of the venue in Camden, leading the audience literally in The Underworld, where opened at around 7pm. The venue itself is quite a small club, with a capacity for around 1300 people. Hence, it creates a cosy and intimate vibe. Escalating down the stairs, the space of the club was divided into the bar, where all the merchandise tables were placed, and the actual concert room which itself was split into a small lower floor directly in front of the stage and a higher floor surrounding the rest while providing the viewer with a good overview of the stage and lower ground. The stage was connected to the surrounding higher floor.
The Concert in London at The Underworld was sold out. This evening, Slaves brought three special guests with them. The first band of the evening was the London based melodic hardcore band The City Is Ours, formed by Conor, Jay, George, Sam and Mikey in 2015. Their music was a mix between melodic choruses, combined with heavy dark verses and breakdowns in their bridges. The mix of screamed and clear vocals created a great vibe as well as energy, which the crowed seemed to enjoy.
The City Is Ours
The City Is Ours enjoying the stage
The City Is Ours
After a short change, the second band entered the stage which was the Coventry based metal band Screaming Blue Murder. Re-formed in 2014, the band consists of Aaron (vocals) and Jamie (drums) Bloomer, Dan Philip (Guitar), Harry Goodwin (guitar, vocals) and Dan Myers (bass). After their EP ‘Cut Throat Youth’, the band released their debut album ‘Hollow Stories’ in 2016 via Stay Sick Records. Musically, they show influences of Attila, mixing mainly screamed vocals with a heavy dark guitar sound. Especially their presence on stage with monitors showing lyrics and pictures underlined their performance as well as the light boxes that turned on as soon as someone stepped on them. Unfortunately, the crowd this evening, which was quite mixed regarding the age, was really hard to motivate. Nevertheless, the band gave their best and delivered a very good show.
Aaron Bloomer and Dan Philp – Screaming Blue Murder
While preparing the stage for the third band, the US band Outline In Color from Tulsa Oklahoma, the band’s screamer Trevor Tatro used his strong voice to get the crowd back in front of the stage. The post-hardcore band was formed in 2010, but after slight changes in their line-up, they currently consist of Trevor Tatro (screamed vocals), See Jay Cochran (guitar), Michael Skaggs (bass) and Nick Tylor (drums). For the clear vocals they were supported by Michael Swank. So far, Outline In Color released four albums which are ‘Outline In Color’ (2010 self-release), ‘Jury Of Wolves’ (2012 via BRNK Records), ‘Masks’ (2014 via Standby Records) and ‘Struggle’ (2016 via Standby Records). Musically, they mix melodic, clear and screamed vocals in their verses and courses, underlined with heavy dark guitar sounds and electronic influences. Their performance was very energetic and kept the crowd moving. In the middle of their set, there was a quick change and Trevor announced a song of one of his band projects called Shamecult. At the end of their set, Trevor joined the crowd keeping them engaging and the energy high.
Outline In Color with Michael Swank
Trevor of Outline In Color and Shamecult
Shamecult with Trevor and Nick of Outline In Color
At around 9.30 pm, Slaves finally entered the stage. At that point the room was fully crowded and the audience hyped. Everyone sang along and engaged in the performance. The energy was great and everyone seemed to be happy. The band was absolutely amazing! Their performance was great. All the members had a lot of fun and enjoyed performing for the audience. They played a mix of some of their older songs, but also many of their upcoming songs of the new album – and they were amazing. Jonny’s voice was on point and the other band members performed great as well! Even though, they had a tiny issue with the technic, the motivation and energy staid high. Jonny entertained the crowd while the rest tried to fix the problem and then got back to playing the set. In the end there were many crowd surfers, even Colin and Felipe Sanchez (touring guitarist for Slaves) jumped with their instruments into the crowd and got carried. They all were very grateful and thanked the audience for having them and giving them such a great time – which was greatly appreciated by their fans who also thanked the band for their great performance.
