On stage: Kamelot

 
- Crimson Glory, Kamelot & Evergrey
 
- April 2000
 
- Vosselaar (B) -


 
- Crimson Glory, Kamelot & Evergrey
 
- April 2000
 
- Bochum (D) -


 
- Crimson Glory, Kamelot & Evergrey
 
- April 2000
 
- Pratteln (CH) -


 
- Kamelot, At Vance & Wizard
 
- June 2003
 
- Essen (D) -


 
- Kamelot, Kotipelto & Epica
 
- April 2005
 
- Bochum (D) -


 
- Kamelot
 
- July 2006
 
- Helmond (NL) -


 
- Kamelot & Leaves' Eyes
 
- April 2007
 
- Antwerp (B) -


 
- Kamelot & Firewind
 
- April 2008
 
- Essen (D) -


 
- Kamelot, Xandria & Serenity
 
- June 2009
 
- Bochum (D) -


 
- Kamelot, Leaves' Eyes & Adagio
 
- March 2010
 
- London (GB) -


 
- Kamelot, Leaves' Eyes & Adagio
 
- April 2010
 
- Dortmund (D) -

- Kamelot, Leaves' Eyes & Adagio - April 7th 2010 - Dortmund (D), FZW -






 

  


  

































  
  

It seems that every year when spring comes, Kamelot hit the road in Europe. The new album is still in the making, they would offer one more time a best-of set - spiced up with some surprises. Special guest Leaves' Eyes were on tour with them before, in spring 2007 and additionally they had at this part of the tour Adagio as an opening band.

Unfortunately Kamelot are still not drawing as much people in Germany as in other European countries and so the venue wasn't even half-filled when Adagio entered the stage. The French outfit added Mats Léven to their ranks for live shows, so they should sound a bit different. When the band entered the stage I was told that there are photo passes, but about 20 min. ago I was told differently, so I had to go back to the box office to work things out. Then it was too late to do any photos as I missed the first 3 songs. Anyway, live Adagio's music sounds quite similar to other symphonic melodic metal bands, even if their keyboarder added some blackish growls here and there. The guys were out to promote Archangels In Black, their 2009 release. If I got it right, they played The Fifth Ankh and Undead. At one point they seem to derail, but got back on track after a few moments. I thought that Mats Léven could add something to their sound and would make them differ, but even if the band showed a decent performance, they couldn't really impress the majority.

After a quick change over it was time for Leaves' Eyes, the band of Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull and her husband Alex, the frontman of Atrocity. Their latest album is called Njord and after the intro announced that it was time for some more music. The band entered the stage and kicked off with the title track Njord followed by My Destiny, the single off Njord. Compared to the last time I saw Leaves' Eyes the line-up had changed and this time Alex Krull spent more time on stage. Especially Mr. Krull used every inch of the stage to entertain the fans and cheer them up. No surprise that their focus was Njord, but with Elegy at least one old track made it onto their set list.

