I'm not seeing as many gigs as I might like at the moment, but this one was on my agenda for a while for two reasons: firstly I saw this band two years ago in the same city, but they were badly let down by the PA at the venue (Jillys Rockworld) which forced a shortened set. Secondly, it was a chance to catch up again with Daniela, a cyber-pal of mine for many years and probably the most dedicated fan of rock you'll meet! She had travelled over from Sweden to catch the band on several UK and European dates; more on her adventures can be read here. After meeting up and catching up over a coffee, she and I got to the venue in plenty of time to get a spot on the front. Moho Live is one venue in Manchester I'd never been to before; sited in the Northern Quarter and literally next door to the famous Afflecks Palace indoor market, it is set back a little from the street. After about an hour's wait we got in, to find the venue is set in a basement with the stage on the left hand side as you go through the doors. The place is quite small with capacity probably no more than a few hundred. Having got to the front, there was very little space between the barrier and the stage and the ceiling looked low, so there'd be no jumping from the bands. Openers were Swedish trad-metallers Wolf, a four-piece led by vocalist/guitarist Niklas Stålvind. They make no attempt to disguise their Maiden/Priest influences and delivered a short set of decidedly 80s style Metal. Stålvind's radio link packed up early on forcing him to plug in directly to his amp mid-song, but it didn't really throw them off. They played well and had a strong following of their own, but it didn't really grab me. One drunk punter behind me was trying to do just that however, whether he was just caught up in the moment or was trying to get me off the barrier I don't know, but I'm not easily budged! One swift elbow from Daniela saw him off, eventually! Firewind had been forced into a late change in the vocalist department, with regular frontman Apollo Papathanasio sitting out the European dates because of "family reasons", the band hastily recruited journeyman singer Mats Levén for this run of dates. Levén has performed with many acts including Yngwie Malmsteen in his time and quickly stamped his authority on the band with an assured performance. It really didn't feel like he'd been parachuted into the band at the last moment, he was a natural fit. Although the band is expecting Papathanasio back by the time they travel to the US, nobody should be disappointed if Levén is still in place by then. Whoever the singer may be, the band remains the baby of lead guitarist Gus G. His profile has rocketed since 2009 after he was recruited by Ozzy Osbourne, but he always remained committed to Firewind. He showed just why Ozzy was keen to bring him on board with a virtuoso display. Nevertheless it isn't all about Gus, over on the other side of the stage Bob Katsionis, doubling up on both keyboards and guitar, proved an effective foil for the main man. All in all it was a much more enjoyable experience than the last time I saw the band, with a full set and a PA system that actually worked. The night was completed when Gus threw one of his guitar picks my way and I caught it - with my left hand! If you're a fan of Power Metal, be sure to check this band out, If you were wavering because of the vocalist situation, go anyway. A great live band, and hopefully one that will get more recognition soon.
Monday 12 September 2011
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