I enjoy going to concerts, and I enjoy them even more if the concert is abroad, because I know the atmosphere and the setting will be different from my homeland. This is the occasion when the FemMetal team took a trip to Switzerland to see “The Epic Apocalypse Tour” with three incredible bands sharing the stage at the Salle Métropole in Lausanne. The photos are, as usual, by our very own Silvio Colombo. We would like to thank Good News Production AG for their kindness and professionalism!

Wheel

The first band to open the evening was Wheel, a progressive metal band from Finland that has enchanted the audience of Lausanne with their sophisticated melodies and great chemistry on stage. It is too bad that they played for so little time because their sounds are exquisite, and I will definitely be seeing them if I have the chance in the future. Progressive isn’t a subgenre for everyone, but I think that they have provided us with a brilliant performance.

Setlist:

  1. Blood Drinker
  2. Movement
  3. Vultures
  4. Wheel

Apocalyptica

One of the things I like about Switzerland it’s that they are obviously on time with everything, so punctually at 19:50, the second band of the evening was ready to give a thrill to the audience. This was the case for Apocalyptica, another brand from Finland that has a huge history and success. I must say that this is the first time I ever saw them on stage, and I was completely blown away by their performance, their enthusiasm, and by their flawless technique in playing the instruments. They were also joined on stage by Franky Perez, who was the guest vocalist in one of their albums, and it made the night even more special. But my favourite part was when they played their rendition of “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica, and the audience spontaneously sang along. Then we were praised by Apocalyptica because we sang better than the audience in Zurich, so that was fun! After their set, I fully realized why they were so famous and loved by everybody. They have gained at least one new fan in me!

Setlist:

  1. Ashes of the Modern World
  2. Grace
  3. I’m Not Jesus
  4. Not Strong Enough
  5. Rise
  6. En Route to Mayhem
  7. Nothing Else Matters (Metallica cover)
  8. Inquisition Symphony (Sepultura cover)
  9. Shadowmaker
  10. I Don’t Care
  11. Seek And Destroy (Metallica cover)
  12. Farewell
  13. In The Hall of the Mountain King

Epica

The whole Salle Métropole went dark at 21:40, and the audience could not wait anymore. Epica came on stage one by one, and the entertainment began! I was mesmerized by how cohesive and united this group was: they were so enthusiastic and engaging with the audience. I guess this is the main reason why they are headliners! Simone Simons, the lead vocalist, was absolutely on fire, serving us vocals and movements like a queen. Usually, I am very picky when it comes to setlists, but it would be a crime to complain about many classics and gems played at this show, including “Freedom“, “Cry For The Moon“, and “Code Of Life“. Jumping up and down to “Beyond The Matrix” was the most therapeutic experience of my entire life. I would really like to describe their show more, but the fact is that I am having a hard time realizing the fact that I have seen one of my favourite bands of all time in front of me. All of these years playing their songs and now hearing them with my ears brought me to tears (no rhyme intended). Thank you, Epica and Apocalyptica, for this wonderful tour! This is a match made in heaven.

Setlist:

  1. Alpha – Anteludium
  2. Abyss Of Time
  3. The Essence of Silence
  4. Victims of Contingency
  5. The Obsessive Devotion
  6. The Final Lullaby
  7. Freedom
  8. The Skeleton Key
  9. Rivers (featuring Apocalyptica)
  10. Code of Life
  11. Cry For The Moon
  12. Beyond The Matrix
  13. Consign to Oblivion