Meanwhile more Kamelot fans had arrived, but still the venue wasn't packed... When the white curtain fell it revealed the look onto the stage setting. The band entered the stage and kicked off with Ghost Opera, just singer Roy Khan was missing first. When he entered the stage, dressed all in black, he immediately used the catwalk to get close to the audience. After Eden Echo they presented the first song of their upcoming, yet untitled album - The Great Pandemonium. The song perfectly fitted into the set. As usual the band delivered a good performance, mastermind Thom Youngblood and bassist Sean Tibbetts were always in motion and switching sides. "e;Come on Dortmund!"e; Khan cheered up the audience after The Human Stain, after a loud response Roy Khan seemed satisfied and while Thom as changing his guitar Khan started talking... "e;I know you guys know this one!"e; And they headed into Center Of The Universe. Khan was very talkative and in a splendid mood, so he stated "e;Oli, our keyboarder, is from Schwaben."e; And asked "e;Where are we?"e; The fans answered him "e;Ruhrgebiet!"e; Khan talked a bit more to some fans and then asked all "e;Are you guys ready for a ballad?"e; With Wander they continued, a song they didn't played much. Thom got onto the platform where he joined Elize Ryd - she's doing the female vocal parts on this tour - and played a short solo. Great to hear this one live! "e;See this guy on the bass? It's Sean Tibbetts and he's been on a very long audition! Three years or so... We had a lot of fun!"e; Roy Khan introduced the blonde bassist and after Pendulous Fall the band presented an instrumental incl. solo parts while the Norwegian took a break. So Thom Youngblood entered the catwalk for his solo, coz most of the time Khan occupied this space. When the first notes of When The Lights Are Down were played the fans got loud! One of the fans favorites and so they loudly sang along. Sean Tibbetts joined Khan on the catwalk for the refrain and it was obvious that they had a lot of fun. Time for keyboarder Oliver Palotei to show his skills during a solo which sounded much like the one on One Cold Winter's Night... The Haunting came next. Amaranthe singer Elize Ryd joined Khan for this one. "e;A stunning voice! Thank you, Elize!"e; the simpatico said. Time for a new song! At Hunters Season some laser lights came from above the drum kit. I'm not sure, if the microphone was partly just too low or dropped out, but things like that happen and Kamelot are professionals, so they just keep going. During the intro of Rule The World the fans were  entertained with a belly dance, the dancer dressed in a red outfit and hiding behind a mask. One more solo, this time it was drummer Casey Grillo's turn. Then the stage was covered once more in smoke... Khan returned and started talking again. "e;You guys like to f**king sing? Ready to tear this place apart? Who have been on a Kamelot tour before?"e; He asked. "e;Who's for the first time? Welcome to the club! You guys are really f**king fun!"e; Forever was chosen as the closer and the fans sang along one more time. Then Kamelot left the stage, but they came back after a few moments. Well, first Elize came dressed in a long white greatcoat, holding a red rose during the intro. Then they headed into The Black Halo. "e;Danke schön Dortmund! Actually that was it. We are done!"e; Khan was joking. Then announced the Japanese bonus track of Ghost Opera - Seasons End. With Karma and March Of Mephisto they closed the set. Fans who saw them before knew that March Of Mephisto is the closer and that they won't return. Anyway, the powerful and vivid live show left band and fans exhausted. Next time around, when they come back with their new album, everybody will be back, coz as usual Kamelot delivered an entertaining show which was played flawlessly. Thanks for a great night!
  
  







Claudia Ehrhardt



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- Kamelot, Leaves' Eyes & Adagio - March 28th 2010 - London (GB), Koko -





 

  


  

Well its now a couple of days after the perfection that was Sunday 28th March – Kamelot, Leaves' Eyes, Adagio and now my neck has stopped hurting and my voice has started to come back it's time to put my review hat on. Not going to lie, this review is going to be hugely positive, as I really really enjoyed myself at the best gig of 2010 so far for me.

For some reason for the last couple of years Kamelot always seem to turn up in London on the 27th-29th of March weekend, and just like last year's excellent event with Dream Evil and Amberian Dawn I decided to attend. In any case, I have to admit I was hugely excited even before I reached the queue for the Koko, a fantastic venue in good old Camden Town. Anyway, got in, got a t-shirt and so began the gig..

First up we had Adagio, who I'd seen before and had been disappointed at. The sound quality was a bit of a hash, the guitars and vocals were fairly inaudible but all the same they gave a credible performance, and a far superior one to last time. Their set included Second Sight, Vamphyri, The Astral Pathway, Undead, finishing with Fire Forever. A much improved performance, excellent guitar work and fantastic and dynamic keyboarding. Definitely worth seeing again I think.

Next up, and after about twenty minutes wait Leaves' Eyes hit the stage. I've never really been able to get into much of their music, finding it rather generic, despite the interesting Nordic themes. All the same, a damn good performance, despite flailing efforts to get the crowd going. Liv Kristine, whilst never being my favorite of female vocalists put on an admirable performance, and dressed in the ever familiar red and black dress had fantastic intonation, whilst leaving crowd interaction in the mildly capable hands of their male vocalist. Beginning on Njord, the band proceeded through a fair few numbers, of My Destiny and Emerald Island before reaching the highlight of their set and my favorite song Take The Devil In Me that goes on to highlight Liv's considerable vocal talent, as well as an excellent bass line. Ragnarok, the fan popular though generic Elegy followed and their admirable set closed with Frøya's Theme. All in all, whilst not admittedly being a huge Leaves' Eyes fan I thought they were pretty decent live, and will probably see them again when they hit the stage at this year's Bloodstock festival.

