Artist:  Firewind & Kiuas

Venue: Rios, Leeds

Date: 20 September 2008  

And so on the hottest day of September I find myself heading to Leeds Rio's to check out Firewind for only the 2nd time.  After catching them in London supporting the mighty Kamelot I was impressed enough to want to see em again.

Now Rio's isn't my favourite venue, (bring back Bradford Rio's!!) but if I like a band I'll go see em whatever my feelings on the venue. 

Walking into Rio's it was clear that I had completely missed support act Dear Superstar, (sorry guys), but there was a sizeable crowd in attendance.  Now I'd never seen or heard anything by Kiuas so was a bit blasé about them and was about to head to the bar and watch em on the screen when the intro kicked in and I suddenly realised the sound emanating from the PA brought back memories of that Kirk Douglas film The Vikings, I thought we were about to overrun by Norsemen. 

 Kiuas oozed confidence from the off, vocalist Ilja came over like a younger, hungrier James Hetfield without a guitar, and his vocals bridged the gulf between Hetfield and Dream Theater's James la Brie.  His between song banter didn't across contrived or false and the whole band seemed very happy and comfortable to be playing for a more than appreciative audience.

Guitarist Mikko wields a Dean Dime axe and the notes and melodies just fly from his fingers!!!  This guy burns the fretboard, I swore at one point I actually saw smoke!! (may have been the smoke machine though!) Markku on drums is an absolute powerhouse, the double kick pounding my chest and the snare just snapping.  Teemu on bass may look a bit like Anthrax' Scott Ian but he locks the bottom end down with some dexterous playing, a slightly less technical John Myung.  The keyboard player, whose name I didn't catch, was only filling in on the tour but handled his ivory duties with aplomb. 

Now I must apologise that I didn't know any song titles and I did try to get a set list but to no avail.  The songs felt epic and grandiose, they have speed and there's a melody and a crunch to them, it was like all my favourite metal bands had collaborated and came up with these War Anthems!!!  Unfortunately Kiuas were only allotted 30 minutes and by the end I was wanting more, as were the Rio's crowd who had clapped, cheered and chanted throughout.  I was so impressed I immediately purchased the UK tour CD, Kiuas War Anthems and I will also be grabbing the albums as soon as I can as well.  If you get the chance to see this band, grab it with both hands you will not be disappointed. 

And so to the main event, Firewind, the Greek Metal Gods hit the stage with the intro to new album Premonition and plenty smoke (take yer finger off the flaming button!!).  Gus G, Apollo, Christos, Mark and Bob have become a tight and tenacious metal machine. Apollo is the archetypal frontman, attacking the front of the stage and keeping the Rio's crowd at fever pitch.  There's no security barrier tonight, so the crowd are up close and personal with the band!! Trying to take a few pics was  a nightmare, it was either the smoke or devil horns thrusting stage wards that got in the way. 

If I thought the sound for Kiuas was great, then for Firewind it was probably the best I've heard in Rio's.  Gus G's guitar cutting through like a razor, Apollo's vocals were sharp, Christos pummelling basslines, Mark Cross pounding the kit like an anvil and Bob pulling dual duties with keys and rhythm guitar.  The guys gave us a medley of tracks to show Gus G's fret-board histrionics and give Apollo a short break, probably inhaled too much smoke!!!

My one bug-bear of the night was the inclusion of Mark Cross doing a drum solo during such a short set, the guy can whip up a storm on the skins but it did feel a bit unnecessary, could've been to give Apollo another smoke-free break!  

The crowd ate up every last note of every song and as the band wrapped up the main set with 'Til The End Of Time' they chanted for more and Firewind obliged.  Launching into encore opener 'Maniac', the crowd lapping it up before finishing off with 'Everything Is You'.

I paid £10 to see Firewind and as a bonus I got Kiuas, now that's what I call a bargain.  They may be playing smallish venues on this jaunt around the UK but if you get to see em you will not be disappointed.  I can't wait to see both bands again (wonder if I can make another date on the tour????)

Review by: Brassy

 

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