27th Sept 2024
Review by; Ms Hyde13
Brymir
The night opened with Brymir, a melodic death symphonic metal band formed in 2006 in Helsinki. Initially, I had some reservations about how their intense sound might come across live, fearing they might be a bit too metal for my taste. However, I quickly realized that those concerns were unfounded. From the moment they hit the stage, I found myself engrossed by their sheer musical talent and energetic performance.
Despite their heavy, intricate sound, the band’s ability to blend symphonic elements with death metal created a dynamic and powerful atmosphere. The layers of melody added a surprising depth to the aggression of their riffs, and I found myself unexpectedly captivated. They also knew how to engage with the crowd, not just relying on their musicianship but creating an immersive experience.
A standout moment was their performance of ‘Wings of Fire’ The song had an epic, almost cinematic quality that was impossible to ignore, making it one of the highlights of their set for me.
Overall, Brymir delivered a surprisingly enjoyable performance, with their unique blend of genres pulling me in from start to finish. They managed to convert my initial skepticism into admiration, proving that sometimes it’s worth stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Serenity
Next up, hailing from Austria, were the symphonic metallers Serenity, This show was particularly special as it marked the first gig with Georg back in action and fighting fit, adding an extra layer of excitement to their performance. The band wasted no time diving into their set, opening with ‘The Fall of Man,’ instantly transporting the audience on a melodic journey that felt like stepping back in time.
Their sound, rich with symphonic layers and intricate melodies, had an almost cinematic quality, making it feel like more than just a concert—it was like attending a musical history lesson. Each song seemed to weave ancient tales with heavy riffs blending storytelling and metal in a way that kept the crowd fully immersed.
The high point of their set was undoubtedly the epic closer, ‘Lionheart’ The song's grandiose narrative, coupled with the band’s powerful delivery, brought their performance to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion. The storytelling in this track was masterfully paired with the music, giving it a truly heroic and larger-than-life feel, as if the audience had witnessed an epic saga unfold before their eyes.
Overall, Serenity delivered a tight, well-executed set, filled with both energy and elegance. With Georg back and in fine form, they showed exactly why they’ve earned their place in the symphonic metal scene.
Battle Beast
Finally, the much-anticipated headline act of the evening, Finland’s very own party power metal band, Battle Beast, took the stage in a blaze of energy. From the first note of ‘Circus of Doom,’they exploded into their set with an infectious enthusiasm that never waned. Each track that followed was just as high-octane, leaving the audience no room to catch their breath - nor did they want to.
What really stood out was the band's undeniable chemistry. The interplay between the members was seamless, making the performance feel both tight and spontaneous, as if they were feeding off each other's energy as much as that of the crowd. It wasn’t just a show; it was a celebration, and the audience was very much part of it.
Partway through the set, they threw a curveball by switching things up with a very unexpected track, surprising everyone in the best way possible. And then there was the appearance of ‘Beast Tamer 3000’, which deserves a special mention. His (or its!) arrival on stage was not only visually exciting but also injected a refreshing bit of fun into the show, adding to the light-hearted, party vibe the band is so well known for.
By the end of their set, Battle Beast had firmly established why they were the headline act, leaving the crowd buzzing with adrenaline and thoroughly entertained.
I can confidently recommend catching this tour if you get the chance - you will not be disappointed. Whether you’re a fan of symphonic metal or power metal, this tour has something for everyone, and it's an experience that will leave you buzzing long after the final note.
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