By now I was damn excited as the main event was fast approaching. Having seen Kamelot a good three times before (the first being on of my first gig) I knew what to expect. Eventually the lights when down, the dry ice rippled across the stage and the intro music started. The band bar Roy entered the stage and began the opening riffs to Ghost Opera and Roy himself began to sing, in perfect clarity and climbed to his podium in an epic coat at the front of the stage where he would remain for much of the evening. After this, we were treated to EdenEcho with its brilliant chorus, and then a short break where Roy apologized for the new album not being out yet, saying it would come out in June and instead treat us to a new track. So we got to hear The Great Pandemonium. Judging from the song live it'll be fairly symphonic live, with a good chorus and a typical Kamelot solo. The song itself isn't too different from March Of Mephisto, and hopefully will be released as a single before long.

Next came the epic Centre Of The Universe, a typical track for Kamelot in their live sets. Again, like last year it was fantastic in every aspect. After this came Wander and a long instrumental section where Khan was able to take a break. There was also a bass and drum solo interspersed into the long instrumental section. I suspect this to be a song in itself on the new album, but remain unsure overall. Live perfection was then reached with The Pendulous Fall and a crowd favorite When The Lights Go Down. We were then treated to another break of a keyboard solo from Oliver, extremely reminiscient off the solo on One Cold Winter's Night.

The Haunting (Somewhere in Time) then cropped up, with guest vocals from the extremely talented Elize Ryd from Amaranthe. I really like this band and hope they go far, and would have really liked if they'd supported on all European tour dates, rather than just the Scandinavian ones. This duet between Khan and her was absolutely perfect! Hunter's Season, another of the new tracks was then played, and again I really warmed to the new material, as it fitted in exactly with 's set. Can't wait to hear the studio version of this track! After this, in a decidedly Arabian Nights style intro Rule The World (IMO the best track from Ghost Opera) got some airtime, and rightly so.

Then came one of the highlights of an amazing evening. Casey got his anticipated long drum solo. I can't quite express the talent of this individual, and really enjoyed watching said talent on display. He also did a great job of psyching the crowd up for the next track. So we had reached what I see as the best part of the whole evening. Thomas appeared on a raised booth on the side of the venue and the sweet melody from Grieg wafted down upon us. I knew what was coming. They played Forever and it was unbelievable! It's my favorite Kamelot track by a good way and they played it to a tee as off One Cold Winter's Night. During the section where Khan has the crowd sing along with him, he talked about how Kamelot were planning another live DVD some time in 2011! Excellent news indeed!

Encore time insured, and with an intro of Interlude II un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso The Black Halo got played. Followed up by Season's End and then the brilliant Karma. All of these were played to perfection. Lastly, as expected they played March Of Mephisto with Elize doing the incoming drum beat. All in all, just incredible and the gig really wore me out.

Now, to the overall conclusions. Rampant fanboying aside, Kamelot were absolutely unbelievable live, just as I expected and this gig from them happily sits with the best gigs I have been to, and the best of 2010 so far, and all with good reason. Anyone who could have gone to the gig, and didn't go for any stupid reason was missing out and should only ridicule themselves in shame! I can't really thing of any criticisms of the gig. Both support acts delivered, and though I would have preferred Amaranthe over Adagio they stilled performed well. Roy, Thomas, Oliver, Sean and Casey were all brilliant in every aspect and have fantastic stage presence and on stage personas (even if Khan mumbles his English from time to time!) and a big thank you goes out to Elize Ryd from Amaranthe and whatever the name is of the male tour vocalist they have at the moment. So all in all, Kamelot rule (the world) and I shall look forward to seeing them again in the future and speculating about the promise of their new album in the summer.
  
  






Josh
(guest writer)



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- Kamelot, Xandria & Serenity -
- June, 19th 2009 - Bochum (D), Zeche -






 

  


  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

It's just been a few months since Kamelot - and Serenity as their support - played some shows in Germany. Now they are back for a few more shows and as a special guest they had Xandria with them.