Jonny Craig and Colin Vieira
Jonny Craig
The lighting for all four bands was very basic which created a great vibe and atmosphere. Only Screaming Blue Murder had additional screens and light boxed. The sound was surprisingly good. The mix between the instruments and vocals was clear and not too loud.
Overall, the concert was absolutely amazing. As Slaves is one of my favourite bands I was looking forward to this concert and I was definitely not let down. Their performance was great and Jonny’s vocals were better than ever! The crowd, however, was really hard to motivate at the beginning which gave the first bands quite a hard time. Nevertheless, their performances have been great as well and they enjoyed their time on stage. With Slaves on the stage, the crowd got absolutely crazy and sung on the top of their lungs which created an amazing atmosphere.
It was definitely a special time and I am looking forward to the new album in 2018 🙂
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This week’s photo challenge of The Daily Post was about ‘glow‘ or more precisely the golden hour. When the sun is setting and wrapping the world into a orange golden glowing veil – the golden hour starts. It is the perfect light and an amazing atmosphere. Especially nature and landscapes look even more impressive with the special lighting. No matter if its a yellow glowing brassica naptus field, a beautiful beach or dramatic cliffs – it is alway a special time and a magical shine 🙂
Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
Brighton beach – England
Brassica naptus – Germany
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This week’s photo challenge of the Daily Post is about ‘scale’ or more precisely – the way one’s sight on things changes, depending on the angle someone is looking at them.
The world can be very impressive. Standing at the bottom of a rock or right next to a huge building makes us feel extremely small and tiny. However, if we stand on the top of a mountain or sit in a plane high up in the air, the world suddenly seems to be tiny and small. The further something is away, the smaller it seems to be, even though it might be of enormous height. This phenomenon is also used to create funny illusions in pictures, films or paintings. Depending on where things are placed they seem to be really tiny or very big. Hence, a person as tiny as an elf is trapped underneath a very big table – no, not really. That is only the illusion 😉
However, for me this phenomenon is most impressive when I walk or travel through mountains and impressive landscapes. It’s always a special time and a very interesting feeling, that changes depending on if I stand at the bottom of a huge mountain or if I’m at the top of it…
Bearely recognisable tiny houses on the opposite of the lake – Lake District, England
Small path leading down the hill like a tiny line, just giving a hint of how big the mountain really is – Buttermere, England
Have you spot the tiny castle on the top of the hill, hiding between the impressive mountains? – Pfalz, Germany
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This week’s photo challenge of the Daily Post is about ‘pedestrian’. The word is most commonly used to describe a person who is walking. However, as an adjective, the word means ‘dull’ and describes something that is boring or dry. Maybe the connection between the two definitions of the word is that a person walking along the street is ‘just’ boringly walking, without any excitement, in order to get from one location to another – preferably without getting wet or muddy. People – or pedestrians -used very pedestrian or simple bridges, to cross flooded pathways or small rivers to get to their wanted destination, again without getting muddy or wet. Anyways – for this challenge I immediately thought of people walking or bridges enabling them to cross a river. However, the first pedestrian only bridge that came onto my mind was the Millennium Bridge in London, UK, which is definitive anything but pedestrian. The design is very interesting and fancy, which makes it always a special time stopping bay and crossing the river Thames at this point 🙂
Millennium Bridge – London, UK
Millennium Bridge with many pedestrians – London, UK
Interesting architecture of the Millennium Bridge – London, UK
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The latest topic of the Daily Post’s photo challenge is ‘windows’. It’s a very versatile topic that can be used literally or metaphorically. Eyes for example can be also seen as the window to somebody’s soul or it can be the view into another world. However, literally, windows are holes in the walls of buildings, to let the light inside and give people the opportunity to look outside or the other way around – look inside. They can be just holes or also ‘covered’ with glass or other materials to secure the hole. There are many different types of windows. It could be a very colourful window in a church telling a story, or a window of a remaining ruin, that gives a glimpse of how the area might have looked like a hundred years ago.
