Live Reviews

Metal Discovery
By: Mark Holmes
About: Progpower Europe - Sjiwa, Baarlo (NL) 07-10-2007
Website: Metal Discovery

Commencing Sunday's proceedings are young Dutch unsigned band Day Six. Originally appearing at the festival's pre-party back in 2004 down in the Sjiwa basement, they have come a long way in 3 years and are bestowed the honour of a main stage slot in 2007. Labelling their own music as 'Progressive Symphonic Metal', their songs encompass a whole array of their self-professed prog influences including Pink Floyd; Pain of Salvation; Porcupine Tree; Dream Theater; Nevermore; Spock's Beard; Blackfield, etc. Frontman Robbie van Stiphout is a dynamic performer with the widest range of maniacal facial expressions the festival has witnessed since Devin Townsend's memorable performance in 2004. However, with the smallish crowd enjoying Day Six's music as much as the band appear to be performing it, 3 songs into their set and the festival experiences its first ever power failure in its 9 year history. No sound; no lights; no power at all! Rumours abound as to how this occurred involving the bass player from a particular band, but whatever the reason, the organisation are to be commended for rectifying the situation after only a ten minute delay, as are Day Six for their professionalism at finishing their set undeterred when the power has been fully restored.
As much as I enjoy Day Six's music, my only minor criticism is that their songs sound occasionally cluttered as if they're trying to pastiche all of their influences within a single composition. However, they are technically impressive musicians, talented live performers, and deserve their music to be heard by a wider audience.

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