More then an hour before doors opened fans had gathered at the entrance waiting to get in. Even before the scheduled time the local crew let it the fans and so already some people had gathered in front of the stage when the Austrian five piece entered the stage. I only know they played earlier this year with Kamelot, but hadn't heart any song by the quintet from Tyrol. With their powerful melodic metal songs they soon convince some fans and songs like Coldness Kills and Rust Of Coming Age were well chosen. Singer Georg Neuhauser announced that they will play in Essen in later this year as support of Threshold. A good combination, coz they songs are very melodic, but have a progressive edge. I think I will check out the Austrians very soon!

Next in line where Xandria, the German gothic metal band, after the last studio album singer Lisa left the band. They released a best-of CD/DVD and started looking for a new singer. And they found Kerstin Bischoff who now is playing the first shows with Xandria. They kicked off with Firestorm off their last album Salomé -The Seventh Veil. Then they went back in time and their album India. Now & Forever and Fight Me showed that Kerstin is already well integrated in the band. She obviously enjoyed being on stage with Xandria. From Ravenheart they presented Snow-White and the title track before they finished their set with India. It will be interesting to hear some new songs which are written by the new line-up. Good show!

After a break it was time for Kamelot to enter the stage and kicked off with New Allegiance / The Fourth Legacy. Then they headed straight into When The Lights Go Down. The fans were singing along and the band seemed to be happy about the warm welcome they got. Their 4th song was Center Of The Universe and time for me to meet Xandria for a little chit-chat about what's going on in the Xandria camp. When I came back Kamelot started EdenEcho. And the house was on fire when they played the first notes of The Haunting - and the fans got even louder when Simone Simons joined Roy Khan on stage. It's always a pleasure to see them performing The Haunting! Keyboarder Oliver Palotai did a short keyboard solo and then it was time for Ghost Opera. Guitarist Thom Youngblood and bassist Sean Tibbetts were switching sides and cheering up the fans while drummer Casey Grillo delivered the beat. After Love You To Death and Karma they closed the set with Forever. The fans wanted more and the quintet returned to play March Of Mephisto. It's always great to see Khan & co live and I can't wait til they return with a new album! Thanks a lot for another night to remember!
  
  







Claudia Ehrhardt













Kamelot & Firewind - April, 24th 2008 - Essen (D), Weststadthalle





 

  


  

Last year Kamelot been on tour in Europe at the same time, initially to promote Ghost Opera, but due to the delayed release their played a set with classics plus some new tracks. Now Ghost Opera is re-released with a different cover and an additional live CD. And they are out to promote Ghost Opera - The Second Coming live.

Opening band was supposed to be Visions Of Atlantis, but after 2 band members - incl. singer Melissa - left the band, they cancelled the tour and so Forever Slave from Spain got the chance to open up for the Floridans. I can't tell you much about Forever Slave, coz I just entered the venue when they been playing their last song.

After a short change-over it was time for Firewind! They just released their album The Premonition and took the chance to tour Europe. I have to confess that I haven't heard their new album yet, but the impression they left with songs like Mercenary Men and Into The Fire was quite good. Drummer Mark Cross gave the powerful beat on which guitarist Gus G. and his pales forced ahead. Singer Apollo use the short catwalk to get closer to the fans. I think they also played Head Up High... 

At 9:30 PM it was time for Kamelot to enter the stage. Well, first the intro Solitaire was played with the violinist at the catwalk. Then the band came onto the stage for Rule The World. For many people in the audience it was a surprise to see that bassist Glenn Barry wasn't with them, but soon the word got round that on the tour former Kamelot bassist Sean filled in. With When The Lights Go Down they played the first highlight - and the fans got loud! After Soul Society and The Pendulous Fall it was time for Center Of The Universe. Khan used the catwalk to get closer to the fans while Thom and Sean stepped onto some cubic platforms to stand a bit higher so that they can see more of the audience and can be seen more easily by the fans in the back. With some smoke and colorful lights the right atmosphere was created for Abandoned. During the song it seemed that Roy had some problems... Caught a cold?!? Well, I heard him doing this one better, but it was still quite good. And the fans took out the lighters. They played an instrumental which included a drum solo - while Sean played a solo during Descent Of The Archangel - before they headed into The Human Stain. One of my favorites is The Haunting and even if it was good, I missed Simone Simons. The backing singer who also did the solo part really did a good job, but she doesn't have the charisma Simone has. With Eden Echo they played another tune from Ghost Opera before keyboarder Oliver Palotei showed us in a keyboard solo his talent. Last, but not least it was time for Forever - and many fans sang along. The band left the stage and the fans wanted more!

