Live Review: Kamelot - KK's Steel Mill Wolverhampton
1st November 2024
Support: Frozen Crown, Black Briar, Ad Infinitum
Words & Photos: Scott Clarke
It's a packed out, fully loaded evening tonight at the midlands best venue, KK’s Steel Mill, as headlining are power metal veterans Kamelot joined by special guests Ad Infinitum, Blackbriar and Frozen Crown. It promises to be a long evening of blissful metal.
It was an awkward squeeze in the pit as an extra section of stage had been added for tonight to bring the bands closer to the crowd, as I tried to take up a relatively decent viewing position, anticipation hung in the air tonight and the stage was set, the lights dimmed for the first time as Frozen Crown took to the stage.
Frozen Crown the power metal group hailing all the way from Milan, the Italian metal band fronted by Giada Etro are joined along with the latest addition to their guitar shredding troupe, the young Alessia Lanzone who joined the band last year, making 3 guitarists on stage at once, with Sheena Bellomo and original member Federico Mondelli.
The three axe attack play off each other superbly, switching up duties between rhythm and lead as the needs arise while never missing a beat. Although 3 guitarists may seem like overkill in some situations, here it adds to a fullness and versatility that you often find in symphonic and power metal that consist of wildly impressive and complex guitar work.
Here tonight, Frozen Crown present to us the fifth and latest album War Hearts that is fresh off the press and the first release on Napalm Records. It in itself is deemed as a fresh start for the band in a way as it is the first album featuring them as a six piece band and in which all band members appear on the recording, it is also the first time for the band touring in the UK.
Despite some initial technical issues affecting mics and guitars, it was not enough to deter the band who did not falter. The issues that could throw off the rhythm of others was taken in their stride as they sorted out the problems to continue with grace.
Due to the number of acts that were on tonight, it was a relatively compact set that consisted of Neverending, Call of the North, Kings, Steel and Gold, Far Beyond and culminating in I Am The Tyrant. The first single from the new record, Steel and Gold goes down a storm and preempts the quality of material that lies in the future for Frozen Crown, it also feels like the band have found an identity and have a solid core of members that will give them a great diversity and range of material.
The depth of sound is terrific, as with a lot of power style bands, their songs/ writing and the construct of their tracks could feel at home played by an orchestra and because of this they feel huge and epic with thematic elements and tales interwoven. Giada’s vocal range is something to behold and the technical expertise of the instrumentation is breathtaking in both its combination of speed and complexity. They have a very loyal fanbase and it showed here tonight with cheers erupting and fists in the air, we can only hope that Frozen Crown are back again soon with their own longer set.
Secondly tonight, and not for the only time in part, are Ad Infinitum a project grown from the ground up by lead singer, Melissa Bonny. They are the relative newest band on the bill tonight having started in 2018 before being signed to Napalm Records in 2019 when the band fleshed out its members that today consist of Adrian Theßenvitz on guitar, Niklas Muller on drums and bassist Korbinian Benedict.
Already on to their fourth studio album, this evening is becoming a demonstration of new material and its clear why they’re all together on this tour as it’s presenting a real showcase of European metal.
After a daunting and ethereal opening, the band kick off with the pounding Follow Me Down, the initial instrumental opening setting the scene for the complexity and driving rhythms to come as Melissa’s clean vocals are a stark contrast to the demonic sounding riffs. Her voice carry’s easily and seemingly effortlessly to the ears of the crowd, she has a fantastic melodic vocal with quite a range and sounds amazing.
Focusing mainly on the latest album, the 2024 released Abyss. The tracks continue with Aftermath that kicks off with Melissa demonstrating the depth of her vocals with the visceral growl that she unleashes. To go from the opening track to this one is a staggering change and really sets what Ad Infinitum is about, having that contrast and depth in the sound that Melissa can change like the flick of a switch. It’s a decently lengthy set given that they are the second of four bands on tonight, with tracks including Upside Down, Anthem for the Broken, Outer Space, Surrender, Animals, The One You’ll Hold On To, My Halo and Unstoppable.
The musicianship on display is second to none. Timing and execution are as tight as a drum skin and the catchy riffs and sometimes pop like melodies can give way to some seriously demonic sounding guitars. This fusion of styles is very cool, its makes them instantly recognisable and gives them a versatility and an edge over others. Melissa’s vocals throughout are superb, her smooth silky vocals can progress into clear, powerful tones and her range is very good and then come the harsh growls, at the drop of a hat the tones totally change and the control she exhibits over her voice is impressive to say the least.
The crowd in attendance enjoyed it without a doubt as the cheers that went up spoke for themselves. It’s a shame sometimes when you have gigs like this because any one of the bands could headline on their own, hopefully they’ll be back in such capacity because they’re certainly deserving of the spotlight.
Blackbriar were next in line to take the stage. The Dutch symphonic metal band have been around since 2012 and in their time have accrued quite a loyal following.
