Gig recap, pics [22 March ’26]

As usual, we had a great time at the Koornbeurs Metal Cafe. Zemma were a nice surprise. As that band hasn’t released many songs yet, it was cool to hear how broad their sound actually is. They play a high-energy mix of indie, hardcore and heavier rock styles with even some blast beats and screams to curry the flavour. It makes for a highly entertaining set that I hope to see again. I chatted with the band members during dinner and it’s interesting that they’re all from different countries and formed a band in Amsterdam. Zemma is also the name of their vocalist but the performance that I saw was a real band playing, not just a solo project with session musicians.

Gavran

Gavran

 Gavran are currently one of the heavier bands from the Rotterdam area and they have a new album (their 3rd) out, so we were stoked to have them on the bill with us. Their music is built around heavy riffing but also has moments of quiet introspection. I love that kind of balance in music. With a band like this, it’s nice to let the riffs roll over you and experience the music almost like in a trance. We didn’t get to chat much unfortunately, but it’s likely that we’ll share a stage again in the future.

Akelei: Thorben, Matthijs & Josha. Photo by Vitus Frank.

Akelei: Matthijs, Misha & Dirk. Photo by Vitus Frank.

The Akelei set went really well. It was our first gig with the new lineup and I don’t think you could tell. It was a joy to perform all these old songs, especially “Pijnschrift” and “Herfst en de weduwnaar”, songs that haven’t been part of our setlist since at least 2009. We got many positive reactions from the audience as well as from Patrik, who books the Metal Cafe.

We sold a couple of t-shirts of the new ‘Zwaarte’ design. We had the demo reissue with us too, but I told people that it wasn’t finished yet, a decision I’ve since reversed. It’s fine. The new digibook is available here.

We’re now getting ready for our next gig at Festerfest 2026. This will be a try-out at the new Baroeg, so it’s very special and an honour to be among the first bands to play there. This will also be a ‘demo set’ but with one added song. Aline Kuiper is singing with us, yay!

More news when we have it.

Misha

Listening to: Flairck – 10

Matthijs and Josha post-gig chat with our friend Koen.

The Koornbeurs crew enjoying a late-night meal after closing hour.