tisdag 8 Apr 2008, 5:48
Fri 4 Apr – Kamelot, Firewind, Visions of Atlantis, Forever Slave
At about 6:10 we entered a wonderful venue, adorned with a pair of Kamelot banners on each side of the stage as well as a huge Kamelot tarp in the middle. The gig kicked off almost immediately once the venue had opened, with Forever Slave. Not being a fan of them, I think the less I say the better. But it wasn't long before it was time for Firewind to perform. While they didn't use their trademark x-shaped cymbals, they played an awesome gig. They really got the crowd going with a rendition of I am the Anger and some cheers for all the bands before handing off to Kamelot.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/2392306374_f1bee65ca2_m.jpg
Courtesy of Dead by Sunrise
As we waited for the change over, a stage hand came on and, with a strong pull, removed the central Kamelot tarp to reveal the huge drum set that would be played. A set of Cymbals above and below and two Kick Drums emblazoned with Ghost Opera Imagery.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2390683282_376c365304_m.jpg
But it wasn't the drums we were here to see, and Kamelot quickly took the stage to perform the worst 3 songs I think I have ever heard. Opening with Rule the World, it was clear that someone had not set the levels correctly. The Drums and Guitars so drowned out Roy Khan's Voice that the crowd could barely hear what verse they were on. As the Instruments can never be too loud, all I can say is that the lead mike wasn't loud enough.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/2389844317_ff6894151c_m.jpg
But this was merely a small blip to the night, and it wasn't long before everything evened itself out. They played a wide variety of songs from their last four albums including some of my favourites, Soul Society, Abandoned and When the Lights are Down.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2389855103_5f7d384888_m.jpg
The one thing that blew me away was the amazing work by Casey Grillo, the Drummer. He performed one of the most amazingly fast solos that I have ever seen live before immediately, without missing a beat (if you pardon the pun) going into the next very fast song. And throughout he put on a show twirling his drumsticks between each beat.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/2389857187_a985b11fb0_m.jpg
They finished with the Elizabeth Series and went off after about an hour and a half of playing , before being called back by the crowd to play Ghost Opera, Karma and March of Mephisto which they played absolutely brilliantly. An absolutely excellent night.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/2390686574_0eb51c4a68_m.jpg
No posters for me to buy though.
All photos courtesy of respective users Flickr