SABATON, GRAILKNIGHTS & INTENSE
THE PURPLE TURTLE (CAMDEN) - LONDON 05/11/08
This was a unique gig, a sold out Purple Turtle which was slightly uncomfortable, but fair do’s, an excellent turn of events for the bands tonight that goes to prove that ‘Sabaton’ have drawn much more of an audience since their release of ‘The Art of War’ earlier this year. One thing to note about this gig, due to the two European bands needing the leave the venue to catch the ferry, opening band ‘Intense’ (or “local Support” as they were tagged) were in effect the headliner. Before the end of the evening I had a feeling of what might transpire, but please read on later!
The “quest against evil” starts when ‘Grailknights’ from Germany enter the stage. I knew what to expect having checked them out previously, however, it was with many a smile that these “knights” entered stage front and dolled some poses for eager camera snappers. ‘Grailquest Gladiators’ opens the show from their latest CD release and Sir Optimus Prime (vocals/guitars) announces that we the crowd are the “battle choir” in their quest against evil. The crowd appear to take a liking to these chaps, and their melodic death metal mixed with German Power metal proves to be a winning combination. One thing can be said, they certainly play each track to perfection even when there is so much going on visually. Other tracks like ‘Nameless Grave’ commands the crowd’s attention, fists are raised in the air and the constant audience interaction makes it an enjoyable occasion. Vocal harmonies are powerful and reminiscent of early ‘Helloween’ when Kai Hansen was singing for them. An attempt to bring their white horse (Beer Beauty) on the stage did not work thanks to the stairs to the dressing room, but we had a Dragon and the show ended with drinking beer from a huge “Holy Grail’. It’s beer-drinking music ranging from Battle Metal, to Death Metal (with blastbeats) then back to German Power Metal, if you’re a fan of ‘Manowar’ and latter day ‘Grave Digger’ you should like these “knights”. Stage entertainment aside, these guys mean business musically and are extremely tight. It was a weird one, it should not work, but it just did. I do hope these guys come back to the UK again.
http://www.myspace.com/grailknights
After the full track “The Final Countdown” sung to perfection by the crowd by way of an intro tape, these Swedes walk stage front to the intro from their new CD ‘The Art of War’ and immediately blast into ‘Ghost Division’ from that excellent album. Never a band to disappoint, they are truly on fire and duly thank the crowd as this gig is sold out. There is a good sound mix that brings out some cracking guitar work, finger tapping solos, the works. Stand out tracks of the evening include ‘The Art of War’ and ‘Into the Fire’ from way back on their debut album. I am not sure if it was because of where I eventually got to stand, but the sound seemed to quieten halfway during the set, but that did not stop vocalist Joakim Broden from working the crowd into frenzy with each track. I have to admit, it was a long set and I did find myself retreating to the rear of the venue after a while, and the crowd were still worked up, obviously I was in the minority! I was awakened however by ‘Cliffs of Gallipoli’ (their first single from the latest album) and these lovable gents battled on and proved why they should sell out a venue like this, perhaps next time, a larger venue. (N.B. As I write it has just been announced that they will be in support of ‘Hammerfall’ early next year on their UK leg of their tour).
www.sabaton.net
www.myspace.com/sabaton
It was inevitable that ‘Intense’ were going to suffer with crowd numbers, but then public transport is not really friendly to late night revellers in London, especially those who have travelled huge distances tonight. Anyway, for those of us who remained, it was a welcomed return. Not having seen this band live for just over 3 years now, I was welcomed with a different line up, but the ever-strong vocal talents of Sean Hetherington still very much present and accounted for, and it was so pleasing to see that this band decided to stay true to their roots and not follow the commercial hit-finding route as so many bands have tried to do. Stage performance is energetic and is boosted with a good live sound, even with the fastest turnaround of back line and equipment in history. A new album track in the form of ‘Fear is Not Enough’ shows the band moving forward with maturity and ever evolving class, whilst tracks like ‘Collision of Destinies’ from their ‘Second Sight’ album keeps the loyal fans happy. Unfortunately I was suffering the wrath of train services, and had to leave during their set, but not before ‘Trojan Transmission’. Still, I hope we have an ‘Intense’ experience on the live circuit again soon, a job well done.
www.myspace.com/intense
www.intense-uk.com
Paul Maddison
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