sabaton live

This was all a bit last minute for me and, I’ve got to ‘fess up, I’d not managed to look at who was the opening band tonight. After an interview with Pär from Sabaton I went through the stage door and bumped into a bunch of long-haired eye-linered tattooed lads waiting. My brain did a bit of a stall and couldn’t compute why Glamour of the Kill would be standing backstage at a Dragonforce gig. Then they went on stage. That was just WEIRD. Would this work? It certainly seemed to, and thankfully, unlike some of the venues on this tour, at least the doors had opened more than one minute before they went on, meaning there was a decent sized crowd there to see them. Now I would not have put them in any bracket with Dragonforce, ever, but the rock crowd are a decent bunch and appreciate different styles of rock as long as it’s loud and authentic, and the Wolves crowd certainly seemed to warm to the slightly screamo sounds by this Yorkshire quartet who are a catchier and better looking Bullet for My Valentine, with a shed load more attractive tattoos. Short and sweet set, won them over some new fans, and a fine opener for the night.

Twenty five minutes later and the well-oiled crew sprung into action after that short but effective set, and quick turnaround number one was sorted in the blink of an eye to get the next band on before most people had chance to get a beer. Certainly an eclectic night; Sylosis were there next for their death / thrash Pantera-esque contribution. For those that like their metal loud and thrashy, these guys are up there with the best. Most of the crowd perhaps didn’t appreciate them fully, not knowing their material, but thirty minutes later and Sylosis had growled and screamed their way to some new fans, created a small moshpit, and had earned a lot of respect from a gracious crowd.

Another quick turnaround and suddenly a wave of anticipation crept through the crowd. The buzz really started and soon there were chants of “Sabaton… Sabaton”. And they were only the support band.

Vocalist Joakim Brodén, still sporting his customary mini mohawk, black and grey camouflage army pants, body armour and mirror shades, showed Wolves how his powergrabbing had made Sabaton band of the weekend at Bloodstock earlier in the year. Dragonforce fans that didn’t know the songs couldn’t help but be totally bowled over by this strong catchy and melodic rock that tells of tales of war such as The Falklands or the winter war between Finland and Russia. It manages to be strong and aggressive as well as fun and catchy, the perfect mix. The crowd were soon all punching their fists in the air in unison, as were the rest of the band in between blasting out this great ballsy powermetal, long hair flailing in time.

The anthemic Primo Victoria and Cliffs of Gallipoli both had the crowd stomping and hey-ing along, and there were huge Sabaton chants at the end of every song. The boos rang out when they said they had to leave. The band came across on stage as genuinely surprised to be so well received, and couldn’t help but break into huge grins and appreciative applause on several occasions in return as they soaked up the huge love from the crowd. It was a huge mutual love-in. They seriously could have been the headliners tonight. A blistering performance.

And then it was time for the real headliners, Dragonforce. Ridiculed and revered in equal measures, the long-haired widdly diddly guitar gods with their special brand of power metal descended down ramps as though they were playing to 100,000 at Wembley. We had lights, we had action, we had guitar solos,, we had the biggest drumkit in the world, we had powertastic vocals. And we had the most irritating keyboard player in a rock band ever. There are those that say it’s what makes Dragonforce special, and fun and different. I'm not sure I'm convinced!

It was a shame really because musically I love some of their material. There was some amazing intense guitar playing from Herman Li and Sam Totman; just how do men physically move their fingers that fast? The vocals were storming, strong and pure. Fast and furious power drumming, combined with a great lighting show sucked you into the grip of a pounding atmosphere. Sadly Dragonforce’s silly antics on stage ruined the moment on many occasions and are just not for me I’m afraid. Sorry I just don’t get it. Band of the night by an absolute mile for me were Sabaton.

by Lynn Wyeth