If you are asked to write a review of the release show of D-Day, the new concept album of Dutch band Knight Area, then this request is more of an honour than an assignment! This is especially the case when you are a big fan of the band and particularly of the super talented guitarist Mark Bogert. Sunday October the 6th had all the ingredients of a true D-Day: it was raining cats and dogs and the inner city of Arnhem was busy and messy because of the World Living Statues Festival. The venue where the band performed is called LuxorLive, a fine venue that was three-quarters full with curious lovers of progressive rock music.
 

Jan Willem Ketelaers (►more pics)

At the end of 2018 singer Mark Smit was replaced by Jan Willem Ketelaers, who is known from his vocal performances with Ayreon, amongst others. The new album (see review) contains a slightly different style and atmosphere than the previous albums: D-Day is less symphonic and a bit heavier. This is perfectly suited to drummer Pieter van Hoorn, bass player Pieter Vink and of course guitar virtuoso Mark Bogert, who also wrote the greater part of the songs. This means that co-founder and keyboardist Gerben Klazinga lost some ground in that area.

After the try-out in venue 't Blok at Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, this gig was a special release party with four drummers and a choir consisting of military veterans. The ten tracks of the new album were very passionately performed and because of the experience, enthusiasm and craftsmanship of the five band members, you couldn't notice any tension or nervousness. Between the songs, singer Jan Willem interacted with the audience, sometimes with a funny one-liner. The audience enjoyed visibly and audibly the band's music, especially when Mark played an excellent guitar solo.

After a short break Knight Area gave six encores mainly from the two previous albums Hyperdrive (2014, see review) and Heaven And Beyond (2017, see review). Since these two albums were recorded with Mark Smith, it was obvious and understandable that Jan Willem had a hard time to perform these songs. In spite of that it was a great afternoon, especially when you know that this record will contribute to the memories of what happened 75 years ago, when the Netherlands and Europe regain their liberty!

Nico Schouw (edited and translated by Peter Willemsen)