METAL TREK: 2013 Belgian Invsasion, PPM Fest Day 3

The last day of the PPM Fest. Waking up today was tough as I knew this chapter of the trip was coming to an end, and with it, a great story that was about to have its final period. When moments like these occur, you got to make the most of it because it won't happen again for a while (especially if you live in the United States, where we don't have the luxury of having a kickass Metal Festival every weekend to keep us entertained). To say this trip has met my expectations and beyond would be an understatement as I had the opportunity to delve deep into a country I have enjoyed its products (specifically beer), and while I can leave it at that, I have managed to be better acquainted through the experiences and people I have encountered \m/

Lets begin this final chapter by having Myrath take the lead point.

With Myrath wrapping up its business (and a good business at that), it was time to grab some chow.

Before satisfying the stomach, my camera needed to be refilled with some images.

Where was I to go for my next meal in this place I have never been before? Back to where I grabbed my first meal in Mons, the plaza near the Lotto Mons Expo where I at the Belgian version of Pizza Hut.

Look, I'll be honest, there's something "off" about the Quick Mascot. Almost "creepy" the way how it peaks through the window.

Like in America, a line forms for some chow.

Since I got acquainted with the Super Bacon, it was time to give another menu item a shot, and it was the Super Andalouse. It was good, and it seems there's a "Super" connection between this burger and the previously mentioned appetite-killer.

On my way back, I noticed some Iron Horses in front of the venue. An omen from the Metal Gods?

Sweet rides \m/

Looks like Turisas don't know the venue is behind them, but at least they were nice enough to stop for a pic \m/

Passed out in front of the entrance? At this stage in my years of travels, I am not surprised.

Almost tranquil.

The mob keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Circus Maximus on deck, and my first time seeing them. To the point is what I can say about their performance, but still good.

The usual mingling of the minds and horns.

Like iguanas basking in the sun.

The entrance from the inside-out.

Firewind, a band I first heard of from 2011 Edition of Wacken. Their performance can be described as solid, with a level of consistency.

At the PPM Fest, people pass out in "3's" as well. Here we get to see the "before" and "after".

Turisas, a band I have seen before at the 2011 Edition of the Brutal Assault Festival. As before, their performance can leave an impression on ones face.

The midnight sun.

Prisoners trying to "break in" to the prison.

The last sunset of the PPM Fest. Very epical \m/

Ever wondered what a house looks like after a hurricane hits it? This is it.

What is an exclusive at the PPM Fest? The ability to camp right next to the band members \m/

How can you tell which camper is not from the country where the festival takes place? When it is the only tent that is made by "Ozark Trail" instead of "Quechua". In case your wondering, look for the blue and gray tent in the top corner next to the guy in the green shirt and dark kilt. If there ever was a way to spot something, this is it.

The breaking down of the camp site begins.

Gamma Ray. A band I first saw when I attended my very first Metal Festival, ProgPower USA III (2002). I also managed to see them in my first Wacken (2009). It seems I am destined to catch Gamma Ray during my first at :::INSERT NAME OF METAL FESTIVAL I6Z6A6N NEVER ATTENDED BEFORE HERE::: (This is actually a very kickass scenario I hope happens many times \m/ ).

The All Black Dead Beret. These guys would make a perfect gang for the Warriors movie.

While the ending is coming closer and closer, this crowd wasn't going to stop.

Queensrÿche, quite possibly the one band everybody had their eyes on, and for reasons the band would not like. In case you don't know, here's the short version of what transpired: Geoff Tate treats bandmates like crap for decades, spits on them before show in Brazil in 2012, bandmates muster the courage to throw Geoff Tate out of band, now (as of this writing) there are 2 versions of Queensrÿche. For the long version, go to Blabbermouth and read the recent Queensrÿche related article they post, it will recap everything in painstaking detail. One thing that can be said about the controversy surrounsig this band, it has brought them new-found attention. The version that performed at the PPM Fest was the Todd La Torre-fronted version (the gnome free version).

The buildup to the final battle begins.

The stock market closing shop.

Last meal of the night.

The currency for PPM Fest is the Zetony (Czech for Coupons).

The fact my tent has survived this festival is a major surprise to me considering all the hurricanes that struck the PPM Festival grounds.

Taking a good look at the camp grounds, what's left of it so far.

The stock market is officially closed.

Helloween, the last band to play the PPM Fest, and a very wise choice considering their well earned legendary status.

Lemmy checking out Helloweens set \m/

As if Lemmy's appearance was not enough, Gamma Ray join their brothers in arms as they close out the festival. Double the dose of \m/ HEAVINESS \m/ equals a proper ending to a Epical festival \m/

The warfield, or what's left of it. The fact this building is still standing is a surprise.

Adding to the aftermath atmosphere.

Leaving the battlefield.

With the doors closed, this marks the end of the 2013 Edition of the PPM Festival.

One last look at history being made.

Time to get to the campgrounds, soak in one more moment of Metal Glory before calling it quits.

Seems like the band members are soaking one last moment as well.

I feel the best way to end this unique part of the trip is to end it how it ended so many nights, lights out.

Normally, I like to integrate in the middle of the pics and commentary the people I had the distinguished pleasure of meeting, but for this post, I want to do something different and give these people their own section, as my way of saying "thanks" for being good company \m/ . My advance apologies for those who didn't make it, but I will not forget you and a many thanks for the kick ass time \m/