METAKLAPA

Hi and welcome to Behind The Noise!

A concert evening in a church? On a Friday? The reactions range from astonishment to incredulous amazement. But when you add the fact that an a cappella metal band has performed there, skepticism quickly gives way to pure curiosity. And at the latest when you explain that it was a rousing experience that you wouldn't want to miss for the world, the band's name is sure to be googled.

Our Friday evening was just that: an extraordinary concert experience that combined classical metal elements with the unique soundscape of a cappella singing. Instead of standing in the crowd and moshing, the audience sat in the rows of the Kulturkirche Köln and let themselves be carried away by the voices of the Croatian band Metaklapa.

The lighting and stage production emphasized the almost sacred effect of the performance and created an unforgettable ambience.

Metaklapa dispensed with large stage props - her only instrument was her voice. But it filled the entire room with a sonic force reminiscent of a choir. Unlike classic a cappella groups, they dispensed with simulated instrumental sounds and instead sang all the lyrics in several voices. The result was an immersive sound that gave Iron Maiden's well-known songs a completely new dimension. They already showed their impressive complexity with the opener "Judas Be My Guide".

But it wasn't just Iron Maiden on the program: when the first notes of System of a Downs' "Toxicity" suddenly rang out, the audience was immediately gripped.

But Metaklapa still had an encore in store: their version of "Run to the Hills" once again underlined their anthemic sound. And as a special highlight, they performed a premiere: for the first time, they sang "Tears of the Dragon" by Bruce Dickinson without an orchestra. Improvised yet flawless, it was the perfect end to a memorable evening.

The audience left the church with a feeling of happiness and a rarely experienced spiritual cleansing. The only question that remains is: when will we see Metaklapa on a German stage again? Perhaps even as Iron Maiden's support act? They certainly deserve it.