The list of impressive live albums that have been recorded at Germany’s Freak Valley Festival has expanded once again. Acts such as Electric Moon, Great Electric Quest, Earthless, Monkey3, Mothership, Wo Fat and others have already done so.
With the release of the simply titled Live at Freak Valley on Napalm Records, England’s Conan can now etch their name into the festival’s alumni wall of live releases.
Conan’s set was captured during the band’s festival appearance in June 2017. The release is the band’s third live album overall. The other two being the 2013 Roadburn appearance and the 2015 self release Live at Bannersman.
The nine song release captures the pure unfiltered, live heaviness and fuzz of Conan. The band relies on their first three releases as well as their 2010 Horseback Battle Hammer EP for the set.
It doesn’t matter what part of Conan’s set one dials in on, the heaviness is immensely present and can be felt. Whether the set opener, “Gravity Chasm,” “Battle in the Swamp” or “Satsumo,” it’s there and nonstop from the first kick.
Conan leaves no room for mercy during their crushing set whether on stage or in front. A more fit descriptive would be a bludgeoning of sonic proportions laced with pure sweat.
All three members, John Paul Davis, Chris Fielding and live drummer Dan Mullins deliver with sincere intensity.
Those who were there will sincerely appreciate Conan’s Live at Freak Valley and will posses bragging rights amongst their friends. It was set that shouldn’t have been missed.
The Live at Freak Valley release will be available on Friday, March 12, 2021 in CD and digital formats as well as limited vinyl runs. The vinyl in itself should prove to be a unique listening and ear rattling experience.
