So along I went to Dragonforce tonight. Got to the Underworld shortly before 19:00, and rather than the usual handful of people hanging around the door, there was a massive queue! This isn't what I'm used to... a popular metal gig. Furthermore, they were turning people away from the box office, as it was apparently sold out. I guess their slot at Bloodstock and the release of the album has helped, 'coz they were nowhere near this popular when they last played the Underworld.
Anyway, it was great to see a packed out venue for once, and I'm sure it helped create a great atmosphere for the bands, as both put on great performances. After a mediocre performance supporting Gamma Ray / Edguy, I was a bit underwhelmed by Heavenly. But tonight was a different proposition altogether, and I thought they played a great set. Dragonforce have been heading in the direction of Spinal Tap for far too long, and it was starting to detract from the music. Fortunately, tonight was a step back in the right direction, and they were probably the best I've seen them since Halford. The track they played from the new album sounds pretty good, too. A great evening, then, and good to see the Underworld full again. Perhaps most surprisingly for a power metal show, it wasn't just us old farts -- there were a large number of youngsters there too, so perhaps we're seeing a surge in popularity of decent music amongst the younger generation. I know one gig's not much of an indicator by itself, but we can hope...
Oh, I still don't get crowd surfing, though. How anyone thinks that them kicking me in the head is going to contribute to my enjoyment of the evening is beyond me!
Anyway, it was great to see a packed out venue for once, and I'm sure it helped create a great atmosphere for the bands, as both put on great performances. After a mediocre performance supporting Gamma Ray / Edguy, I was a bit underwhelmed by Heavenly. But tonight was a different proposition altogether, and I thought they played a great set. Dragonforce have been heading in the direction of Spinal Tap for far too long, and it was starting to detract from the music. Fortunately, tonight was a step back in the right direction, and they were probably the best I've seen them since Halford. The track they played from the new album sounds pretty good, too. A great evening, then, and good to see the Underworld full again. Perhaps most surprisingly for a power metal show, it wasn't just us old farts -- there were a large number of youngsters there too, so perhaps we're seeing a surge in popularity of decent music amongst the younger generation. I know one gig's not much of an indicator by itself, but we can hope...
Oh, I still don't get crowd surfing, though. How anyone thinks that them kicking me in the head is going to contribute to my enjoyment of the evening is beyond me!
I could even hear the keys. Definately the most polished of the 6/7 gigs I've seen from the band. I wanted to hear more of the new album, but given Sanctuary's paranoia, I suppose that we should be grateful that we got to hear one new tune, at least.
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