TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL is a festival headed by CRYSTAL LAKE celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year. An important day was going to take place in CRYSTAL LAKE’s history.

There were 3 stages: the main stage「ALPHA STAGE」, the second stage「OMEGA STAGE」and the small stage「FREE WILL STAGE」(The names of the stages refer to the songs called « Alpha-Omega » from the album TRUE NORTH and « Freewill » which was the first demo song/mini-album of CRYSTAL LAKE).

Unfortunately, it was such a rainy day, so the rainwater threatened to keep the「FREE WILL STAGE」alive. But I finally noticed that the stage was covered up by a large tent, so there was no need to worry about anything. Everything would go as planned and I was definitely ready to see my Rainmakers. 

CRYSTAL LAKE planned to open the Festival by REUNION 2003-2010 inviting the ex-members of the band: Kentaro (Ex-Vocal), Yasuyuki (Ex-Bass) and Yusuke (Ex-Drum). It was such a unique and unbelievable moment to have the chance to see Ex- and current band members sharing the stage together.

The OPEN DOORS was at 12:00, and REUNION 2003-2010 supposed to start at 13:00. I could already see many people lining up from inside to outside for CRYSTAL LAKE’s official merchandise. I was among the first people to get into the venue, so I decided to pick up some goods at the Merch stand first. On this special event, CRYSTAL LAKE decided to reprint in only a few limited copies their first records DIMENSION (Released on 2006, July 5th) and INTO THE GREAT BEYOND (released on 2010, November 3rd), out of print at present. The Fans who intended to purchase the 2 precious CDs could only apply with the « first arrived, first served » system that can be unfair to some, but a stroke of luck to others.

It was around 12:45, just the time to take a look at the merch booths of the festival, I put my goods and personal stuff in a locker before to finally head to the「FREE WILL STAGE」. But CRYSTAL LAKE REUNION 2003-2010 was such an awaited event that I surprisingly faced a tent overcrowded and too small to welcome all the people who wanted to join the show. The STAFF also seemed taken aback and told us to wait (under the rain).

REUNION 2003-2010 was about to start when I noticed Yuki Shida (Working at Music Industry -JMS- for CRYSTAL LAKE) telling the venue Staff: « No more than 10 people, and STOP! ». And thanks god, cause I was the 10th person and so the last one to get into the tent. Of course, it was impossible to move around, so I just stayed at the back of the venue.

REUNION 2003-2010 started with「River Of Truth」(Intro from INTO THE GREAT BEYOND), people went totally crazy, the temperature increased immediately and the scenery turned into chaos in one second!

CRYSTAL LAKE officially declared the pit open!

During his MC, Kentaro (Ex-Vocal CRYSTAL LAKE) said: « Thank You so much for having us today and congrats to CRYSTAL LAKE for 15th Anniversary! […] 10 years ago, CRYSTAL LAKE got the opportunity to perform at the TASTE OF CHAOS here at Shinkiba Studio Coast. So I’m very thankful to be able to come back here for this event and to kill again this place with my songs. Let’s have fun all together today! I came here to conclude my memories from the past ». [In November 2017, CRYSTAL LAKE applied to the audition「ERNIE BALL Battle of the bands」and won in the web vote; That’s how they could appear as Opening Act at Rockstar Taste of Chaos in Japan 2007. This is also what happened to the bands Graupel, Sable Hills and A Ghost of Flare who applied and then performed to CRYSTAL LAKE Live Audition「ROAD TO THE TRUE NORTH」and won.]　

We could feel today like an achievement of years of hard work and the beginning of something new again for the band. YD -Yudai Miyamoto- (Lead Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE) said: « After 15 years, this is the day to link the past to the present of CRYSTAL LAKE! ». So during the song「Into the Great Beyong」, Ryo Kinoshita (Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE) came on stage. Now, CRYSTAL LAKE’s past and present are definitely linked; Both vocalists roaring together on stage, CRYSTAL LAKE’s past and present delivered as one.

The crowd was on fire and everybody was sweating, screaming and diving into the crowd during the songs. A lot of dangerous mosh pit occurred from this really hot atmosphere making me think of a war scene. It seemed that the safety instructions were forgotten by everyone and the band itself (laughs). During the last song「The burder」(Last song from DIMENSION), Kentaro (Ex-Vocal CRYSTAL LAKE) took off his shirt, showing his sweating body like a warrior, when YD (Lead Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE) suddenly climbed on the speakers before to jump into the pit and dived into the crowd.

For CRYSTAL LAKE, everything’s happening tonight is coherent with this place, Shinkiba Studio Coast.