After a few minutes they returned for Ghost Opera, Love You To Death - enchanting - and Karma. But a Kamelot show without March Of Mephisto? No way! And so they came back for one more song!

It was getting late... And so the people started leaving soon after Kamelot left the stage. Well, I have seen better shows of them, but this one was quite good. Who missed them at the tour and is going to Wacken, make sure to see them at Wacken!
  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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Kamelot & Leaves' Eyes - 6th April 2007 - Antwerp (B), Hof ter Lo





 

  


  

It seems to become a tradition to go on Good Friday to a concert in Antwerp... This year Kamelot and Leaves' Eyes were scheduled to play Hof ter Lo. The Dutch shows have been sold out, but even if it was packed there were a few tickets left.

Opening act on this tour were the French Fairyland, but I missed them due to a short interview with Roy Khan.

Then it was time for Leaves' Eyes to enter the stage - and from the first note of Farewell Proud Men it was obvious that the Belgium - and Dutch fans who came to this show - love Liv Kristin and her band - actually it's Atrocity which backs her. The blond Norwegian singer was presenting a kind of best-of set, coz on this tour they record some shows for a coming DVD and so songs like Elegy, New Found Land, Ocean's Way, Norwegian Lovesong and Lyset made it onto the set list. Especially when Liv Kristin got joined on stage by her husband Alex Krull the audience went wild. Actually I have seen headliners which don't get as much reaction from their audience as Leaves' Eyes did. It's no secret that the Belgium and Dutch fans love this kind of bands / singers. Between the songs Liv talked to their fans and thanked the audience in several languages. At the end of their set the sympathetic blonde told her fans that they will play at Female Metal Voices Festival in October and expressed her hopes to see all again at that show - and I guess that many who saw them tonight will be there.

After a break it was time for Kamelot to enter the stage. The new Kamelot album was planned for a spring release, but got postponed to June, but the band decided to tour anyway as many of the shows were already sold out! Tonight Khan and Co. started of with When The Lights Are Down and Soul Society, but then they presented the first surprise for their loyal fans - Morning Star! The first track they played from their coming album Ghost Opera and the song indicates that the coming release with be heavier and darker, but still bombastic. Then it was time for some Kamelot classics like Center Of The Universe and Abandoned. The sound was fantastic and so it was just fun to see them performing. Khan's voice was strong and powerful, but also emotional and fragile. During the keyboard solo Oli Palotai presented a bit of his skills and woven in a few classical pieces. Well done. With Ann-Cathrin the band brought a singer to fill in the female vocal parts live, but for The Haunting Epica singer Simone Simons joined them on stage. This is always a highlight and its great that Simone joined them whenever she can. After Forever the band left the stage, but soon were back to present the title track of the coming album Ghost Opera. Btw, a 1-track promo copy of Ghost Opera was given away at the entrance for free. Really cool. With Don't You Cry they slowed down a bit and Roy Khan encouraged the fans to sing along. But then the fans surprised the band when they took over and kept singing for minutes! The band was floored! It seemed that everybody from first to last row was singing along. It was a magical moment. Finally the band took over again, finished the song and with Karma they ended the first encore. But no show without March Of Mephisto and so the band came back for one more song. Too soon the show was over and I guess that everybody who was present at tonight's show will come to see them when they come back with Ghost Opera later this year. An amazing show!!!!





