Ragnarok: A musical cause for our friendly paw’d

Saturday, 1 June 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

This is an event which brings about the destruction and natural cycle of prominent Norse gods and lays way to a new fertile world in their wake. While this event is still left to Odin’s will, another with the same name took place.

Three Saturdays past a charity concert for those ‘who can’t tell us, but love us’ was held at the British School Auditorium. Namely, Ragnarok, a concert featuring veteran rockers of the country and new blood.

It went to the dogs. But literally, all of the bands, the sponsors and organisers whole heartedly sacrificed their time effort to support the ‘Blue Paw Trust’. Who dedicate their time and effort in turn for less fortunate dogs who love us relentlessly and effortlessly, as faithful companions.

With an entertaining display of their waggy tails and pouncy paws, the event was underway. While they didn’t need a sound check or a mic balance, it must be said that our own rockers on stage that followed sounded outstanding. Vocals, guitars and drums were balanced to very high standards.

Rage was first to get the crowd panting with their spirit and energy. Performing their four songs set a cover of ‘Master of puppets’ even Metallica couldn’t argue about. It was then followed by Wildfire, who especially united for this very special cause, as they performed with their hearts, as always.

Hollow unleashed themselves, and soon the evening had become night. It was time to let go and just be yourself. Shehara was next to take the stage and keep the rock flowing followed by Magician’s Toolbox who performed with vigour and passion.

And there you have it. After almost four hours of genuine rock, which included raving leads, synced rhythms, echoing beats, reviving bass and unifying vocals, with classy covers, solid originals and experimentation, it was time for the final act. Stigmata then took the night to midnight with their compositions of pure Sri Lankan heavy metal we’ve all come to know and head-bang with, progressing into a pure state of metal and ended the show with a track off their next record.

All in all, it was definitely an enjoyable event and even more so when the cause was that much more worthy. Meeting friends you haven’t met in ages, just having a good time by yourself, listening to well balanced loud music and generally having a day in many months where you can just be true to you, was more than enough.

The organising committee gave their sincere thanks to everyone who worked hard to put it together and to all who supported them. It would be amazing to have at least one rock concert like this every month.