1. River Of Truth
2. Twisted Fate
3. Fabricates Refuge (Feat. Hiroyuki Kobayashi from Loyal To The Grave)
4. The Passage
5. Into The Great Beyond (Feat. Ryo Kinoshita from CRYSTAL LAKE)
6. Freewill
7. The Burder

 ________

« It’s the Final Show now! It’s time to do it, time to do it NOW! Let’s burn it out! Let’s go! » said Ryo (Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE). And they started with「The Fire Inside」. Immediately, the crowd was compressed naturally towards the front of the pit, diving from all directions, making a noise like a storm, singing along « We are not the fucking dead » rushing to Ryo (Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE) as target; The bright stage lighting Ryo’s silhouette emitting an aura of hero.

Ryo (Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE) screamed « Let’s go crazier again ! » before to start「Prometheus」. On Ryo‘s influence, the biggest circle pit of the day was formed, spinning as speed as to mow everything down. Before the break, Ryo made a second call « Let’s make a fucking mess ! », and the circle pit was suddenly transformed into a dangerous zone of a repeated occurrence like windmills. Then, Ryo with his distinctive characteristic made a short break with his guttural voice, hitting the ground of the venue with a violent powerful sound.

« Are you ready to fly? Let’s shake Shinkiba up, everyone ! » persisted Ryo (Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE), keeping the crowd going, before to introduce「Matrix」. On the joint bounce of the members together, the jumps in the audience also didn’t waver, shaking the bottom of the hell, the heat and the vibrations inside the venue didn’t show any sign of weakness.

« Do not rest, put your hands in the air, everyone! Clap your hands!», said Ryo encouraging the audience, they started to play「Mercury」in a flash. « You have long awaited for… with Hiro! » screamed Ryo; and Hiro (Vo. SHADOWS) came on stage. After a confrontation with Ryo, Hiro jumped into the crowd, the audience singing along, piling themselves up like a mountain.

« We are CRYSTAL LAKE. Welcome to the True North Festival. It’s time for a break again. But you don’t need it anymore, right? », asked Ryo to the audience, under warm welcome acclaim coming from all directions in the venue. « Do you want more? So we’re gonna give it to you! » added Ryo, and the audience immediately cheered even louder.

Ryo said: « I believe that CRYSTAL LAKE REUNION 2003-2010 is a proof of our history. I didn’t make a mistake by walking in that way for 15 years. I was really 100% confident today. Anyhow, 15 years ago, 10 years ago, 5 years ago or now, we are CRYSTAL LAKE. This is the way we are, this is the way we die. To die during a Live is a long-cherished ambition and it will be a satisfaction. We will prove that the song we will play next will be the best song of the TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL! », and as result, the blast beat explosion from Gaku (Dr. CRYSTAL LAKE), combining static and dynamic, the masterpiece「True North」started. Due to the overwhelming speed of the song, many people dived into the crowd, and the human tsunami happened many times.

« I already said it in various places, I don’t feel telling you more but, here today from CRYSTAL LAKE REUNION and through all bands, we’re now gathering everything in this place. Do you understand? Beyond the past and the future, all these things are combined into this one song. We can fly across any border, looking at this scenery, I strongly think it today. Beyond everything, I’m gonna give you an amazing playground. Once again, would you mind letting us introduce the new song? », screamed Ryo, performing the new song called「Apollo」released this month [New Single「Apollo」released on 2017, October 11th].

The atmospheric guitar phrase made a floating feeling emerging from YD (Lead Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE), the super extra heavy low tone riff from Shinya (Rhythm Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE) intertwined to each other, the logic and true meaning of Ryo‘s words, the playground of the New Era was now in progress.

« Finally, the ideal heavy music festival that we’ve always dreamed of is born here. Really, I didn’t think that those who like this noisy music can be joined together here. Thank you so much. I really believe that this kind of music will become a Japanese culture. », said Ryo getting wrapped up in the applause.

« CRYSTAL LAKE and Shinkiba Studio Coast is the perfect symbol of fate and history, everybody knows, right? CRYSTAL LAKE won the audition and got the chance to appear at the TASTE OF CHAOS on this stage. From that time, we were able to perform many times here. By the way, there was a heavy downpour with a big thunderstorm that day too, it really happened (laughs). But unfortunately, it’s raining today as well. So I didn’t really know how it would be today. But today is our event so please, just do it the way you like. », concluded Ryo.

« Amazing. I don’t say it very often, cause it’s something really usual but, I came here with many thoughts. Everyone who came here, people who support us as STAFF now, those who support this Live, I’m truly thankful to all of you, Thank you so much. To thank every one of CRYSTAL LAKE’s crew is necessary for doing this show today. I didn’t say it before in front of everyone, but let me say it today. And Thanks to all the bands for coming out to perform for us today, I thoroughly respect them. And of course, thank you to everyone who’s standing here, seriously. From this place, I want to be able to change the Japanese music, CRYSTAL LAKE’s music, I really think that today is that day. That’s what I wanted to say. Now, I believe that people are linked all together. », said YD (Lead Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE) in his sincere and victorious MC.

