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ICED EARTH + FURY UK
THE ISLINGTON ACADEMY LONDON - 4/11/11
I arrived at the venue just as openers FURY UK took to the stage, there was already a healthy contingent present inside the academy (ready for the usual wallet raping at the bar), and FURY UK are a band I have been meaning to check out for a while, after hearing good things. Surprisingly a 3-piece, their sound is rather good, although I do get bored listening to the borrowed Iron Maiden riffs that surface from time to time. ‘Saviour’ from their latest offering ‘A Way of Life’ gives kudos to these Manchester gents, they have a healthy following, but I can’t in all honesty wonder why a drum solo is included in their set, for a support band, it’s a bit too rock n’ roll for me I am afraid! Musically however, whilst being challenged in terms of originality, Fury UK do rock out with some of the best of them, but I do feel a second guitarist would enhance their live sound just that little bit more.
ICED EARTH has just released a stonking new album ‘Dystopia’, I really do think this is something rather special, and whilst there is an air of excitement around the building, I personally am wondering how new vocalist Stu Block handles a live show. From the opening moments of their set (opening track ‘Dystopia’), Mr Block shows he is a bloody marvellous showman, every note is sung with clear emotion and there is a clear air of excitement about him and founding father Jon Schaffer. Speaking of Mr Schaffer, he is one of the most precise rhythm guitarists out there, the staccato driven notes are crystal clear and executed with deft musicianship throughout every song tonight. I take lots of excitement from the crowd who are on fire, ok there are a few morons in the crowd who don’t have any gig etiquette, but that is to be expected with these bigger London shows, but this aside the night truly did belong to Iced Earth, their majesty and their power.
Many of the classics are played, including ‘When the Night Falls’ (with a great piece of crowd participation) and a personal favourite in ‘Stand Alone’ that actually kills my vocal chords. In fact, throughout the entire set, the crowd sing, clap and get heavily involved with the band and their art. Newer tracks like ‘V’ and ‘Anthem’ take their place along seasoned classics like ‘Dante’s Inferno’ and a surprising but welcomed addition of ‘Damien’ from their ‘Horrorshow’ opus. Looking back and reflecting on this evening, the only negative I would give is how short the set was (starting at roughly 20.15), I am sure I was out of the venue by 21.30, especially as White Wizzard were not able to play (due to a car crash, thankfully the band are ok, we wish them well), but in all honesty, Iced Earth gave a rewarding performance, they are still one of the tightest live bands out there, they have a massive level of fan loyalty, I just wish I could see them every other week! One of the shows of the year for me, late 2011 is a strong year for Iced Earth, their excellent album release followed by what will be an epic tour, and this really lifts one spirits in these dark times.
Review Paul Maddison
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