On the afternoon of February 5 2023 the stage was filled with two interesting Austrian bands at 't Blok. With team Progfrog the nicest venue in the Netherlands. And in many years I've seen and heard how the bands are being helped excellently by all employees of the Progfrog team. Many bands praise the service of venue 't Blok in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel. And most visitors know that all kinds of tasty snacks are served for free during the performances!

Alexander and Viktoria (►more pics)

 

Mindspeak

Everything was arranged in time. The supporting act Mindspeak from Vienna could start smoothly with Viktoria (singer) and the musicians Alex (guitar), Darwin (bass), Christoph (keys) and Gabriel (drums). For me an unknown band. Always interesting to see a support band, this time a melodic one. It's the best way to give a band a place in your heart if you think it's a special one and it's also progressive for us. I loved it. The songs rolled flawlessly and streamlined into the room. Not really progressive for me but beautifully executed. Judging by the faces and movements the audience was very happy with it.  

Blank Manuskript

Peter, Alfons and Jakob (►more pics)

Then... the main course! To enjoy the culinary ultra progressive art rock of Blank Manuskript with curly haired top chef Alfons Wohlmuth and music chefs Jakob Widerin, Peter Baxrainer, Dominik Wallner and Simon Strasshofer (it was his first tour with BM and he did an amazing job!).

Dominik (►more pics)

For many Dutch people this is the second or third time live after the recent performances in the Dutch cities of Alphen and/or Den Bosch. So many fans were eager to experience the sensation again. And I found the best spot to see the boys now with a grin on their faces, to hear their voices and of course how they hit, caressed or cherished their instruments. Nice that there is a small staircase next to the stage for me to watch! Deafening applause from the audience clearly indicated that Blank Manuskript's wonderful performance was worth its weight in gold. For me and many others it was one of the most beautiful and fascinating concerts ever.
If you missed Blank Manuskript live, find and buy the albums Himmelfahrt, Krasna Hora and the older ones on Bandcamp.com.

Nemo Dre (edited by Arthur Haggenburg)