Kamelot & Firewind in concert

Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall, 5th April 2008

Supporting new release Ghost Opera – The Second Coming, Kamelot blew into Wolverhampton on their second and final UK gig of their European leg, incidentally their first ever headlining show outside of London. The Spanish openers for this evening, Forever Slave were completing their set on my arrival but I was still in time to be treat to a couple of thundering sets by two of today’s leading lights in the shape of Greek metallers Firewind and of course the headliners.

Promoting their recently released 5th album “The Premonition”, Firewind more than showed enough to prove they are ready for slots such as this and then some. Indeed, considering this was a support slot, the extremely vocal following from their homeland in attendance showed the high esteem this band is justifiably held in at home in Greece. This set of cracking melodic heavy metal impressed no end. In Apollo Papathanasio they possess a singer of the highest quality and he worked this crowd with ease, his fantastic call and response with the audience preceding “Mercenary Man” proving great music doesn’t need growlers to have an impact. Of course Gus G, formerly of Dream Evil, needs no introduction for his brilliant guitar work, his solos, especially in “Between Heaven And Hell” were easily highlights. Despite those accolades it was the man behind them, Mark Cross on drums, who really caught my attention. Feet pounding, arms flailing, he drove them onwards with a flawless powerhouse performance. Next time around I can see these guys headlining and one thing’s for sure, I will be there to witness it.

With the Firewind banners removed, the wraps came off Casey Grillo’s massive drum kit to reveal the impressive backdrop, which was to be a major feature in the visual aspect of this show. The floor to ceiling artwork from “Ghost Opera” providing an extremely effective medium for the lighting guys to work with and the perfect accompaniment for the epic symphonic metal Kamelot were about to serve up. Vocalist Khan was in fine form, often appearing to be stood on the heads of the first few rows courtesy of a platform which raised him above everyone else. From this vantage point he was free to lead both band and crowd through a fine set mainly but not exclusively containing cuts from their last couple of albums. It wasn’t all plain sailing however, the sound wasn’t the best tonight, the keyboards and backing vocals, a major part of their make-up, were at times almost inaudible, especially early in the set. With backing singer Anne-Catrin Marzke mainly in the shadows at the back, it was fitting she joined Khan on his podium, centre stage and given her chance to be heard and shine during the stunning ballad “Abandoned“. I’m unsure if it was simply because the crowd knew the songs better but everything they played off “The Black Halo” was rapturously received, “When The Lights Are Down” and final encore “March Of Mephisto” especially. Following “Descent Of The Archangel“, Khan announced he was to take a few minutes break as the band continued to play an instrumental section, each member leaving the stage in turn until only Casey Grillo remained and managed to further impress with a mercifully short drum solo. The keyboard solo preceding the excellent “Forever“, itself resplendent with audience sing-a-long and promises of a return to Wolverhampton, was both interesting and clever enough to showcase Oliver Palotai’s skills whilst also remaining at an acceptable length. Then enter a couple from “Ghost Opera“, the title track is simply one of the most jaw dropping tracks of recent years, epic power metal at it’s best and powerfully reproduced tonight. Closely followed by fellow new track and crowd pleaser, “Love You To Death“. Closing with the battery of drums punctuated by fine guitar work by Thomas Youngblood that is “March Of Mephisto“, they left the stage of their first headlining gig in the provinces to an enormous roar.

I’ve heard the band was worried about how well they would be received outside of London, on this showing they have absolutely no need to. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me to find them coming back more than capable of selling out several venues of this size across the country.

Set Lists :

Firewind

Into The Fire / Head Up Fire / Insanity / Destruction Forever / Circle Of Life / Mercenary Man / Falling To Pieces / Between Heaven and Hell / I Am The Anger

Kamelot

Solitaire / Rule The World / When the lights are down / Soul Society /Pendulous Fall / Centre of the Universe / Abandoned / Descent of the /Archangel / Instrumental / The Human Stain / The Haunting / Edenecho / Keyboard Solo / Forever / Ghost Opera / Love You to Death /Karma / March of Mephisto

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Kamelot’s “Official Live Video” performance of “When The Lights Go Down“…

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DH

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