Kamelot set list:



When The Lights Are Down

Soul Society

Morning Star

Center Of The Universe

Lost & Damned

Abandoned

- instrumental

Descent Of The Arkangel

Momento Mori

- keyboard solo

The Haunting

Forever

*********************************

Ghost Opera

Don't You Cry

Karma

*********************************

March Of Mephisto
  

  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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Kamelot - July 2nd 2006 - Helmond (NL), Plato





 

  


  

This year Kamelot are only playing a few shows in Europe - this the only club show this summer - and so we wanted to see them. Unfortunately my colleague had to work and we couldn't leave early, but we would make it in time for Kamelot! We arrived during the change over.

The Floridians kicked off their set with Then The Lights Are Down - nice change. But after Soul Society it was time for Center Of The Universe which was their opening track on last years tour. Luckily keyboarder Oliver Palotai was able to do this show and so he could show his talent in a keyboard solo - after they played Moonlight and Forever. After the keyboard solo the first surprise waited for the audience, during Abandoned singer Roy Khan got joined by his girl who took over the female vocal parts. Usually the female vocals are coming from tape, but sometimes they can present them live and tonight was such a rare occation. During Nights Of Arabia Thom's wife Mary joined them on stage in the oriental outft of a belly dancer. Thom already told in some interviews that his wife is a musician herself and so understands the business which makes it a lot easier. And she sometimes joines them for a few shows and goes on stage with them for a few songs. After Momento Mori can asked some fans to join Kamelot on stage, no surprise, coz the Italians been at a couple of shows - not just in Italy - and so the band knows them. The two Italians had to add some vocals to The Fourth Legacy - not perfect, but to sing in front of an audience needs courage - if you're not a musician.

Also drummer Casey Grillo got his chance for a solo and afterwards it was time for The Haunting! And as on last years tour and the shows in February Simone Simons of Epica entered the stage to sing this with Khan. Again a great one! Simone is a professional singer and so they were doing a perfect show. I'm not saying that Thom's and Khan's girls didn't sing their part perfect, it's just the stage acting. They are a bit stiff compared to Simone. Too soon the set was over with Karma.

But the fans wanted more and they got more! The guys came back on stage for Farewell, Epilogue and last, but not least The March Of Mephisto.

Kamelot is one of the best live bands in this genre and I hope that more people will come to see them next time. Later this year they will release a DVD which was recorded in February in Oslo. There they presented the show more theatralic and with singers taking over some of the characters. And I can't wait to see this DVD, but meanwhile the guys are recording th follow-up of The Black Halo. So look forward for a DVD later this year, a new album in 2007 and a tour! See you there!
  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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Kamelot, Kotipelto & Epica - April, 4th 2005 - Bochum, Zeche





 

  


  

Unfortunately just about 250 fans came to see this package in Bochum which is a pity, coz this billing is quite interesting. It shows different shades of metal, all very melodic, but  from melodic metal to power metal and some Nightwish-like metal. I heard that the other shows been visited by more fans and that the average was about 650. What a shame, in the past this was one of the best places in Germany for metal bands to play....

Anyway, the Dutch youngsters of Epica had to enter the stage first. They are big fans of Kamelot - even if the band name isn't just to honor the Floridians - and so they took the chance to tour with them, even if their new album will hit the stores after the tour. And so the band of guitarist Marc Jensen concentrated on the songs from their debut. But with Follow In The Cry they presented a song which is known by Jensen's former band After Forever and to give a little outlook they played The Last Crusade. Many compare the yougsters with Nightwish, After Forever and Within Temptation, but this isn't quite fair.   They play epic... gothic metal with big choirs and orchestral parts - which couldn't be done live at this stage of their career -, but mainly the vocals of Simone Simons is making fans and critics compare them with the above named bands, but Simone who has a classical training is singing mezzo soprano - the above mentioned singers are all soprano - and she sometimes really rocks. Songs like Sensorium and Facade Of Reality are showing their talent and that they found their way. Another difference is more obvious then the color of Simone's voice, is that Simone obviously enjoys to rock the stage and joking around with the band. It's fun to watch them on stage and hopefully I soon will have the chance to see a longer set!

