One of the best things about being a music journalist is all of the great music I have discovered and/or been turned on to by other writers and/or friends. I’ve been a HUGE Brave fan for over 10 years now, so three members of Brave performing in While Heaven Wept just made it all the sweeter. I got two great bands with great people and great live shows. I was bummed when both bands went on hiatus, but apparently, the Up The Hammers Festival in Athens, Greece, woke the sleeping giant known as While Heaven Wept for one last go.
Performing their iconic Oceans of Vast Lachrymose album in it’s entirety, While Heaven Wept was joined by the long-running core five of Tom Phillips (guitar), Rain Irving (vocals), Scott Loose (guitar), Jim Hunter (bass), and husband and wife team Trevor and Michelle Schrotz (on drums and keys respectively) Original keyboardist Jason Lingle wasn’t present for the show as he hasn’t performed with the band for quite a while as WHW continued as a six piece. Well, in the spirit of keeping it in the family (literally), while Heaven Wept welcomed their 2nd keyboardist, who is none other than Aiden Schrotz, son of Michelle and Trevor, who absolutely crushed it.
Aiden’s playing really filled out the sound and brought something to the songs that gave them the perfect amount of color. It’s a bummer this was the last show (maybe?), because I would’ve loved to see Aiden blossom. Well, the bug has officially bitten him, and maybe he and his folks will do a metal Partridge Family kinda thing. Ok, maybe not, but if they did, I’d be there for it.
I wish I could review the show, but since I wasn’t there, all I have to go off of is some YouTube clips, and, to be honest, they sounded fucking amazing. It was so great to see and hear them again after so long, and I only wish I could’ve been there to partake in this epic badassery!
Y’all did good, kids! Y’all did REALLY well!
While Heaven Wept Setlist
Oceans of Vast Lachrymose Set
The Furthest Shore
To Wander the Void
Living Sepulchre
Vessel
Vast Oceans Lachrymose
Epilogue
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Voice in the Wind
Soulsadness
The Drowning Years
Of Empires Forlorn
In Aeturnum
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