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Live 2008 Marsmountains Productions

by Edwin van Hoof
Staff Writer

Comments: Another classic has returned. The Netherlands' first true metal band from the '80s has established quite a name in the underground circuit resulting in acclaimed covers featured on albums from Scandie metallers Hammerfall, as well as being mentioned a lot as idols by newcomer acts in the genre. With this new interest and the feeling of an unfinished career and not officially being disbanded, Picture reunited for some live shows in order to warm up for the prestigious Sweden Rock Festival. A reunion that is leading to more in the near future…

Live 2008 is best described as an announcement for their return, with a new recording in the making. The band recorded a few shows as well as their raved Sweden Rock performance and molded them into this 'best of' live CD. Founding members Jan Bechtum, Laurens (Bakkie) Bakker and Rinus Vreugdenhil joined forces with Pete Lovell ("Eternal Dark", "Traitor") and Rob van Enkhuizen ("Marathon"). All members having had their respected roots within the band, this reunion was eagerly awaited since it's first annunciation on the world wide web. The spirit is back and it is felt throughout the record, that is for sure. All songs sound inspired and the line-up truly creates some magical moments on this live CD. Many favor the period featuring the excellent powerful voice of Pete Lovell which well represented. This in combination with the great twin guitar duels and pumping classic metal foundation of Bakkie and Rinus, creates a powerful and vibrant sound. "Eternal Dark"(YEAH!), "Bombers", "Heavy Metal Ears" and "Diamond Dreamers" are renowned metal classics and performed with poise. Sure, they sound somewhat dated, being strongly rooted in the early days of metal, sober and close to the very origin of the genre. Yet, they are unmistakably underground metal classics.

"Griffons Guard the Gold" and "Tell No Lies" are simply jawdropping, where "You're Touching me" is a powerful ballad. The band throws in a few surprises as well. Two new songs are featured and both are simply catching on where the band left off. Simple, characteristic and true. "Live by the Sword" is a bit to cliché though but "Choosing Your Sign" is a tune that will mark their new productivity.

A bit odd is the grand production, especially the huge audience heard in between the tracks. Not entirely fitting the intimate and down to earth approach of the band itself.

This record can best be considered a document for fans of the band as well as for fans of true and classic melodic metal. Well produced, radiant and devoted with a band that is top notch.

Live 2008 is a CD which is released by the band themselves in cooperation with their management. It is a limited edition CD which can be ordered through their myspace site as well as through the managements homepage. Make sure to get your hands on this is a piece of metal history. www.rocktalent.nl/shop

Band Members:
Laurens 'Bakkie' Bakker - drums
Jan Bechtum - guitars
Rob van Enkhuizen - guitars
Pete Lovell - vocals
Rinus Vreugdenhil - bass

Track Listing:
Opening Tune / O Fortuna (Orff)
You're All Alone
Heavy Metal Ears
Diamond Dreamers
Eternal Dark
Griffons Guard The Gold
Tell No Lies
Lady Lightening
You're Touching Me
Choosing Your Sin
Live By The Sword
Bombers

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10