Artist:  Angra, Firewind & Power Quest

Venue:  Elysee Montmartre, Paris, France

Date: 23 February 2007  

One thing that must be said about Brazil's legendary Power/Progressive metallers Angra, is that they certainly know how to please their fantastically dedicated fanbase - tonight we are treated to 2 top class bands alongside the Sao Paulo act, both of which deliver high octane crowd pleasing performances.

The first of these two bands is the UK based Power/Hard Rock outfit Power Quest, who are currently on what is their first European tour, and going on tonight's performance it certainly won't be their last. Although being given only a criminal 30 minute set, Power Quest manage to create an atmosphere worthy of any headline band while also treating the crowd to 5 songs chosen from their 2 most recent albums, "Neverworld" and "Magic Never Dies" (The debut record "Wings of Forever" isn't represented tonight, although PQ more than make up for it).

It would be no exaggeration to say that the majority of those who had turned out in the French capital for the show were unfamiliar with PQ prior to their appearance, although the venue was more than half full for their set and a few people could even be seen mouthing along to their infectious chorus before their short stay was up. From the Opening notes of "Find My Heaven" to the dying synth of closer "Neverworld", the reaction of the Parisian crowd became more and more appreciative of the fantastic performance before their eyes, "Sacred Land", "Magic Never Dies", and "Edge Of Time" all go down a storm.

I think it's safe to say that another city had been conquered on what must be a dreamlike tour for the Power Metallers, who certainly seem to be taking it in their stride. Power Quest are destined for many more tours of this calibre, and hopefully a fully deserved headline tour of Europe is not too far off the (blue) horizon.

I must admit that I have often been put off Firewind by the apparent "Bigger than the Band" attitude of guitarist Gus G, although it doesn't seem to bother the now full Elysee Montmartre crowd, who show nothing but devotion towards the Greek metallers. Their performance was met with a certain level of anticipation by a crowd who welcomed the renditions of new songs such as "Allegiance" and "Til The End Of Time" with their applause and energy, proving that if there's one thing that Firewind excel greatly at - it's getting their crowd moving and having a good time. The finale of Falling to Pieces guarantees an ecstatic reaction by those who came to see them, although I must admit that I still fail to fully see the attraction of the Greeks, although a great show was delivered.

After waiting what has seemed an eternity to see Angra live, I must say that they certainly deliver the goods in the live setting. They are easily one of the most technically gifted bands on the global metal scene, guitarists Kiko Louriero and Rafael Bittencourt make up one of the most natural and clinical pairings in any band, while vocalist Edu Falaschi is among the best in the world. The recorded intro of "Unfinished Allegro" leads into the surprise opener of the classic "Carry On", which tonight has been changed so as to allow the band to launch into the fantastic "Nova Era" after the solos.

Despite sounding rather complicated in theory, it works very well. The Brazilians treated a delighted French crowd to classics such as "Nothing To Say", "Z.I.T.O.", and "Wings Of Reality", mixed with more recent masterpieces such as "Spread Your Fire", "Angels And Demons", and the absolutely beautiful "Heroes Of Sand", much to the crowds pleasure.  Unfortunately only three songs from the bands latest opus "Aurora Consugens" are included during the show, but it must be said that "The Voice Commanding You", "The Course Of Nature", and "Ego Painted Grey" fit perfectly into what is essentially a greatest hits set. 

A rather celebratory mood is created as the crowd sings "Happy Birthday Angra" in French, as after all this is the 15 year anniversary of a band who have seen the good times, the bad times, and are now experiencing the great times. The show is closed with renditions of Deep Purples "Smoke On The Water" and the Beatles "Come Together Right Now" (both involving the band members switching around instruments, and giving both guitarists a chance on the microphone).  A recording of the beautiful orchestral track "Gate XIII" sees the band offstage, and rings aloud among a satisfied Parisian audience, who applaud a really amazing performance.

After 15 years Angra are better than they have ever been, and still pleasing audiences all over the world, with another great album in "Aurora Consurgens" under their belts. Tonight has seen them preceded by two great younger bands, and I think it's safe to say that Angra's influence will long be seen in Power Quest and Firewind, both of which are destined for success similar to that of these legendary Brazilians.

*A big thanks goes out to our special guest reviewer Rory McGuckin for this review!

All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated.