Anneke van Giersbergen, Scars Of Tears, Missing Pulse // Eightball Live Stage, Thessaloniki Greece // 29.12.13
Anneke van Giersbergen; It’s been numerous the cases of artists fading with the passing of time, losing strength and will to continue their art. Often finding sparks of their former glory in mediocre releases, yet the passion is nowhere to be found. Has the lovely Dutch lady become one of these cases? Are 18 years of intense career enough to sap her spirit?
The 1st time seeing her on stage was about 10 years ago while she was still performing with The Gathering. An exceptional performance and definitely a night to remember. So far, I didn’t have the chance to attend her solo performances after her departure from the forth mentioned band. So here I am, 29 of December 2013, 20:00 PM standing outside Eightball Club (there was no way I would miss the support bands) trying to gather my thoughts on how about she will perform after the last time I saw her. I t’s been a decade you know. A small crowd (who cares about the supports right?) waiting outside as well. Doors open, getting my place in front of the bar, beer in hand. Eyes and ears on stage, the 1st act of the night is getting ready. Here we go!
Missing Pulse set the tone for the night. The five man act consisting of 2 guitars, bass, drums and a vocalist handling acoustic guitar duties as well, performed their art flawlessly. Cross-breeding Alternative rock with Post urges, they managed to create an auditory experience of myriad feelings and colors. “Satisfy Me” was their 1st song. Guitar Fix started to echo only to end abruptly by the vocalist shouting “Save me I am falling again”. This mid-tempo composition served as the perfect introduction. “Between Love and Hate” spiraled the night with its 3/4 signature , paying homage to its title. “I Am for you” provided the crowd with a soothing yet nostalgic feeling from its ‘begging to its end. “The River” was the next to follow and I can say it was my favorite one. A 9 minute composition that proved the band’s arranging capability. The mixture of minor and major chords during the chorus made it almost impossible for me to resist. “My Blood” was their last track to perform. A slow piece filled with beautiful blues guitar licks and a suitable end to the band’s performance that night.
Scars Of Tears were the next band to follow. The quartet consisted of a female vocalist , one guitar , bass , drums and pre-recorded keyboards – guitarist and bassist providing vocals as well. While the previous support graced us with their ambience , Scars Of Tears delivered the much needed energy. Young mezzo Charitini Anastasiadou , was the centerpiece of their performance. Being quite energetic and communicative with the crowd in and between their songs , proved that she certainly has the “guts” for it. An Alternative Female Fronted band, Scars of Tears definitely relies upon her individual presence on stage , without of course limiting the other members , who proved to be more than ready to the challenge. “S.O.S” sparked their show , a lovely and catchy composition with a memorable chorus based upon alternating melodic lines between Mr.Stefanidis (guitar) and Charitini.
“Down Again” and “Introduce” followed after a round of applause and hooked my interest to the band. I was really enjoying the subtle but prompt use of keyboards. Also big props to Mr.Salagiannis (Bass) for filling the sound with his intuitive bass lines during the guitar solos, rather than following the chord progression. Charitini getting the best out of her as time passed , let the journey continue with “Soriness Of Time”. Being half-way of their show , it was time for me to evaluate what I was experiencing. My first acquaintance with the band was more than enjoyable , providing me with an insatiable thirst for more. The beautiful piano / strings intro of “After the End” followed , only to reveal another great song with a sweeping chorus. “Tear My Scars” rocked the place with its dynamics and energy. Some Gothic Rock influences were present with “Out Of My Memories” with the band keeping their composure high and the audience as well. After all that, it was time for a cover I guess.
The band chose Nightfall’s all time classic “Diva” which granted them a free round of applause by even mentioning it. The execution was there , dynamics there as well , personal touch? I can say with certainty that Scars of Tears managed to add their distinctive elements thus making the end result quite appealing. “Believe Or Die” ended their show in applause and acceptance from the crowd. Later the band informed me that they are currently in studio , recording their debut album which will include some new material as well. So, folks keep an eye on these guys! With both supports fulfilling their role to their best , the stage was set for Mrs. Anneke van Giersbergen.
The first notes of “You Will Never Change” emerge , while deep bass covers everything. The crowd begins to cheer , as Anneke gets on stage and the verse of the song is revealed. A decade might seem a lot to some but for her seems like not a single day passed. Her crystal-clear and perfectly pitched voice left me with no doubts. While time stood still , “Drive” pushed everyone ahead with its powerful thrust. Anneke certainly seemed to enjoy this while becoming one with crowd. A true professional and entertainer , knew exactly how to deliver the energy of her art. But , there comes the time to sit back and recall , with “Saturnine” the past became present again. Emotions became abundant with this Gathering era classic and the audience singing along for its entire length.
“My Boy” continued in the same melancholic path which led to the march-driven rhythm of “1000 Miles Away From You” , having Anneke mesmerizing everyone with her heavenly voice during the heart-breaking chorus. “She” balanced the atmosphere with it’s light and cheerful tone. After the end of this song and among never-ending applause , Anneke was left alone on stage while the rest of the band departed. From the moment she grabbed her guitar it became clear that we entering the acoustic aspect of her show. Some technical issues aroused but there was nothing that could stop her that night. “Beautiful One” and “Circles” were her selections of choice. And there in my opinion was her shining moment : Accompanied only by her guitar , her presence was enough to leave everyone speechless as she was reminding us the reason we were there – the beauty of her voice.
At the completion of the acoustic set , the rest of the band reappeared on stage. The piano intro of “My Mother Said” progressed into the sweet song we all knew , while “Forgive me” pumped up the tempo , something to which the crowd responded accordingly. The dramatic tone of “Mental Jungle” was overwhelming that night , with Anneke giving one more brilliant performance. “You Want To Be Free ” offered us a welcoming change of mood and “Stay” took things into a heavier level with it’s aggressive guitar riffing. “Shooting For The Stars” was announced as the last song for the night , but we all knew and hoped that there will be more. With the audience performing the –we want more- part while the band was leaving the stage , it was but a matter of time for the Encore of the night to begin. After a few minutes , the band is was again on stage , Anneke questioned the crowd about their intentions only to receive the positive reply which led to “Wonder”.
The slow and calm mood was enough to prepare us for another great song this time from her latest album. “We Live On” was certainly one the best moments of her set , anticipated by all , it was performed to an amazing extend. “The Best Is Yet To Come” was the final song , which granted Anneke and the rest of the band a standing ovation from the crowd. Totally worth it , Anneke delivered a great performance and offered us a memorable night. The structure of her set was providing different kinds of feelings which I believe , fulfilled everyone’s expectations . So, to answer the initial questions of this report: She is stronger than ever , a proof that an artist who respects herself will never cease to create and deliver only and but the best of her. When there is Will there will be a Way , 18 years of intense career speak the truth , and hopefully there we be will many more for her.
Conclusion
It was a great night by all means. Missing Pulse and Scars Of Tears were brilliant , with each other covering different roles As for Mrs. Anneke van Giersbergen , there is not much to say – not needed. She got my total respect and left me in awe.
Report: Vasilis “Q_Snc” Tsiakalos
Photos: Angelo Evangelopoulos