Live Review: Battle Beast - O2 Institute, Birmingham
Support: Dominum, Majestica
21st October 2025
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
It’s a power metal showcase tonight in Birmingham as Battle Beast open the UK legs of their tour in the home of metal.
Swedish power metal heroes Majestica stormed into Birmingham with all the theatrical flair and uplifting energy their fans have come to expect. They had the unenviable task of warming up a crowd hungry for Finnish fire, but from the very first note of ‘Power Train’, Majestica made it clear they weren’t here to play second fiddle. Complete with sparkler pyros and all the pomp you’d expect from a power metal force.
Frontman Tommy Johansson, as ever, was a beacon of charisma; his powerful vocals soaring effortlessly above the band’s wall of harmonised guitars and symphonic backing tracks. The opening number set the tone, a full-throttle ride of pure melodic metal glory that had fists in the air from the outset.
‘Night Call Girl’ and ‘Rising Tide’ followed, both delivered with impeccable precision and flair. Johansson and guitarist Alex Oriz traded leads with joyous abandon. The crowd’s enthusiasm grew with every chorus, and by ‘No Pain, No Gain’, the singalongs had well and truly begun.
Majestica’s signature anthem ‘Above the Sky’ was the undeniable highlight of the set. They closed with ‘Metal United’ and ‘Alliance Forever’, a defiant salute to the genre they proudly champion. Short but spectacular, Majestica’s set was a masterclass in power metal showmanship and there was so much more to come.
Following Majestica’s euphoric power metal assault, Dominum brought a darker, theatrical energy to the O₂ Institute stage. The German “zombie metal” act, led by frontman Dr. Dead, delivered a set that fused heavy riffs, grand symphonic backdrops, and a touch of gothic horror.
Opening with ‘Danger Danger’, Dominum immediately established their tone; pounding drums, and searing guitar leads setting the atmosphere for their undead-themed storytelling. ‘Killed by Life’ and ‘The Dead Don’t Die’ followed in rapid succession.
With every song, Dr. Dead played his role to perfection, part ringmaster, part mad scientist, engaging the audience with playful menace and commanding presence. ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Don’t Get Bitten by the Wrong Ones’ brought the crowd fully into the band’s twisted carnival, complete with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and irresistible hooks.
The set’s biggest surprise came in the form of a gloriously over-the-top cover of Scorpions’ ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’.
Closing with ‘We All Taste the Same’, ‘The Chosen Ones’, and the epic finale ‘Immortalis Dominum’, the band cemented their identity as one of Europe’s most entertaining and distinctive new acts. The combination of tight musicianship, rich production, and theatrical showmanship made for a performance that was impossible to look away from.
After strong support from Majestica and Dominum, the Finnish juggernaut Battle Beast took to the stage amid thunderous cheers and from the opening surge of “Straight to the Heart”, it was clear the audience was in for something special.
Noora Louhimo remains one of metal’s most commanding vocalists. Her voice cut through the air with electrifying force. Backed by Juuso Soinio and Joona Björkroth’s razor-sharp guitars and Janne Björkroth’s cinematic keyboards, the band launched into ‘Master of Illusion’ and ‘Last Goodbye’, both met with near-deafening singalongs.
Battle Beast have always thrived on their mix of heavy metal might and unapologetic theatricality, and tonight was no exception. ‘Here We Are’ and ‘No More Hollywood Endings’ showcased their knack for emotional dynamics, moments of melody giving way to anthemic choruses that had the crowd waving arms and belting every word.
The energy never dipped as ‘Eye of the Storm’ and ‘Where Angels Fear to Fly’ ignited waves of headbanging across the room. Midway through, the band shifted gears with ‘Watch the Sky Fall’ and the darkly theatrical ‘Twilight Cabaret’, moments that showed their flair for drama and stage theatrics.
The final stretch was pure power metal ecstasy: ‘Steelbound’, ‘Eden’, and ‘King for a Day’ raised the intensity even higher, before the band closed with the soaring ‘Wings of Light’. It was a finale that encapsulated everything Battle Beast stand for; passion, unity, and the unrelenting joy of heavy metal.
As the last notes rang out, the band stood united, basking in the roar of an audience that simply didn’t want the night to end.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