Then, Ryo said: « It’s interesting that those who don’t know us can be connected by the music, this music, supported by each other, because I think that we are able to do it now, so let’s have fun all together! A new story starts from today. Today, you are in the new history of Japanese Music. Please, be aware of it. We threatened to break up the band many times during 15 years. I thought of quitting again and again, but now, I’m still standing on stage. I think I will continue again. In that way, I’m covered with scars, but slow step after slow step, I will take it a step further». On these poignant words, they started「Black and Blue」. In the lyrics, Ryo mentions the « scars », so on the way of the song, he took a pose, like repented on stage, he looked like a Saint.

We are therefore entering the last part of the show with「Beloved」. On the way, Kenta Koie (Vo. CROSSFAITH) came on stage as a guest, screaming with a fierce shout. The silhouette of Kenta confronting Ryo was like dashing heroes, an image of the current Japanese metal scene where the tiger and dragon were fighting.

« It’s not what I want! Everybody, the only thing I wanna see is you to make it stronger! », screamed Ryo, now playing 「Omega」. While the waves of divers were going on, Ryo himself jumped into the crowd, resisted to the human waves that couldn’t stop to challenge by screaming at him. YD also dived into the crowd at the end of the song, and this is how they ended the final part of the show.

The Shinkiba Studio Coast resounded with the voices and cheers from the inside audience asking for an ENCORE when the members appeared on stage again. « Do you know who’s here today? I’m gonna call a special guest; The son of Satan, Hayato! », said Ryo by calling Hayato (Vo. MEANING) to come on stage. Then, one of the best historic and heinous song was played, 「Hades」. On the way, Makoto (Vo. SAND) appeared as a guest too, 3 devils were standing on stage. « Let’s do it no matter what! », asked Ryo, generating the appearance of various Mosh Pit which showed for sure the best hell’s picture of the day.

For the second ENCORE, « This is the last chance to link the past to the future of CRYSTAL LAKE! » screamed Ryo, before to start the last song,「Twisted Fate」. Not to mention the excitement level of the crowd, the storm of divers put the final point of this incredible day. From now on, the Shinkiba Studio Coast‘s inside audience is definitively united.

At the end of the song, CRYSTAL LAKE was joined on stage by Kentaro (Ex-Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE), we could enjoy the last time the magnificent view proposed by Ryo and Kentaro together for the second time of the day. Now, the past and the present of CRYSTAL LAKE is definitely linked on stage. And it’s full of hope and wishes for the future that the final curtain of the TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL 2017 has been closed.

The last of Ryo‘s words were: « This is CRYSTAL LAKE ! ». And effectively, what happened today can be summarized only into those words.

We can describe CRYSTAL LAKE as a chaotic band, both static and dynamic, wrapping up an intense part, just like a waterfall that flows off the edge of the cliff. However, CRYSTAL LAKE has always refused to belong to a category, they have no rules and break all the codes of the metal music, interpreted as a way of showing how the band is constantly searching for new musical horizons. 15 years have passed, but the bottom of their hearts, the depth of their universe and their ultimate goals are immeasurable.

Since its creation in 2002, CRYSTAL LAKE is expected to a worldview, that is the reason why they decided to create the TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL under a worldwide concept, inviting bands from overseas to perform on the Japanese stage. CRYSTAL LAKE‘s purpose is to make this festival more popular in the future, not only in Japan but in the world. No doubt about it, CRYSTAL LAKE TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL will become one of the must-attended events for the metal lovers around the world.

Congrats again to CRYSTAL LAKE for TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL 2017 15th Anniversary. I’m proud to have been a part of this CRYSTAL LAKE’s special event. Thank you so much for this day that I can already definite as one of the best days of my life for sure. From now on, let’s write a new chapter of CRYSTAL LAKE’s history altogether. That is the reason why I’ve been living in Japan for almost 3 years because this is what I live for. 

 « This is the way we are,  This is the way we die. »

Photo by Taka Tallman

-Setlist-

1. The Fire Inside
2. Prometheus
3. Matrix
4. Mercury (Feat. Hiro from SHADOWS)
5. True North
6. Apollo
7. Black & Blue
8. Beloved (Feat. Kenta Koie from CROSSFAITH)
9. Omega
EN1. Hades (Feat. Hayato from MEANING and Makoto from SAND)
EN2. Twisted Fate (Feat. Kentaro Ex-Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE) 

_______

[LIVE REPORT] 
2017.10.21 
CRYSTAL LAKE
「TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL」
~15th Anniversary~ 
@ 
Shinkiba Studio Coast, Tokyo (Japan)

Live Report by Gaëlle Gedda

INSTAGRAM : gaelle_gedda
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 CRYSTAL LAKE OFFICIAL , TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL OFFICIAL

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