Just a few hours back from the New World, with a jetlag from here to Tokyo or should I say from here to Minnesota and Wisconsin. The USA experience was a blast.

When I opened this My Space I found a few pages of requests, most from North America. We spent time with fans (I prefer the word friends) from all over the States who travelled far to attend the Heathen Crusade. Tons of Metalheads had their rooms booked in the same hotel we were staying at, The Holiday Inn East.

It was Mayhem. For nights several floors were changed into one big party, many people had brought beers and were celebrating in their rooms, everyone visiting each other like old neighbours. The first night was intense and lasted til the morning; the hotel security did not know how to deal with it. The second night, after we played our gig (the crowd was very supportive, thanks to you all!!!) things were taken further and I will never forget how on our seventh floor a big group had gathered to shout our band name like a war cry, always repeating, each time louder, much to the horror of the "normal" guests and the hotel management. The third night police cars were parked outside the hotel and police officers were trying to keep control of the fans. "So you are the gentleman responsible for this, indirectly" one of the police officers said. I took a blow from a nice cigar that was kindly offered to me by one of the fans and smiled "Sorry for the trouble, sir". Secretly I blamed the drinking mascot one of the guys had brought, a fluffy monkey who likes to be photographed with the bands. Decent chap that ape, if only he could talk. Out of misery the hotel management opened the hotel pool at five in the morning hoping it would cool the people off. We made many new friends and for the first time met many old ones we have been in touch with for years. Adam and Ed, two old friends and talented musicians, showed us around so we could catch a glimpse of the local culture and beautiful landscapes (we got to visit two states this way). They generously drowned us with Spotted Cow, a very tasty Wisconsin beer. And I have to say, Ed makes the best steaks in the world, he recently had a bear for neighbour in the nearby forest, guess Mr. Bear smelled the steaks ;-). Two states filled with hunters and fishermen, a good sense of humour, some reminded me of trappers and woodcutters of the old Far West. Apart from the locals we had a splendid time with people from Ohio, Detroit, Tucson Arizona, New York, Oregon, Canada, Mexico, Estonia, there even was a Sioux girl at the party (and I'm not kidding), to mention a few. There is talk of future A.R. shows in the USA and Mexico. I'm glad we made it despite the trouble getting there, our sincere thanks to you all. We're not in it for the money but it was kind of heart warming to hear from the merchandise man our shirts sold out within seven minutes. Guess the people appreciated our effort...

I only slept a few hours over the past days, I never was drunk but still am on a natural high. My mind filled with great new experiences I greet all those who we've met and gave us such a warm welcome. Europe salutes you. We will meet again and if not, we will always have the memories.   

Respect,

Gunther on behalf of Ancient Rites. 

PS I have a feeling the other guests at the Holiday Inn will sleep very tight tonight.