Traveling to different destinations can be a metaphorical window as you enter a different ‘world’ or see the world through ‘other eyes’. It is always a special time exploring all these destinations and cultures, visiting ancient places and discovering the world – maybe be looking through some of these old and still remaining windows 😉
Colourful chruche window – Ireland
Remains of an Abbey – Ireland
Look outside – Ireland
Beautiful, huge windows, letting a lt of light inside and giving a glimpse of how the place might has looked like – Ireland
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Yesterday, I went to the Blessthefall concert in the Underworld, Camden. It was a really nice evening with an energetic crow and great music.
Blessthefall is a metalcore band from Arizona, Phoenix (USA) who have been building a strong foundation and fanbase since their formation in 2003. After a slight change of the lineup, the group now consists of Beau Bokan (lead vocals), Eric Lambert (guitar), Jared Warth (bass/vocals), Matt Traynor (drums) and Elliott Gruenberg (guitar). So far, they released five studio albums which are ‘His Last Walk’ (2007 via Science Records), ‘Witness’ (2009 via Fearless Records), ‘Awakening’ (2011 via Fearless Records), ‘Hollow Bodies’ (2013 via Fearless Records) and ‘To Those Left Behind’ (2015 via Fearless Records). Between each record the band toured with different artists such as Silverstein, Enter Shikari, Vanna, Of Mice And Men, Motionless In White, The Word Alive, Tonight Alive, Crown The Empire, Too Close To Touch and New Years Day within the USA and around Europe. Furthermore, they attended Vans Wraped Tour in 2013, 2014, 2015 and announced to be part of the tour in 2017. Musically, Blessthefall mixes elements of screamo, metalcore and post-hardcore. Their newer work shows a very well balanced mix of screamed vocals with clear vocals in the refrains. The lyrics are supported by a melancholic, but also heavy and dark guitar sound with breakdowns in the bridges.
At the concert in Camden Blessthefall’s performance was really great. The band had loads of energy and seemed to enjoy their time on stage. They played a good mix of their newer songs and some of their older parts which was greatly appreciated by the fanbase. The crowd was absolutely amazed by the performance. The whole club sang along and engaged in the performance. There was a lot of crowd surfing, jumping and circle pits. The crowd surfers were greeted on stage by the band members, who were really happy about the energy of their audience.
It was an absolute blast to be part of the concert and I definitely had a special time. With the music and the engagement of the crowd there was a great atmosphere with kind of magical vibes.
Blessthefall – Camden
Great atmosphere during the concert
Engaging with the crowd
Beau Bokan having a blast on stage
Good vibes
Energetic crowd
Blessthefall living their music
Beau Bokan enjoying the stage
Great atmosphere
Great concert
Energetic vibes
However, before the main act entered the stage, there have been two special guest for the evening. The first band, who opened the stage, was Confessions Of A Traitor. The quintet from Essex, London (UK) was formed in 2013 and consists of the members Stephen MacConville (Vocals), Jack Darnell (Guitar), Tony Nagle (Bass), Dominic Pool (Guitar) and Seb Olrog (Drums). So far, the band released two EP’s which are ‘Seasons’ (2014) and ‘Illuminate’ (2017 via Sliptrick Records). Musically, they can be classified as metal- or hardcore band who have created their own unique sound. The mainly screamed lyrics are underlined by dark and heavy sounding guitars. Especially the live performances stand out regarding the energy and power the bands brings up on stage. Stephen MacConville was joining the crowd a lot, running around in the circle pit, walking through the crowd and jumping n as well as off the stage quite often, keeping the energy level high. The tactic worked very well and they had the full attention of the audience, joining their performance, singing along and jumping around. Everyone seemed to have lots of fun and enjoyed the evening.
