Madder Mortem, first headliner on Saturday at ProgPower Europe 2024

Madder Mortem's performance at ProgPower Europe 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. Agnete M. Kirkevaag commanded the stage with an unparalleled presence, her voice effortlessly transitioning from delicate whispers to powerful roars, embodying a whirlwind of emotions. Her radiant smile, even amidst tears, captivated everyone in the room.

The band's set was a testament to their enduring legacy in the metal scene. With a career spanning over 25 years, they've consistently delivered music that defies categorization, blending elements of progressive, doom, and gothic metal. Known and loved by many, yet still flying under the radar far too often. With their long career and a superb discography to back it, they deserve to be on the biggest stages.

The sheer emotional range and raw energy they unleash on stage is nothing but goosebumps galore. The absolute highlight, amidst the nuclear energy explosion they delivered at Sjiwa Baarlo, was the closing performance of 'Long Road' - an incredibly emotional tribute to Agnete and BP’s father, who had recently passed away. His artwork graces the cover of their most recent and very powerful album, "Old Eyes, New Heart". As the song built, Agnete sang with tears streaming down her smiling face, and what started as a quiet moment became something beautiful - a group-hug spreading through the audience, in a pure expression of what the music represented: uniting everyone in a moment of transparent unbiased love.

It was pure magic. One of those once-in-a-lifetime performances you carry in your heart forever.