PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
The O2 Academy was buzzing with people. I was really looking forward to this show as it was my first time seeing Saxon live!
After patiently waiting, Hammerfall finally arrive on stage, with a presence that was just objectifying. Joacim Cans shouts to the audience as he introduces the band ‘When I say hammer you say…..’ and audience screams ‘FALL!’
To be fair after a few times the reaction from the fans was pretty poor. So he asks ‘you have “One More Time” to give me the meanest, craziest fall!’ As the build up starts Oscar comes in with some serious rifts that pump the audience for one powerful outbreak. I would say that was one mean shout out but maybe not the craziest.
Oscar carries through into “One More time”, what a coincidence, finishing off with some power cords from keys in to ‘Any Means Necessary’. Kicking into ‘Angels of Mercy’, Oscar and Pontus don’t mess around when showing there incredible skill in guitar playing.
‘Renegade’ was up next with a mind blowing performance of unison head banging and vocals from Joacim Cans that reached out of this world. Finishing off ‘Renegade’ with such intensity and demanding solo from Pontus Norgren that was just overwhelming.
The lighting became more inventive as Hammerfall came in with ‘Threshold’ through flashes of colour to every beat of the bass drum, heightening the whole performance. I think in power metal an added extra of a good lighting display is a must, it compliments the whole genre so well.
A slow tempo is brought in and Joacim asks ‘How many people are seeing Hammerfall for the first time tonight?’ Being one of those people I roared and I can guarantee I am speaking on behalf of those first timers; they made one hell of an impression.
He gets everyone of us involved in clapping to the beat, as it gradually gets faster and faster it explodes into ‘Hearts on Fire’, the perfect song to bring their set to end. The cries for them penetrated every wall and corner in the Academy, cries that were truly well deserved.
The famous dramatic opening of music, lights and smoke, before Saxon enters. Its 16 minutes past 9 and on comes Nigel Glockler, these screams were undeniably wild as the rest followed. It all fell silent for a second as Doug Scarratt struck into his first cord jolting the rhythm of ‘Heavy Metal Thunder’.
Biff Byford vocals are a complete match to the records I have listened to for years. After all this time his vocals are as powerful as ever. You know I think there has always been a slight favoritism to Biff over Bruce Dickinson in my opinion.
As Doug and Nigel lashed out the next song, there was only one song that it could be yes ‘Hammer of the Gods’. Biff announces a hell yeah for his return to Yorkshire. By Jesus my ears are still ringing from the howl of the Yorkshire crowd. Biff and I had something in common that night, being Yorkshire myself we both had made a return after being away for some time and it felt good!
I have never seen a bass player hammer it as much as Nibbs Carter what a show I think he may of upstage the other two guitar players, wow he was impressive. Following into ‘When Doomsday Comes’ then ‘Chasing the Bullet’. Their set was a great mix of their old classics and new soon to be classics.
A whole load of gain and distortion on the whammy bar from Doug oh yes it is ‘Motorcycle Man’, Paul Quinn is a god in this song for his solo, there were whistles and uproar.
All the time Biff was on stage he had this huge black fluffy coat on, a little odd but he did say he was freezing, well welcome back to Yorkshire. Biff then gave the audience an option of what the next song should be ‘Man o War’, but in the middle of the song it was ruined by a moment of strong feedback.
Then came ‘To Hell and Back Again’, Paul had his time to shine as he was left in the spotlight to give us his blast of speed in a finger tapping solo.
This song is for the soldiers ‘Call to Arms’ also Paul introduces his baby, his double-neck guitar. ‘Call to Arms’ has such a powerful emotion to it; it speaks the truth and it is so much more than just music. Even the solo has a mighty drive of emotion.
Rock the Nation’ was an excellent choice to be next in line, picking up the mood instantly and Nigel gave everything you want in an immense drum solo. It possessed a constant force that just kept building and building until it unleashed into a commanding fury that brought Paul and Doug to finish.
The audience was given the option of choice for the next song for me this had to be the last song I could witness for tonight as my last train left in 10 minutes. It was ‘Broken Heroes’.
Tonight was a special night and for all you fans that could not make any of the 110 shows, well you’re in luck because tonight had been recorded so look forward to a live album coming to you soon in the New Year. I know I will be.
Set List for Hammerfall.
One More Time.
Any Means Necessary.
Angels Of Mercy
Renegade
Threshold
Last Man Standing.
Hearts On Fire.
Set List for Saxon.
Heavy Metal Thunder
Hammer of the Gods
Never Surrender
When Doomsday Comes (Hybrid Theory)
Chasing the Bullet
Motorcycle Man
Back in ’79
Dogs of War
To Hell and Back Again
Call to Arms
Rock the Nations (With Drum Solo)
Broken Heroes
Mists of Avalon
Power and the Glory
Denim and Leather (With Guitar Solo)
Wheels of Steel
Encore:
Crusader
And the Bands Played On
747 (Strangers in the Night)
