HammerFest was something I'd been looking forward to for a long time. Not just for the bands, but for the social company. It was also great to know a few bands on the bill personally, for what was sure to be some drunken madness.
But before we got to HammerFest, it was time to see HammerFall's warm-up show at JB's in Dudley the night before. After much chaos with transport and Megabus incurring an extra £120 worth of National Express fares for their fuck up, we eventually got into Birmingham not long before the 7PM doors time. We arrived in Dudley via the scariest taxi ride I have ever experienced in my life whilst Sweden's 'Wolf' had already hit the stage. It was clear to see from entering the venue that sales had suffered for this show, most likely due to AC/DC playing in Birmingham that night, with HammerFall singer Joacim Cans confirming an attendance of just 112 people later on in the night.
Wolf are a very tight band and great fun. Singer Niklas Stålvind does a great job of interacting with the crowd, no matter how little response is received. The band showcase both new and old material, showing exactly why they are worthy of supporting HammerFall and playing HammerFest the following day.
HammerFall hit the stage, looking very surprised at such a small turn-out. But it's things like this that make these kinds of shows so special. Crowd interaction is at its highest, with people shouting to the band and participating in the show. An incredible show is played, one I would rank above the London show in March. The band not only play, they put on a show for their audience. Synchronised guitar moves and headbanging make for a very entertaining set. A special shout goes out to Sanna & Anders Johansson for the guest list on this one.
HammerFall's setlist:
To come soon.
HammerFest
We had to get a train at just past 7AM for this, so it was a bright and early start for our group. My quest began with Relentless and a Sausage & Egg McMuffin. It was time to hit the tracks for Prestatyn, Wales. We checked in as soon as we could, picked up our VIP passes and keys etc. and made our way to our chalet. Drinking sessions quickly began, with us only leaving to check out the arena area to get used to it. When checking out the stage 2 area, I bumped into good friends from Power Quest just about to soundcheck. We hung out for a bit and stayed to watch them do so, knowing that their show was going to be something special. For the sake of being easy, I will write a short review on the bands I watched in alphabetical order.
Alestorm
An Alestorm show is always more about having fun and banter, rather than the tightness of the performance. However, this time both were on offer. The band were at the best of the times I'd seen them live. Playing both old material and new material that nobody had heard (especially not because of its leak on the internet prior to release), Alestorm were truly one of the best bands of the festival.
Dream Evil
With having seen them supporting Kamelot the other month and being cut short (read previous review) - it would be nice to see Dream Evil playing a full set themselves this time. The band storm the stage with heavy metal anthem "Made of Metal" as usual and play an energetic set to an audience that can't help but scream along.
Evile
This was just the 2nd time I had seen Evile live (the first being with Megadeth on Gigantour UK). This was the first decent set length I'd seen them perform and also my first time really knowing much of their material properly. The band played fans favourites in the form of "Thrasher", "Bathe in Blood" and the debut album's title track "Enter the Grave". The band also showcased a new song "Demolition". Where it seemed like a good track, it didn't really captivate me in a live situation, though I very much look forward to a studio version of it.
Grand Magus
I'd never heard this band before and were checking them out by recommendation of a few friends. I'm not usually a big fan of doom metal bar a few bands, but these guys were really good. Managing to keep songs at a fairly slow to medium pace, but still keeping them interesting. Grand Magus are definitely a band I will be checking out again.
HammerFall
The time had come to see the mighty HammerFall again. The setlist was still a strong one, though obviously songs had to be cut due to the slightly shorter set time than the previous day. This was almost a shame as most of my favourite HammerFall songs aren't the well-known ones. The band played a great show, demonstrating their clear musical abilities. After the 3 shows I've seen of the band this year (all UK shows), I am very much looking forward to seeing them perform in a much larger environment at Wacken Open Air.
Kiuas
Where the band played what I wanted to hear from them, there seemed to be that X factor missing. The band were good, they played fairly tight, but there was just some energy missing. Perhaps the fact that there was a poor turn-out for this show played a part in this. Kiuas are a great band and a great live band (as they proved supporting Children of Bodom at the Spinefarm Records UK launch show), but it became apparent that they feed off of their crowd when it comes to energy. Still, an impressive show and a much welcomed return to the UK.
Power Quest
The band of the festival for me. But it's no secret that I love Power Quest. With the debut of new bass player Olivar Holzwarth (Blind Guardian/Tarja etc.) and Alessio returning to rhythm guitar duties as well as vocals after the departure of Bill Hudson, the band were on top form. A good turn-out for the band considering they are not the world's biggest. But they proved why they were chosen to be stage 2's headliner that night. Playing material from all 4 albums in the band's discography, the show was both exciting and entertaining. Hopefully this performance gained the band some new fans.
Saxon
Unfortunately, I only got to see a handful of songs by Saxon because of a frankly ridiculous running order error. Putting Saxon on at the same time as Dream Evil is beyond ridiculous, seeing as people will want to see both of them. Due to having seen Saxon 2 times already and having 3 more shows I will see them play before the end of the year, I decided that I would watch Dream Evil when they started. Saxon opened with the masterpiece "Battalions of Steel" - the opener of their new album "Into the Labyrinth". The band were incredibly tight and boasted a huge audience. It was very amusing to see Nibbs Carter on-stage again, the same man I had to show how to use the stairs to the media/artist area the night before.
Sepultura
Unfortunately, I didn't get to see all that much of Sepultura. I saw a few songs, but they timed themselves with the opening of the free bar. Unfortunately, I am very much of the opinion that a free bar with Sepultura in the background is better than Sepultura with no free bar. I very much enjoyed what I can remember, though.
Skindred
I briefly checked out these guys on the Jäger acoustic truck in the day. Whilst entertaining, they're still not particularly my thing. Still, an enjoyable and fun act - especially if you have a beer.
Trigger the Bloodshed
Only saw the end of their set to get a good place for HammerFall. Absolute balderdash, really.
Týr
This was the 5th time I'd seen Týr. They're a very tight band, but not always the most entertaining. Wrong. Since I'd last seen them, they've very much improved their performance as a show. The full chainmail and armour suits make them truly look the part. They take the stage with their up-tempo new song "Hold the Heathen Hammer High". With great crowd interaction and showmanship, Týr are definitely a band to watch out for.
Videos:
Alestorm - Wolves of the Sea (feat. Heri Joensen)
Forky Forky - It is touching the courgette!
Dead By Sunrise photography showreel
Skindred main set was amazing!! I'd have to say though, I'm glad I saw HammerFall the day before because Power Quest and Alestorm were the top bands for me!
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