「TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL」is a festival headed by CRYSTAL LAKE that calls for hardcore and rock bands from overseas. This special event was supposed to take place 2 days earlier at the mythical concert hall of Tokyo: Shinkiba Studio Coast. Unfortunately, CRYSTAL LAKE was forced to postpone the festival due to a typhoon that threatens to deluge Tokyo with the heaviest rain in 60 years.

Photo: John Gyllhamn

In the event of unforeseen disruptions, I was wondering how much audience will rush to this alternate show, how much excitement will be shown, but such worries faded away at the same time as it started.

The bands of the day follow another from 2 pm until CRYSTAL LAKE’s performance around 8 pm. The winners of CRYSTAL LAKE Special Live Audition「THE ROAD TO THE TRUE NORTH」opened the show: Vision Of Fatima, Daybreak Of Silence, The Last November. I thought it was such an opportunity for them to perform on the main stage and to be seen in full by the people attending the event, while they supposed to appear on the medium stage, one of the 3 stages, at the same time with other bands if it had been maintained at the Studio Coast.

Then, we could find the hardcore band SAIGAN TERROR from Koenji, the reunite BEFORE MY LIFE FAILS, NOISEMAKER that was renewed this year again and probably the more awaited hardcore band that comes from New York (USA) STRAY FROM THE PATH.

No fewer than 7 bands that sweep the audience along sparkling in their respective styles.

CRYSTAL LAKE finally appeared on stage and immediately imbued the audience with the fun and high-energy by inherited the thoughts of the 7 bands.

CRYSTAL LAKE came to take you on a voyage from seventh heaven to the fires of hell.

The inorganic mechanical sound of「Aeon」shaked the pit which was filled with cheers and covered by the heavy growl of Ryo (Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE) that echoes in the venue; CRYSTAL LAKE’s Live performance started this way.

As soon as you could hear the sound, the mosh pit was created and people were dealing with the frequent increase of anger on both sides spreading to others like a rabid animal determined to destroy everything around.

In order to ensure that this high energy continued, let’s go straight to「Hail To The Fire」.

The audience was thrashing around in the overcrowded pit, interacting with the band members by screaming with everything they’ve got « Zomba! Zomba! » to be heard against Ryo’s powerful voice and limitless determination.

The rhythm speeded up at a stretch on「Six Feet Under」and a circle pit occurred even if it was surrounded by fences. The crowd didn’t waver in the struggle for maintaining a system of free and undistorted competition on「Machina」.

Under its influence, Crystal Lake can be held liable for any virus transmission by the music, level contamination in the pit and addiction to the game. This situation turned into a scene straight out of hell.

« Welcome to the TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL EXTRA. Thank you to everyone who suddenly came here due to the postponement of the show, all the bands, and booths, thank you very much », said Ryo with his heart full of gratitude; And the expectations of those who waited for this festival seemed to be heard.

« Shibuya, let’s enjoy this day as a miracle as much as possible for those who couldn’t come », continued Ryo with a strong feeling, trying to make this festival that couldn’t be held as planned the best「TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL」into CRYSTAL LAKE’s history. There is no doubt that it must have been felt by everyone at the venue.

CRYSTAL LAKE proved this time again on「Lost In Forever」that they have substancial influence on the decision-making by teaching his audience there are no limits on what they can achieve. And it was the time to link between the voices and the bodies by uniting Ryo to the audience in a circle pit, like making a spiritual communion of hearts.

While continuing to share such a passion, some fans were traveling great distances to make it to this special event, the Japanese and overseas fans delivered as one, raising their fists on「Mercury」and singing along with Ryo « Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! » that is now wreaking havoc around the globe.

Although the wind had dropped quite a bit from the night’s maximum on the beautiful melody of「Apollo」, the waves of human bodies were still heavy, moving with lightening speed and dancing in an incomparable dazzle of color.

The characteristic high-speed guitar riffs and rare melodies that are not usually used in the metal category are interwoven, delivering the diversity of heavy sounds of Crystal Lake’s music.

The setlist was adjusted to accommodate such circumstances of the day as extending the time of the set in order to impress the crowd even more, so they fulfilled the promise they formulated at the beginning of the Live performance. « Let us play this song we haven’t performed in a while », said Ryo introducing「New Romancer」.

Ryo began to speak slowly while adjusting for catching his breath before saying: « Actually, some of our friends came from the United States, and they have to go back tomorrow, I couldn’t have looked at this day if it wasn’t today, so I deeply think it’s a real miracle. Thank you so much, I’m very grateful to all of you. And unfortunately, there are some bands that couldn’t come out this time, but someday I’d like to bring them back in front of everyone. Our feelings of TRUE NORTH don’t change even if the place changes or the time changes. I’m looking forward to it. I want to show an incredible Tour and to come back again and again! » ; The warm feelings of Ryo received loud cheers from the audience.

Then, while taking a short breath after setting up such a long set after a long time, YD (Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE) lowered his guitar and was excited by the talk that made him feel close to the audience.

