All photos stolen from Eternal Terror webzine (www.eternal-terror.com)

For some this time of year is noted as being that time when the Inferno Kick off comes around. The event itself sometimes has a lighthearted feel, in the past there have been 'All-Star' cover bands whereas other times it can be a meeting of local bands or even a touring package that provides the backdrop to an evening that often means one thing for most - finally revealing the line up for the Easter Blasphemies we know as Inferno Festival.

Now, 2009 was an interesting year. It marked the tenth time that Bergen's Hole In The Sky Festival happened and also, for me anyway, was another Inferno that was just a bit different than before.

For those who might not know.
Inferno is an indoor Heavy Metal get together in Oslo staged each Easter. It is one of the most known indoor events of its kind and was quite innovative in its launch back in 2001. Hole In The Sky has risen to the point that it stands, more or less, neck and neck with Inferno. Bergen being Norway's second city after Oslo sort of reflects how Hole In The Sky (or HITS to its friends) was to Inferno up until a few years ago.
HITS has, however, gained much exposure and respect the last few years to the point where people are prepared to travel to a city that is not as accessible as most locations where these devil worshipping shindigs kick off. Throw in the high price for a pint (as in standard in Norway) and other secondary factors such as a place to sleep.

Norway ain't cheap yet these two still get headbangers from all over. Not bad, eh?

So what were interesting about 2009 and its editions of HITS and Inferno?
Well, we are all aware that the piggy bank of the world's economy is apparently lighter than it has been in recent years. People just ain't got buckets of money to throw about right now - no, I didn't have that luxury myself (buckets brimming with silver dollars) I was just trying to make a point ;-€ - and on reflection don't you think there were more posts on Blabbermouth with news of festivals/gatherings/gigs/tours or whatever being cancelled or cut back?
Yet Hole In The Sky sells out. With all the cost and locations factors against it, it still sold out.
It was also the tenth edition.

Inferno, on the other hand, found it to be harder going. While attendance was not 'bad' per se, it was noticeably less than I have experienced since I began attending. Some could cite the line-up as not being appealing enough considering the cost and effort involved. Some could cite the fact that the times as they are mean that something has got to go, one festival or one trip, two festivals or two trips even.
Maybe a festival based in a country where it just doesn't cost so much to mess up your body, mind and soul got the nod simply because it's more affordable. Who knows?
Bottom line: Inferno needed to step things up. This Easter marks Inferno hitting that magic number. Just as HITS last August, Inferno will be happening for the tenth time. All the more reason to make sure its a party to remember.

Since both festivals are close to our hearts and deserving of special attention, we thought it might be more interesting to combine them through a short discussion type article which would also include their respective reviews from 2009.

Well, late Summer and just afterwards is when tonnes of various festival reviews hit the web or news stands in print media, we just thought that if people bother to read these reviews it is harder to stand out.

This time of the year is when many folk begin to think about the upcoming year and the festivals which will be part of it.

Like I have the past few years, I like to try at least one that I have not been to in some time or one that I have never been to at all. It's our hope that, perhaps, one of those kinda guys or gals will come across this page.

The focus first is on Inferno. The Kick Off is just around the corner plus it does happen first.
We will also upload a video interview with Ivar Bjørnson soon where he discusses life as a touring musician with Enslaved and also his role as a member of the board at Hole In The Sky.

...GO TO THE WORDS ON INFERNO FESTIVAL 2009 HERE...

...GO TO THE WORDS ON HOLE IN THE SKY FESTIVAL 2009 HERE... (not online yet)

www.infernofestival.net
www.holeinthesky.no
www.eternal-terror.com

Composed by Paul Kearns