The evening of January 24 was the second turn of the late January 2008 concert marathon in Sofia, Bulgaria that included the two editions of the No Escape Festival, Romeo Must Die’s concert and the upcoming performance by Shattered Realm. And even though these shows are only a couple of days apart and the tickets weren’t of the cheapest kind, a lot of people didn’t hesitate to dig through their pockets for a few bucks and go see the heirs of Stampin’ Ground. They, on the other hand, didn’t seem to hide this fact - the English hardcore legends’ name was mentioned on the flyers for the show, and as we were to soon find out Romeo Must Die weren’t too shy to perform an old song or two.

But let's go with the timeline. After the usual delay of an hour after the show should have started, the Sofia-based gang Underdogs took the stage. The band gave the evening a kicking headstart, rising the spirits with their furious performance and of course their timeless hit “A Cunt You Were, A Cunt You Remained”. It was their first show with new drummer Vlady, known for his work with Cut Off.

After Underdogs it was time for our Macedonian brothers Hardfaced. The dudes from Ohrid nailed some first-class metalcore. Songs like “Pain Remains” and “Who’s to Blame” from their debut album “More Than Hate” are a force to be reckoned with. Powerful thrash metal riffs, strong rhythm section, solos, beatdowns and two angry vocalists - practically the whole arsenal of terror tactics this genre possesses was unleashed upon the audience at the Swingin’ Hall. Thanks to the sound guys all of this could be clearly heard, so if anyone was left unsatisfied I just wouldn’t get it. A really strong band! Hope we get to see them more often - Macedonia’s close enough...

It was time for the evening’s highlight - the guests from England. Romeo Must Die’s setlist consisted mostly of songs from their debut EP "Defined by Enemies”, which in the words of Adam Frakes wasn’t released yet, so the people attending the show were among the first in the world to be able to hear and purchase it. The band’s style - musicwise as well as stage presence and attitude towards the audience - is really similar to Stampin’ Ground’s. The performance of “Behind the Light” from the now defunct band’s last album was the first proof that Romeo Must Die have no problem with the arising associations.

The audience of course moved a lot during their set. The usual for a hardcore show moshpits, circle pits, stagedivings and the likes were at hand. People really went nuts during the performance of two unexpected cover songs - one by Pantera and one by The Stooges - as well as during the expected two Stampin’ Ground songs combo that was the encore - “Outside Looking In” and “Officer Down”.

And as Stampin’ Ground’s show in Sofia in January 2004 will always remain one of my best memories, Rome Must Die’s one was just as good. So many bands become pale shadows of themselves with the years, so many musicians go in completely pointless directions after the great band they took part in broke up - that’s why the way Romeo Must Die cope so well with Stampin’ Ground’s heritage is impressive. Let’s hope they'll stay true to their promise to come here as often as possible!

Report & photos:В Stefan TopuzovВ /В Tangra Mega RockВ