Arch Enemy Issues UniRock And Prorock Festival Recaps

Arch Enemy has issued the following road report about their recent performances at the UniRock and Prorock Festivals (live footage from the festivals can also be found below):

"UniRock Istanbul and ProRock Kiev recap! 17-July-2009 @ Uni Rock Festival, Istanbul (Turkey)?, 18-July-2009 @ Prorock Festival- Kiev (Ukraine)

"Istanbul – walking a fine line between freedom of choice and - its government.. still.. I mean, we had a fantastic time in Istanbul. Such a diverse and rich culture on display. Really nice people. Friendly. Helpful. Metal fans all over the place. One really gets the impression people are free here to express themselves.. Until you get to read this – which obviously happened at the day of our show. Metal kids were throwing the devil horns and got arrested for it. But even their poor prime minister will not stop them from being rebels – They are growing up with the right attitude;-)

"And we cant wait to go back to Turkey asap. Its their enthusiasm and love for this music and everything that is wild and free. It is really inspiring and such a pleasure to get on stage and turn every song into a metal anthem – with a huge choir of thousands singing along. That is ultimately the chore of my existence. Metal. Music. It unifies and makes us so strong. TURKEY – WE LOVE YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVITING US UNI ROCK ISTANBUL AND SHOWING US THIS NEW WORLD. WE WILL BE BACK!!!

"And then on to ProRock festival in the Ukraine. I think the post on the Stratovarius site says it all.

"It’s a shame really. The fans and the bands got hurt equally bad. Well, we got to play actually - but in front of a huge and empty VIP zone with the die hard fans (who couldn’t afford the VIP tickets sold by the festival) all the way in the back. And the 2nd day was cancelled..

"We do understand that this incident does NOT represent the Ukraine and its metal scene.. but this was unfortunate and bad luck all around. Please go to the ProRock website and apply for a refund of your 2nd day ticket – They promise to pay you back… good luck! They have also issued an official apology you can read here.

"And next week-ish I will tell you all there is to tell about Zwarte Cross and Lorca Rock. Stay tuned! cheers, Angela"