It was an epic night of metal at The Underground this past Tuesday as some of the best power and symphonic metal bands in the world made a tour stop in the Queen City. Kamelot is out on the road in support of their newest studio album “The Shadow Theory” and brought Delain and Battle Beast along for the journey.
Kicking off the evening was the Finnish power metal band Battle Beast. Led by lead vocalist Noora Louhimo the band put on one hell of a show. They had the audience fired up from the beginning of their set which drew heavily off their 2017 “Bringer of Pain” release. Guitarists Juuso Sinio and Joona Bjorkroth traded licks with keyboardist Janne Bjorkroth throughout the evening. It was an energetic and charismatic performance with Noora’s vocals in peak form which really had the crowd pumped up. By the end of their set, the energy in the venue was more like what you’d see during the encore of a headlining band as Battle Beast raised the roof of The Underground. The other bands would really have to bring their best and it was a great way to start off the night.
Up next was the Dutch symphonic metal of Delain fronted by their beautiful and talented lead vocalist Charlotte Wessels. The red haired beauty took command of the room as she worked the audience unleashing her powerful voice throughout the venue. Guitarists Timo Somers and Merel Bechtold are not only proficient technical players but true entertainers as they posed and jammed all over the stage. Delain played a solid ten song set supporting their fifth studio album “Moonbathers” and definitely brought their “A” game. Their style was a little less in your face compared to Battle Beast but none the less powerful. So far the evening was two for two with another outstanding performance. I really couldn’t wait to see how Kamelot was going to top this off.
After a short break to allow for the set change, the venue lights darkened and the power metal of Kamelot was on full display. Taking the stage to a taped intro of “The Mission,” the first to arrive was drummer Johan Nunez who took his spot behind his massive kit complete with an overhead rail from which hung his various cymbals. The rest of the band appeared as Swedish vocalist Tommy Karevik stood center stage with his hood up and they launched into “Phantom Divine (Shadow Empire)” from their newest album. The song features guest vocalist Lauren Hart who made her first appearance of the night toward the rear of the stage. Guitarist Thomas Youngblood was in fine form as he lit up his fretboard and bassist Sean Tibbetts was on fire spinning his long locks in unison to the beats. The band also brought with them an extensive light show complete with shooting fog and spinning lights which looked beautiful especially from the rear of the venue. Karevik’s vocals are second to none and he exudes a commanding stage presence which simply demands your attention. Their set featured some new songs from “The Shadow Theory” album as well as some Kamelot staples including five songs from their 2015 “Haven” record. About midway through the performance, Karevik asked for the fans to turn on their cellphones and light up the venue as he dedicated a song to his late father. It was a touching and emotional number and provided a moment of pause and reflection for those in attendance. Then it was back to rocking Kamelot style with Hart returning to the stage for “March of Mephisto” and both Hart and Delain vocalist Charlotte Wessels helping out on audience favorite “Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife). After a killer intro from keyboardist Oliver Palotai who was mostly hidden behind his keyboard set up, Kamelot closed out the night with “Forever.” As the band exited the stage, the fans in attendance made their presence known as shouts of “Kam-e-lot!” began to be heard. The band obliged the audience by returning for a stellar encore with “Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)” which once again brought Lauren Hart to the stage sharing vocals with Tommy Karevik. As a taped outro of “Ministerium” played, the venue lights came back on leaving the crowd desperately wanting more.
It was a monumental night of metal at The Underground with not just one but three top notch bands giving it their all. Fans, some of which had travelled long distances to attend the show, did not leave disappointed. Hats off to Kamelot, Delain, and Battle Beast as they were a true showcase for the power and grandeur of metal music.
Kamelot Set List:
The Mission (Taped Intro)
Phantom Divine (Shadow Empire)
Rule The World
Insomnia
The Great Pandemonium
When The Lights Are Down
End of Innocence
Veil of Elysium
Here’s To the Fall
RavenLight
March of Mephisto
Amnesiac
Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)
Forever
Encore:
Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)
Ministerium (Taped Outro)
We would like to thank Jon Freeman of Freeman Promotions for the credentials to review the show.