The music is unique. Gothic as an adjective definitely suits, as the use of the instruments and Zora’s vocals act to tell a musical tale with each track. Almost like a siren, Zora Cock’s haunting and etherial vocals are hypnotic in nature and their prior touring experiences supporting the likes of Epica has put them in good stead to focus on delivering a quality show.
However tonight, Wolverhampton and KK’s faithful would be left disappointed as drummer, Rene Boxem came out prior to the set starting to let us know that unfortunately the tour bus had been stricken with illness and, although they would do their best, they doubt they would be able to put on a full show.
The cheers of support went up from the crowd and as the lights dimmed, Blackbriar began their show, trying their hardest and with the utmost desire to perform for the fans on their first UK tour. After a few songs it was clear they were struggling and with clear showing of emotion, they unfortunately announced they just couldn’t continue. Nevertheless KK’s audience gave a huge cheer of support for the clearly devastated group. It would be unfair to review them due to the issues so all I shall say is that their dedication, commitment and will to try and make something happen despite being unwell is testament to the heart and spirit of the people in the band. Hopefully they will be back again soon to give us their all.
Due to Blackbriar’s unfortunate issues and inability to continue, it left us with a very very long pause before the headliners tonight. However it was interesting to see a colossal set being assembled on stage. If you check out the photos you’ll see what I mean as the visual spectacle and imposing nature of what was to come was finally unveiled from the covers that had been over it all evening.
Lastly, on this action packed metal adventure we have the headliners for tonight, who don’t come from Europe..well not exactly. Formed by American guitarist Thomas Youngblood, the guitarist is the staple in what has been an evolving lineup for Kamelot over the years. Swedish singer Tommy Karevik takes vocal duties upfront who has held this position since 2012 and the bands Silverthorn album, Oliver Palotai provides keyboard, Sean Tibbetts on bass, and Alex Landenburg hammers away on that huge drum kit.
Pulling double duty, Melissa Bonny is welcomed back onto stage to provide the female vocals for Kamelot.
The excitement and energy in the building was at its very peak, it was a big, full and atmospheric show. On top of this, the knowledgable crowd at KK’s knew that it was actually singer Tommy’s birthday on the day of the show and as such gave him a great rendition of Happy Birthday. It was a nice gesture and I think Tommy was genuinely touched by this outburst.
Opening with Veil of Elysium, the night was a showcase of Kamelot throughout their history to present day, covering a multitude of eras and albums that was sure to placate fans of any generation and it was clear that the band wanted to give it their all and put on a fantastic show for all who had turned out. With tracks including Rule the World, Opus of the Night, Insomnia, When the Lights are Down, Vespertine, New Babylon, Karma, Sacrimony, Willow, The Human Stain, March of Mephisto, Forever, One More Flag in the Ground and Liar Liar. It was a packed setlist to close out a packed night of metal and the electricity in the room was incredible.
Kamelot put on a symphonic metal showcase that ranged between dark riffs to delicate work on the keys with a bunch of face melting guitar solos thrown in the mix for good measure. Tommy’s soaring range on his vocals filled the room above the pounding metal instrumentals and the melding of vocals with the addition of Melissa to Tommy’s vocals also shone as the two had such chemistry on stage.
The band were loving life in the spotlight as the adoring crowd loved every second of being part of the show, the paying patrons were in fine voice and showed their support throughout.
The stage itself was extended into the pit, awkward for me photographing, however it enabled the band to almost be in the crowd as they ended up on top of the barriers at some points. A note on the visual presentation as well, it was incredibly atmospheric. I think that best sums it up, from the imposing props and the dynamic lighting, Sean Tibbetts deserves a special mention, for his stage presence was incredible, he must’ve been racking up the steps on the night because I think he covered every square inch and at quite a pace, his energy was relentless. Tommy’s vocals were faultless and his charisma left the crowd wanting more. Oliver, an unsung hero on the keys, in the darkest recesses of the stage provided haunting melodies and Alex pounded the crap out of those drums with such ferocity all night long.
Kamelot went down with the biggest cheer of the night, but I think it culminated and encompassed a fine evening for the bands and the crowd were showing their appreciation for the amount of entertainment they had been treated to.
Four bands on tonight was hectic, with the logistics alone and varying setups and nuances of each band, the work must be applauded by the techs and crew and all involved from the bands themselves to the venue for making it all happen with the only notable issues occurring at the beginning for Frozen Crown which was brief and didn’t put a dampener on the show. Musically speaking, it was a great triumph with all bands performing incredibly and complimenting each other on a night of power metal that can sometimes seem very similar. Here we had 4 bands, unique in themselves all putting on a great show, although Blackbriar had their issues with illness, their passion cannot be faulted. Overall it was impeccable musicianship that entertained the crowd from beginning to end.
Photo credits: Scott Clarke Photography
