As one of the staple bands on the Japanese music scene, CRYSTAL LAKE went to tear it up at the「SATANIC CARNIVAL 2018」for the 4th time which is undoubtedly the most important one for the band who’s making his first steps on the main stage「SATAN STAGE」for the first time this year.

📸 Taka Tallman

CRYSTAL LAKE which has been successful in his own Festival「TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL」at Shinkiba Studio Coast (Check out my Live Report) and his first European Tour last year, is now driving the heavy and loud Japanese music scene.

On this second day of the festival, if there is a stage on which a booming metal formation should linger, it’s the so-called « band expected to turn ». I was a little nervous beforehand, ready for CRYSTAL LAKE at「SATAN STAGE」, hearing the whispers of attendees resonating in the big hall. CRYSTAL LAKE found a welcoming workplace where they could apply their talents, pursue their ambitions and make a truly valued contribution. CRYSTAL LAKE get to be on top of the metal game to lift the band to a new level. Right now, we are making history.

CRYSTAL LAKE started with「PROMETHEUS」, which was the last song they played last year at「SATANIC CARNIVAL 2017」to close their set at「EVIL STAGE」. Coincidence or not, it was a logical follow-on that this meaningful moment and the widening of their musical horizons should be reflected in their performance of the day.

As a leader, Ryo (Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE) pressed the audience, saying: « Raise your fists! Jump! Hands Up! ». Inspired and stimulated by this dynamic spirit, the audience defended the band’s interests all throughout the show.

« SATANIC, front to back, side to side, everybody, let’s fly! », screamed Ryo, stirring up the crowd, introducing the next song「Matrix」. In the middle of the song, IKEPY (Vo. HER NAME IN BLOOD) who just finished performing on「EVIL STAGE」, suddenly appeared as a guest to face Ryo, from headbanging to scream-singing, the confrontation brought a lot of excitement to the venue.

Then, fans planned the usual circle pit and mosh pit on the inevitable「Mercury」.

« I told you I was going to bring you here. Last year’s promise was realized today », said Ryo, welcomed by the cheers of people who are gathered here as a great reminder to our boys that fans will always be there to support them as they reach their dreams.

The words he uttered last year never left my mind until today. To have been part of this promise, to see CRYSTAL LAKE grow up and achieve that target one year later, that’s an incredible dream come true.

Although the visions vary and motivations differ, each of us finds the courage to follow a dream, each weaves passion and purpose into her everyday life, and each plants the seeds to grow a successful future.

Now, let’s raise the temperature with「Six Feet Under」followed by「Ups & Downs」. YD (Lead Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE) delivered a thick and heavy sound with a raw guitar that drives a wide array of deep, rich and aggressive tones that match the intensity of his playing style. From the very first note, we are carried away through a universe combining sharp riffs, heavy sounds, and emotional energy.

« In a close future, we will come back to bring you to「SATAN STAGE」again. We’re waiting for it! », said Ryo in his MC, full of hope and determination. Obviously,「Apollo」unleashed dramatic sound effects beyond the metalcore gender which shows a magnificent view making us feel like prisoners of an idealist universe and sanctuary Utopia.

In the last part, they performed both songs which are linked to each other,「Alpha」&「Omega」, before to end at the highest level with the brutal one「The Fire Inside」. Ryo‘s eyes rove through the pit to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

However, CRYSTAL LAKE‘s set ended this way, it was therefore with a tremendous sense of relief, satisfaction, and optimism that we welcomed the performance. In spite of an audience still rather shy who mainly came to attend the event, there was no doubt that they profoundly touched the hearts of the people tonight. The most important thing to remember is: This is CRYSTAL LAKE.

Thank you to「SATANIC CARNIVAL」for allowing us to live incredible moments like those. This is the reason why I believe that「SATANIC CARNIVAL」is one of the best Music Festival in Tokyo. Congratulations to CRYSTAL LAKE for an amazing performance. See you again next year,「SATANIC CARNIVAL」.

[SETLIST]

01. Prometheus
02. Matrix
03. Mercury
04. Six Feet Under
05. Ups & Downs
06. Apollo
07. Alpha
08. Omega
09. The Fire Inside

[LIVE REPORT] 
2018.06.17 
CRYSTAL LAKE
「SATANIC CARNIVAL 2018」
@ 
Makuhari Messe, Tokyo (JP)

Live Report by Gaëlle Gedda

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 CRYSTAL LAKE OFFICIAL , SATANIC CARNIVAL OFFICIAL

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