« As Ryo said, I think there is something today. Of course, I think there are many people who suffer from disasters and suffer from damages, but I think that it’s really great that everyone could come safely today and hold it at the miracle O-East! », said YD also expressing his gratitude, and adding « Thank you very much to our team for dealing with this matter in such a short space of time. We were also happy to adjust in time for the bands. Thank you very much for coming over here! ».

Following the MC, the more curious fans or fans who couldn’t come to the show were already aware of the announcement that CRYSTAL LAKE was about to make.

« For everyone who came out today, for everyone who couldn’t come, and for all the bands, we will held「TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL -2 DAYS-」next year! », said Ryo out of revenge. The inconveniences of the day were however softened by the cheering crowd who welcomed this grand announcement.

« It’s the Olympics next year, but our Olympics are here! Let’s make it even more exciting for 2020! », said Ryo, stimulating the audience.

The champagne was prepared as a celebration for「TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL 2020 -2 DAYS-」 announcement, but before YD opened the bottle, there was a provision in backstage where the prepared champagne was opened by accident, so YD pretended an effect similar to popping the cork of the champagne bottle, drawing peals of laughter from the crowd. Such a relaxing exchange is also a precious part of the show.

« We’ll do it again next year! Welcome to the second part of the show! Are you ready Shibuya? We’re gonna play this song for the first time in a while! We don’t have any guests today, but all of you are guest vocals! », screamed Ryo like a conqueror, and the riff of「Beloved」started to flow while everyone immediately jumped and rampaged with more momentum.

The audience crowd-surfed in all directions on the heavy sound of 「Alpha – Omega」and the enthusiasm increased further like a hell picture.

« The next song is the last song! Shibuya, burn it out! », screamed Ryo like a devil and continuing with「Prometheus」. Ryo dived into the pit, and the audience also responded to the band’s resentment.

Before the ENCORE, Crystal Lake’s former vocalist Kentaro arrived on stage and YD as a leader started to talk about the original history of Crystal Lake.

« It will be the 20th anniversary in 2022. It’s really amazing. », said YD looking at the distant past.

« Because you’re a kid if you’re 20 years old. I’m proud to have been doing the band during that time. Really. It was a little bit moving to leave Kentaro for a while, but Kentaro said that 20 years is something amazing. We’ll do something when the 20th anniversary will be celebrated. Thank you for your support until then! », said YD boosting the audience with a positive message, the words of former vocalist Kentaro pushing Crystal Lake forward.

« The 20th anniversary will be celebrated by history, history, history, new generation and future generations, and everyone behind us! Thank you very much! », screamed Ryo to conclude, and everyone at the venue was waiting for the last song of the day「The Fire Inside」, therefore creating a hot space from beginning to end.

Photo: John Gyllhamn

The title song「TRUE NORTH」(album「TRUE NORTH」, released on 2016, November 30th) is probably the only missing piece that completes the puzzle in this festival bearing the same name, being the metaphor of what CRYSTAL LAKE has been doing since the band formed.

Although this festival, which was influenced by the typhoon was said to be a miracle day, it was possible to hold it thanks to the staff, the audience, past and present, and most of all, CRYSTAL LAKE who has gained experience and self-confidence.

Over the years, as the music grew and established itself as an integral part of the show, CRYSTAL LAKE ended up putting his own signature on the music and live performances.

At the same time, CRYSTAL LAKE faced the constant challenge of adapting the music to the action onstage while maintaining the music’s consistency and thereby their own relevance for spectators.

And it’s not just their band’s growth that has been linked to Crystal Lake’s continually evolving, nearly 20-year-old history. They raise the metal scene wherever they go, and also involve young, veteran and overseas bands as well as bands around them, enlivening their own scene with the audience.

I would also like to congratulate CRYSTAL LAKE, STAFF and crew, who have worked to inspire others in the pursuit of the joys of listening to such great music.

Photo: ESP Guitars Japan

Although there seems to be a curse of persistent bad weather hanging over the Studio Coast every time, and even though it was heartbreaking not to hold the festival at this place taking heed of CRYSTAL LAKE’s history, as CRYSTAL LAKE said, their feelings about TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL are the same regardless of the place and time, and that will never change.

Congratulations on 「TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL 2019」and see you again next year!

Photo: Gaëlle Gedda

[SETLIST]

1. Aeon

2. Hail To The Fire

3. Six Feet Under

4. Machina

5. Lost In Forever

6. Mercury

7. Apollo

8. The Sign

9. New Romancer

10. Beloved

11. Alpha

12. Omega

13. Prometheus

EN. The Fire Inside

[LIVE REPORT]
2019.10.14
CRYSTAL LAKE
「TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL EXTRA」
@
Tsutaya O-East, Tokyo (Japan)

Live Report by Gaëlle GEDDA

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CRYSTAL LAKE OFFICIAL , TRUE NORTH FESTIVAL OFFICIAL

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