Of all the venues in Manchester, the O2 Ritz is certainly one of my absolute favourites. Over my many years of attending concerts, I’ve always enjoyed coming here time and time again. The sound, the acoustics, the space for the audience and the famously bouncy floor. On this night, the Manchester crowd were in for an absolute treat. Symphonic, melodic-metal heavyweights Kamelot took to the famed stage and this show would be the last date of this tour. This was a different experience for me. The last time I saw them they were playing in a much smaller club venue. So hearing them play this larger stage to more of a crowd, I was ready for this one. They didn’t come alone either. On this tour, they came with three bands that packed an iron-fisted punch. Italian power-metal band, Frozen Crown; the gothic alternative metal stylings of Blackbriar from the Netherlands and the Swiss/German symphonic metal titans, Ad Infinitum. Every band brought their legion of loyal fans making for an immense night of entertainment.
Wow, this was an explosive set from the get-go. Frozen Crown was just relentless as they opened the final date of the Awaken the World tour. Jade Etro’s vocals sounded commanding and powerful. Federico’s vocals sounded immaculate too; both clean and guttural. The harmonies with the rest of the band were flawless. Everything about this set was so grandiose. From an instrumental perspective, all of the band were absolutely on point. The driving force from the drums and bass created a fantastic foundation for the chaotic roar of the guitars. Together they sounded like a well-oiled machine. They sounded just like their records but with more flair and crowd participation. Their setlist was a great mixture of all of their songs. They managed to make great use of their limited time, in such a short set you knew who they were and what they were all about.
Their new single “Steel and Gold” taken from the new album War Hearts was well received and I could have gone for more from the new album. The early evening crowd embraced the Italian power metal act. Giving them a warm Manchester greeting. Their ferocious performance was very much a spark that lit up the evening. You could argue that three guitars may be too much. I would debate that it isn’t. All three guitarists sounded excellent; the solos shone with a crystal gleam and floated on top of the bustling production while the rhythm section kept that beating heart going. Their set was short and sweet but Frozen Crown sounded as excellent as their records would lead you to believe. They fully live up to their promise and my own hype. I was so happy to finally get to check them out and I would urge you to seek them out if they’re ever in a town near you!
So, this was a change of pace for the evening as Blackbriar took the stage. The lights faded and an ethereal feeling flooded the venue. Frontwoman, Zora Cock enchanted the crowd with flawless vocals before the crescendo of metal came crashing in. This show would be the final stop on their first-ever UK tour, much to the delight of the Manchester crowd. They put on a fierce show, despite illness floating around the band. It’s commendable that they put on their game faces and performed anyway. They took the saying “the show must go on” to heart. Their methodically paced set kept just enough to keep the crowd engaged while also bringing the heavy atmosphere. If I could describe this set in three words they would be powerful, emotional and epic. I say this was their first time in Manchester, though you would never be able to tell. With the amount of support that came from the Manchester crowd, you’d have thought they were hometown heroes. Their set was comprised of fan favourites and heavy-hitters, with a chunk dedicated to their 2023 album A Dark Euphony. When they announced they were about to play “Crimson Faces” the crowd exploded in excitement. Saying that the crowd were pumped all through the set.
Even during a wonderful keyboard interlude to break up their set, the audience was ravenous for more. Zora’s vocals sounded beautiful and otherworldly. It was like being transported to a gothic universe. I will say that angelic vocals paired with booming heavy metal make for a good sound. I’ll admit, I was super impressed by them. I’ve been listening to their music since their debut in 2012 so this set was so special. Their set continued and they made smart use of the time given to them. They left enough room to embrace the Machester crowd and play their set how they wanted. Rounding off their time on stage was the song “Until Eternity”, one of their earliest songs and a definite fan favourite. They left it all on the stage and gave themselves completely to the audience. It was an amazing time and I’m so happy I got to be here for this set!
It’s been two years since I last wrote about Ad Infinitum for Weshootmusic. It was in this same venue too. Oh, how I am glad to report that they’ve improved significantly since then. Not that they were bad the last time, they’ve just gotten so much better. Since that show, they’ve put out two more albums and put a lot of touring under their belt. All that work and effort has paid off as this set was simply one of the best performances I’ve seen this year, and I don’t say that lightly. Their set was high-energy and all systems go. Every member of the band did the most possible to show off. Front and centre was frontwoman, Melissa Bonny who was a force to be reckoned with. She was so charismatic and kept complete control over the Manchester crowd every second of the set. Fresh off of the release of their latest album Abyss they felt energised and eager to put a show on.
They may not have had the theatrics of the other bands but man they just put on a ferocious metal performance. Bonny switching between clean and guttural vocals like a light switch. The way she’s able to keep moving and still put so much breathwork into her vocals is outstanding to watch as an observer. That’s not to take anything away from the rest of the band. They were equally as exciting to watch. Adrian Theßenvitz ripped the guitar and created deafening riffs which were matched by the intensity of Korbinian Benedict on the bass. The two of them played their respective instruments all while riling up the crowd even more. Niklas Müller on the drums should be counted out either. While not mobile you could tell he was putting in just as much oomph behind the kit. The set was ten songs of straight-up energetic pulse-pounding anthems. My highlights would be “Upside Down”, “Outer Space”, “Animals” and “My Halo”. Overall, this set just filled my glee and happiness. I have loved watching them grow and become the band they are today. Next time please let them be the headliner!
The moment of the evening had arrived. It was time for Kamelot to take the stage. An enthusiastic crowd was alive as if raised from an eternal slumber. The stage was set and what a stage show they had planned for this evening. It was clear that they were going to take full advantage of the size and scope of the venue. Vocalist, Tommy walked on stage and he brought all of his energy and performing skills honed over many concerts and tours. The crowd jolted with excitement. Opening the show with “Veil of Elysium” a cacophony boomed through the venue with every musical element working in tandem. The clash of the drums the sweeping melodies of the keys and the roar of the guitars and bass. After the night we’d already had, it was hard to imagine the heights going even higher. Hell, this was immense! The pyro, CO2, the confetti. They had it all. They also came armed with Melissa Bonny on backing vocals, pulling double duty this evening. This tour is in support of the latest album, The Awakening, which came out last year. So this set was going to play around with songs from that record. The new songs like “New Babylon”, “One More Flag in the Ground”, “Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)” and “Willow” sounded great and fit right along with the hits of yesteryear.
Kamelot always bring a touch of the theatrics and the Manchester faithful were more than happy to meet their energy bar for bar. They were able to command the crowd with expert control and kept a controlled pace. Melissa brought her chops to the performance and was able to keep the momentum from her own set going! Her vocal style fit perfectly with the Kamelot performance. Especially with one of their most recognisable songs, “Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)”. I have to admit the set is well performed and the Ritz was a good fit for them. The stage allowance was enough for the enormity of the stage show. Also, the space of the room allowed the sound to carry well. You can’t forget the famously bouncy floor of the Ritz made the jumping sections so much fun.
What a night of entertainment. So many different subsections of heavy metal in one evening that you can’t help but love it. Kamelot shows always have that certain flair. They also have a real talent for picking support bands. Every band that played that night could have been headliners in their own right. Be it the intense fury of Frozen Crown, the captivating power of Blackbriar, the star-making performance of Ad Infinitum and finally the bombastic over-the-top madness of Kamelot. It was a night of heavy metal that Manchester won’t soon forget.