Confessions Of A Traitor
Great energy during Confessions Of A Traitor’s performance
Confessions Of A Traitor enjoying the stage
The second band of the evening was Blood Youth, post-hardcore band from Harrogate, UK. The band was formed in 2014 and are musically described as good trash or triple dragon, showing influences of melodic hardcore, hardcore punk, metalcore and post-hardcore. They mix elements of screamed and clear vocals, with heavy sounding guitars. The melodic choruses create soft contrasts to the mainly screamed verses which creates a very nice sometimes melancholic vibe in general. At the moment, the band consists of Kaya Tarsus (vocals), Chris Pritchard (guitar) and Sam Hallett (drums). They have just released their debut album ‘Beyond Repair’ in 2017 via Rude Records.
During the concert, the energy of the band and the crowd was really nice. The crowd in general was very involved and seemed to have a blast. Everyone was jumping, clapping and running around. There also have been some crowd surfers. The band also seemed to enjoy being on stage and performing for the crowd. They had a lot of energy and motivation which made it a great experience.
Blood Youth
Blood Youth enjoying the stage
Great vibes
The overall atmosphere of the concert night was really great! As it was quite a small club for around 1300 people, it was quite a cozy and intimate vibe. The venue, which was the Underworld in Camden, was divided into the bar and the actual concert room which itself was split into a small lower floor directly in front of the stage and a little higher floor surrounding the rest and gave a good overview. The atmosphere in the club was very nice as well as the lighting which was kept very basic. The sound, however, could have been mixed a little bit better. It was quite loud in general and the instruments seemed to overwhelm the singers of all three bands. Unfortunately, that is something I have experienced in a lot of smaller clubs. Nevertheless, the overall show, sound and light show as very nice and the experience was great anyway 🙂
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After a one-week break, there is a new topic for the Daily Mail’s photo challenge 🙂 This week was about something ‘layered‘. Nature shows soo many great and fascinating facets when you take a proper look and enjoy what surrounds you. Now, with autumn around the corner, leaves are falling covering the floor with many layers so the flowers need a little bit longer to peak through. Those flowers themselves have layers of small and soft leaves that show their colourful inside when they open up. However, not only the flora offers many great and beautiful layers. The earth itself consists of different layers, the stone was built out of different layers throughout different decades and centuries. After the influence of the cold, sun wind and rain they might come back to light after hundreds of years. The change of the earth can be very fascinating by having a closer look. Visiting those wonderful places was a special time for sure! So here are my pictures for this week’s photo challenge:
Beautiful Dahlia with many layers of colourful leaves
Different layers of stone – Clovelly, Devon UK
Huge pices of layered stone – Heartland Quay, Devon UK
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This week’s photo challenge of the Daily Post has the topic ‘waiting’, as the moment right before the action. As I was walking through the park, I saw many squirrels running around stopping, looking and hoping to find a lovely treat to eat. Some were waiting around other pedestrians that they might drop something or that they might even feed them. They were sitting on benches ready to jump off if something would fall down or be offered for them. They also walked slowly up to waiting people just to sit in front of them hoping they would offer them a lovely treat.
Watching the squirrels and walking around the park was a special time and here are my pictures for this week’s challenge 😉
Squirel waiting for some treats
Waiting and begging for treats
Waiting to jump off
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This week, the topic for the Daily Post’s photo challenge was about ‘structure’. There are many small natural structures that seem to be very normal and might be over looked very quickly. Hence, if people would take time to really look what surrounds them, they might see some special and very beautiful natural structures 🙂 They will have a special time walking around and exploring the tiny things in life! It’s very interesting how fascinating the small things seem to be for small children, whereas adults just pass them without noticing… A very lovely idea for a photo challenge!
Tiny moussels and snails
Very interesting looking skin of a little alligator
Beautiful rose with rain drops
Architecture creating structures – Eifel Tower, Paris
Colourful leaves
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A Special Time Creative 