We live in times of terror. The news about the COVID-19 pandemic floods the electronic media and there is not a time when the publications on our social networks do not tell us about the hundreds of dead and infected do not appear before our eyes. We definitely need a break and last weekend we had one of the last mental breaks we will have in the next few weeks.
Despite everything and in a swirl of cancellations due to the pandemic, the tenth anniversary edition of Hell and Heaven, the most important metal festival in Latin America, was held at the Foro Pegaso de Toluca. Despite being announced, bands like Megadeth, King diamond, Cypress Hill, Fleshgod Apocalypse and several more were forced to get off the ship due to the restrictions on flights and travel imposed in their respective countries just a few hours after the start of their flights.
An atmosphere of tension was felt in the environment, what would happen with the festival? Would it be postponed? Would the authorities decide to avoid massive events? Would you run out of bands? However, all that was dissipating as soon as the doors of the Pegasus were opened. People, although in quantity reduced to what was expected by everything that happened and of course, the fear of contagion, began to arrive and see that everything was fine. In the four stages that the festival placed for this occasion, the bands began to parade one after another with an audience that started dubious and dull but ended in ecstasy.
The festival did not have a large number of extra-musical activities. We did not see the great activations of recognized brands, but instead we saw what a music festival should offer: great concerts, especially on Saturday, which was the day that was least hit by the pandemic. The debut of Powerwolf It was awesome, with people singing all their songs in unison. Jinjer closing the festival in a powerful way and releasing his new album, 'Macro'. The legendaries Deep purple doing what they have done best for the last fifty years and also, with the special participation of Jordan Rudess, a delight! Amon Amarth demonstrating with great magnificence because they are one of the most boasted metal acts on the planet, with overwhelming power and that many consider was the best band on the planet. The brothers Cavalera and Static X made Toluca rumble with their great successes. Someone dares to say that it was not a great night!
Separate point deserves the first time of Manowar in Mexico. Maybe they haven't had the reaction that generated bands like Amon Amarth or Powerwolf In the public. They may not have the connection with the audience of the Cavalera or Rhapsody (another great concert, by the way). They may not have the current relevance of Jinjer. But Manowar It is a legendary band worldwide and just as historic was the show they gave at Hell and Heaven. Yes, they become tedious after a while of "Victory", “Odin“, “Metal" and "Valhallas”(Yes, yes, we understand you) but his show is great. An excellent production in conjunction with a great band that knows how to entertain, great musicians like Joey DeMaio and the impressive vocal level of Eric Adams they were the formula for success. Oh by the way! It was recorded for posterity and will be released on Bluray soon.
At the production level, the festival more than met. Good facilities, good settings, good -although not so varied- food options, the bathrooms were good -and also with sinks so you could wash your hands with soap and water and avoid contagion-, the beer was cold, security it was correct, the audio was good - except with a couple of cases like Phil Anselmo and Static X at times. That's all it takes to have a good experience.
If you continue on this path, the future of Hell and Heaven looks bright. Yes, there are still things to polish, the promoter company has yet to learn not to fall into the same mistakes of the past, but it has undoubtedly been a good start towards consolidation and, above all, towards a renaissance, with a new face and a new attitude.
They say that after the storm, calm comes. And after the tremendous storm that the festival suffered to be able to carry out, it deserves a good time of tranquility. And may 2021 come!
[penci_review]
