Hey thanks Ult! In fact - I was just at this same show in Albuquerque!!!
I wrote a review on another board - here it is!
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I just got back from this incredible show! My ears are ringing, my neck and back are sore, my throat is sore. I've not banged my head like this since I was a teen - and perhaps not even that much then.
I am astounded.
First of all I want to say that BOTH bands were incredible. Kamelot had a lot more money to work with, so they had the better light show. Incredible lighting and smoke. Leaves' Eyes had a very good performance, but they didn't have the lights and what not that Kamelot did. But it didn't matter. They made up for it in charisma and charm.
After seeing both bands live, I will laugh at anyone who says these bands are 'weak'. See them live and you won't think so anymore. That's bullsh*t. These bands BOTH kick arse live and in the studio.
I got to meet Alexander Krull and Liv Kristine from Leaves' Eyes. They were two of the most awesome people I've met from any band. Very humble, nice and they were so easy to talk to.
I didn't even try to talk to them, which was the funny part. I didn't talk to Liv very much, but I ran into Alexander by accident - and we just started talking. It was very cool.
Anyway - on with the show - I'll divide this up into two parts: Leaves' Eyes and Kamelot - for those interested.
Leaves' EyesThe show was late getting started, but that seems to be the norm with any concert. Doors opened at 8, and the show actually got started at about 9. It was supposed to be 8:30, but who's counting.
The lights went dim and then turned purple as the theme song to "Vinland Saga" rang through the speakers. The members of Leaves' Eyes came out of the back and Liv Kristine was dressed in her signature red dress. It was awesome. One of the best shows I've seen. Alexander Krull is a monster on stage. The whole crowd was banging their head. Not a one of them 'nodding off'.
I got really into this show as I have purchased all of Leaves' Eyes studio albums and was very familiar with the songs. Anyway ... they played a very good set of songs and Liv's vocals were 'spot on'. Alexander has to be my favorite death metal vocalist. He's also a very good showman on stage. Liv is quite shy really, but he balances her out nicely.
I just seen Lacuna Coil live a few months ago - and I must say Leaves' Eyes kicked their bunghole!!! No contest. Nothing against Lacuna Coil, and I did like their show too ... but this was 'magical' almost. Words fail me.
As they left the stage, Liv grabbed my hand as I reached out to her. It was so amazing as I didn't think she would notice me. I was in the front, but so were a lot of other people. (so I don't think I'll wash my hand for a long time now). lol. Seriously though, she is a phenominal singer and there were not any mistakes that I could tell. The sound was great, the chemistry was great. One of those rare concerts that you always remember as being
perfect. I was amazed at how well things went the whole night. Liv was smiling and Alexander just commanded the club like a metal general gearing up for war.
After the show, when I got to talk to him, he mentioned how he saw me really getting into it. That was cool of him to say that, because I was just compelled at this show to really get into it. I guess that's why my neck hurts so bad though lol.
KamelotWOW WOW WOW. I'm almost at a loss for words to describe this show. These guys blew me away to the point where I just am still astonished. From a blind-folded violinist, to perfectly hit notes throughout the whole set, Kamelot kicked EVERYONE'S booty at this club. Anyone who thinks Kamelot is 'weak' has obviously never taken the time to see them live, or give their studio stuff a proper chance. This band is INCREDIBLE live and in the studio. Incredible. Roy Khan just masters the art of showmanship. He got up on the speakers like a metal god and began singing while holding out his arms like he was about to swallow up the whole club. Rainbow colored smoke swarmed the room and put the whole audience in a trance. He writhes on the floor like a serpent one moment and the next jumps up on top of things - all the while never missing a beat, note or key. With black leather metal studded pants, Khan took the stage by storm and didnt' relent until executing a very long set and one encore. Extremely underrated. (Kamelot and Leaves' Eyes are both extremely underrated for that matter.) Each member of the band displayed such confidence and technique. Something that is missing in many of the newer bands today.
With dual female and male vocals throughout the set, Kamelot tore it up. Strobe lights entwined the drums for most of the set - creating a perfect atmosphere for their power metal to seep into the audience. The guitars and keyboards were very enchanting as the ripping solos from both instruments hit our ears with absolute precision. I'm actually at a point where I must say, this might very well have been the best show I've ever seen. Especially in a club setting.
Then for the encore, Alexander Krull (Leaves Eyes, Atrocity) joined Khan in a very well done duet that had the whole place up in a roar! Nobody wanted this show to end. I got in my truck afterward and just sat there. Very few concerts have had the magic this one had for me. I can't even sleep and I'm exhausted.
One other striking thing about this show was the comradery, or brotherhood. There was metal love everywhere. People were headbanging together in a spirit of unity that I've not witnessed since the 80s metal scene. It was amazing. I made about 10 new friends tonight. And it was so easy. I am really failing to find the right words to describe this concert. It was amazing. I'm not exaggerating one bit either.
If you get the chance to see Kamelot or Leaves' Eyes - don't miss them. You won't be sorry.