#manchesterapollo

Dutch metal heads and their Queen teach us how to 'Resist'...

Album number seven (Resist) releases in around a month of writing this but before that a promotional tour gives fans the chance to hear some new material before it's let loose into the wild.  It does seem a little strange and it doesn't happen often (in my experience) that the tour comes before an album release. Obviously you are hearing these new songs for the first time and it's difficult to enjoy what you are listening to in the same way. I find myself more concentrated during the new tracks, trying to pick up every note and decipher as much as the lyrics as I can. I don't know the reasons for it or whether it was a straight up choice but it's always a risk and one that hopefully pays off when all is said and done. However, this was my third time seeing them and the excitement was real and well justified because of their long standing career and reputation.

Supporting Within Temptation tonight were 'Ego Kill Talent'. I wanted to enjoy this band more but I thought they were so far away from breaking into any kind of higher gear. Their music was so average and I felt it struggled to break free of it's shackles at any point. Whether they can become more than what was on show here remains to be seen but they did not do anything for me.

Within Temptation's entrance started into the unknown with three new tracks straight off the bat. Opening with 'Raise Your Banner' followed by the single that has already been released, 'The Reckoning' and then 'Endless War'. 'The Reckoning' is a strong first release from the album which features vocals from Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach. It will probably end up being the records anthem track. Both 'Raise Your Banner' and 'Endless War' sounded excellent although it's always difficult on a first listen to judge, especially live. Following the new songs we were blasted back to fifth album, The Unforgiving, with the supercharged 'In The Middle Of The Night'. Only the one track from 2004's The Silent Force tonight in the form of the brilliant 'Stand My Ground'. The power ballad 'All I Need' from fourth album, The Heart Of Everything, rang out next followed by another new song, 'Supernova'. Another insight into what we can expect come release in December.  The fantastic 'Shot In The Dark' [The Unforgiving] rang out around a sold out Apollo Theatre tonight with a great crowd singing in unison. Perhaps the main prize though was what came next. Within Temptation's eight minute epic from breakthrough second album, Mother Earth. 'The Promise' is a wonderful epic track that sees Sharon's voice put to the extreme on the high notes. Musically is one of their best in my opinion.  The extended applause at the end said it all.  Things certainly picked up the pace with 'Faster' [The Unforgiving] followed by the fifth and final new song of the night, 'Mercy Mirror'.  Just the one track from 2014's Hydra record, 'Paradise (What About Us?)' which features vocals from ex-Nightwish vocalist and now solo artist 'Tarja Turunen'.  Another one that seemed to go down really well with the fans. The next three songs all came from 2007's The Heart Of Everything. The brilliant self titled track which I was really glad to hear. I love it. This was followed by the anthemic 'What Have You Done' which features vocals from Keith Caputo of Life Of Agony. 'Forgiven' completed the round of three which Sharon sang with keyboardist Martijn in beautiful fashion. They finished the main set with their breakthrough anthem, 'Mother Earth' which cannot be praised enough for it's timeless feel. The night finished with one final song in the encore. 'Stairway To The Skies' [The Unforgiving] is a great show ender and tonight was no exception as Sharon was literally hoisted up high on wires during the last chorus giving the visual aspect of the song it's dues and complementing it with the glorious stage setup which brought the music to life the entire night.

One thing that stood out tremendously tonight was the light show and stage presentation. The big screen that created the backdrop of the stage was fantastic. The circle of lights that enhanced certain areas was put to use most effectively. Sometimes I felt I was watching that more than what was going on stage! Fair to say that as good as the music was, the set as a whole was probably one of the best I have seen, at least in the Apollo Theatre. A great show by a great band. Looking forward to the new album!

*TRICK 'N' TREAT*

TRICK - No 'Ice Queen'.

TREAT – Five new songs.

             Good range of tracks from previous albums.

             'The Promise' sounding spectacular.

Lzzy and Co get 'Vicious' in the Legendary Apollo Theatre...

A chance for my first look at Halestorm tonight in what appeared to be a sold out Apollo Theatre.  I had heard about the band a few times before I finally got into their music on their third record Into The Wild Life. First hearing the two singles 'Amen' and 'I Am The Fire', I was more than impressed with the superb vocals that Lzzy Hale possessed. Their hard rock and roll sound accompanied with her fierce vocals and writing techniques are a pleasure to the ear. Thus, the chance came along and I didn't hesitate to claim a ticket in support of their newest album, Vicious.

Support for tonight came from Swedish heavy metal band, Avatar. A band that many were seeing for the first time tonight. It took a few songs but eventually I think people started to appreciate what they were all about. I thought they were one of those bands you either loved or hated. As their set progressed and we started hearing more from frontman Johannes Eckerström, the crowd became more involved and actually gave a pretty good reception to the band by the end. Their style was interesting as it blended between the heavy and the progressive and while his voice became very extreme at some points, some songs required a softer drawn back approach. They were certainly interesting to watch with their unique carnival type attire! Deserve a second listen.

When it's time for Halestorm we're kicked off immediately with 'Skulls' from the new album Vicious. I love what they tried to do with this song and is really a strength on the record and sounded great live. A couple of songs from second album The Strange Case Of... followed. The crowd got wild for 'Mz Hyde' and 'Love Bites (So Do I)'. Two of only three tracks from third album Into The Wild Life came next with a stunning rendition of anthem 'I Am The Fire' playing out followed by the truly rock and roll orientated 'Apocalyptic'. Possibly my favourite track from new album Vicious then came out of the traps with the sultry 'Do Not Disturb' which was preceded with an acapella intro of 'I Get Off' from their self titled debut. The final song we would hear from the Into The Wild Life album was 'Amen' to which more brilliance was heard in Lzzy's extraordinary vocal skills. Just fantastic. We then witnessed a rather beautiful moment when she dedicated the next song to Manchester and the fans as she described how playing at the Apollo Theatre marks a significant milestone for the band in where they started to where they are now. As she sits on the edge of the stage with lead guitarist Joe, she acoustically belts out a touching rendition of the final track from Vicious, 'The Silence'. Two more new songs follow with album opener 'Black Vultures' and title track 'Vicious' before Lzzy's brother Arejay treats us to his drum solo. 'Freak Like Me' from their second album rings out and new anthem 'Killing Ourselves To Live' closes the initial set. What a track! Definitely another personal favourite. After taking a breather the band return for an encore consisting of lead single 'Uncomfortable' and ending with two songs from The Strange Case Of... again. Firstly, 'I Miss The Misery' and the closing track of that same album, 'Here's To Us'. Both being sung closely by the crowd and with hands held high. A perfect ending as they say their thanks and goodbyes.

For me, the outstanding memory I will take from this show was Lzzy's voice. Without a doubt one of the most powerful, controlled female voices I have ever heard in rock music. A strong passion for her craft and dedication to her fans that clearly admire her for the commitment she brings. Four records in but Lzzy admits she has been writing and performing actively since she was thirteen and started learning the piano at five. Obviously music has been an influence throughout most of her life and so it's no surprise that tonight she brings that knowledge, experience and passion to the forefront.  What a truly satisfying performance it was. Here's to many more.

*TRICK 'N' TREAT*

TRICK: No room on set list for 'Mayhem' or 'What Sober Couldn't Say'.

TREAT: Lzzy Hale.

            Venue and crowd.