Just a brief break and Stratovarius singer Timo Kotipelto entered the stage with his solo band. The first time that Kotipelto are touring down here and so for many fans the first time to see him / them live - me, too. Timo has now 2 solo albums - Waiting For The Dawn and Coldness - out and enough material to play during his 45 minutes stage time. Set opener was Seeds Of Sorrow. As one of the best melodic metal singers he hadn't to proof his talent. Kotipelto enjoyed being on stage and was more relaxed then the last time I saw him on stage with Stratovarious. Musically the solo stuff is less fast, but still compatible with the Stratovarius fans and at the end of the set he gave the fans what they wanted and played Hunting High And Low and Black Diamond. My resume is that the solo stuff isn't as strong as the Stratovarius classics, but on the other hand the last releases of Stratovarius didn't offer many hits. I think the future looks bright for Kotipelto - with or without Stratovarius.

With Center Of The Universe from Epica which they already used in the past to kick off the set. The American band Kamelot - okay, their singer is Norwegian - got a helping hand on the keyboards from Doro guitarist / keyboarder Oliver Palotai as they did in the past from others. It seems that it works for them very well to work with tour keyboarders. Anyway, they came to present The Black Halo live and so this was the first track they played. Especially guitarist and mainman Thomas Youngblood and singer Roy Khan kept in touch with the audience closely. The songs been taken from the last 4 studio albums and so represented the era of Kamelot with Roy on the mic. A highlight is always Nights Of Arabia where Khan get joined on stage for the female part. In the past partly Thom's wife and partly Roy's wife took over this part - who joined in this time I can't say, sorry.  But during the new track The Haunting Epica's Simone Simons entered the stage - she already sang on the album this parts. Later Epica guitarist Marc Jensen joined the Americans for the growls on March Of Mephisto. Another highlight was the ballad Don't You Cry. Too soon the show came to an end with Karma and Farewell.

Kamelot always been a great live act and that they proofed again. Hopefully next time more fans come to see them on stage. But perhaps it was just bad timing... At the same time some other bands came along the road... Personally I was surprised by the youngsters of Epica and Kamelot again showed that they are one of the best bands in this genre. Shame on you when you missed this package!
  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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Kamelot, At Vance & Wizard - June, 4th 2003 - Essen (D), Zeche Carl





 

  


  

Actually I read about this show in a local monthly paper and that was just a few days before the concert in Essen. Luckily in time! I had no idea who else is on this tour and to be honest, it wouldn't have changed my decision, coz I always loved to see Kamelot live.

I have to confess that I don't know Wizard that good. So I'll just do a short note about their set. The German true metal band presented their songs with a lot of fun. Singer Sven is a good frontman and a great singer. One song - I think it's called Call Of Odin - sounds a little like Manowar... Definitely a good band, but their music can't be called innovative and so it can be boring after awhile. As a opening act they have a limited time and so it was okay.

After a break the German power metallers of At Vance entered the stage. A new singer is always a big change for a band, but with former Malmsteen / Treat singer Mats Leven the band recruited a great singer and a good performer. Anyway, with The Evil In You the quintet released a quite good album which they presented live tonight. Guitarist and mainman Olaf Lenk played the complex part easily. Power metal with complex parts, what a difference to the true metal tunes of Wizard and so it took a few songs for the fans to get into the At Vance sound. Good show!

The it was time for the American-Norwegian band Kamelot. Thom Youngblood and his pales came to present Epica live. During the last months Kamelot not just wrote and recorded good songs, they also worked on their live performance. Especially singer Roy Khan changed, this time he was always in motion. Okay, not during the ballads. This time the band got live a helping hand on the keyboards from Mats Olausson who also was allowed to do a solo. Beside songs from Epica they presented mainly faster songs from The Fourth Legacy and Karma like Farewell. I missed some of the more epic songs, but well... Therefore the band decided to do a little visual extra and so Thom's wife Mary sang a part of Epica while Roy's girl came on stage for a moment during Night's Of Arabia in the dress of an oriental belly dancer. Nice idea. If they will do this again... It's all wait and see.

It was a pity that just about 200 fans came to see this package, but tour dates haven't been spread in time and so I guess some missed it, coz they didn't knew. Beside that due to the hot sunny days some might prefer to sit somewhere in a beer garden and have a cold drink. Well, you missed a great show!
  
  






Claudia Ehrhardt

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