For their Wacken 2012 performance, Moonspell had decided to do something special for their fans...

This special something was that they were going to perform a (semi)acoustic set, and if that wasn’t enough, they had also integrated a symphonic section into the band; four cello-players, one extra percussionist, and two female choir-girls, Karen and Cynthia, made up the extended band this day.
The semi-part comes from the fact that both Pedro ‘Passionis’ Paixao and Ricardo ‘Morning Blade’ Amorim were playing on acoustic guitars (still plugged in of course), whereas Paixao still made use of keyboards and Aires Pereira also played on his electrical bass (I wonder why the acoustic bass is such a seldom sight even at events like these?). At a point in the show, Full Moon Madness if you must know, Fernando ‘Langsuyar’ Ribeiro even helped out musically by beating away on a cymbal.
Funny then, in a Wacken sense of humour way, that with all these extras and so on on stage, Moonspell would be placed on one of the smallest stages of the festival, the W.E.T. stage...

Well, ok, they were slotted at the same time as Cradle Of Filth (weird combination if you ask me, but there you go), which was also probably the reason why the tent stage wasn’t completely filled to the brim for the Portuguese gentlemen’s show. I didn’t mind though, I had a perfect spot in the front-row, and that in combination with the smallness of the stage, made for a very intimate experience, something that was truly beneficial for this show.
You see, because of the special setup with the musicians, the songs were delivered with a special tenderness and closeness with gave a whole new feeling and meaning to the songs. Already from the first few notes of opening Wolfshade (A Werewolf Masquerade) we were gripped by the roots of our hearts, and when Ribeiro began reciting the lyrics with an unheard of softness, none could stand against the beauty that was unfolding before us. I realize I’m becoming a bit abstract in my descriptions here, but words cannot really account for the special feeling that was in the tent as Moonspell delivered several of their classic songs in these new interpretations. Just the fact that Ribeiro chose to whisper out the parts where he usually puts some extra power into it with growling took me by surprise, and sent shivers down my spine. There really was nothing else to do but listen in complete awe of what was given to us.

That Moonspell were able to rock even with an acoustic line-up they proved without a doubt with The Southern Deathstyle, but it was the heart-rendering performance of Scorpion Flower which saw one of the loudest sing-along’s from the audience, and Alma Mater simply took me by storm; this song has always been great, but in this setting it was more powerful than ever, and in thinking back upon it, I can only tie to the words of George Takei; ”Oh my...”
The end came much too soon, and it was no surprise that the grand finale would be Full Moon Madness; I have already mentioned Ribeiro’s musical addition to this song, but I did not mention that he went so fully into his role that he sent the top of his padded drumstick flying through the air by beating away on the poor piece of metal in front of him!

For the first, and quite possibly the last, time I can say I am happy that a show was placed on the W.E.T. Stage; it gave the whole thing such an intimate feel which I have already mentioned, and being able to see the band this up close, it was obvious to see that they were enjoying this every bit as much as the fans did.
It can only really be said in one way – Moonspell delivered the top show of Wacken 2012, very possibly the year, and a strong contestant of ever here, and if you missed it you should rightfully regret it for the rest of your pitiful life.
I only pray that they choose to do an album in this way as well; not a new one with new songs, but reinterpreting a collection of classics just as they did for this concert. It would hold up so incredibly well you wouldn’t believe it.

Setlist:

Wolfshade (A Werewolf Masquerade)
Opium
Awake
The Southern Deathstyle
Scorpion Flower
Alma Mater
Full Moon Madness