Amaranthe - Bring Symphonic Metal to London!

April 5th 2014

London, Islington o2 Academy, UK

****

Can Pop, Electronic Dance beats and Metal all sync together?

Amaranthe **** took the stage to perform their first song 'Future on Hold' and already the crowd is singing along with it, this immediately shows the strength of their material which has been causing a stir all round the World. They quickly follow '1,000,000 light Years' and this song is played with real energy and the room is embraced with a great deal of happiness and it seems to be contagious. Jake is a pro throughout the night at engaging the crowd and building up a bond that is lasting. This leads on to some funny parts between guitarist Olaf and even friendly chatter with singer Elize.

But even as they were filming the night for maybe an upcoming DVD or to be unleashed on Europe, they do not seem to need this as an excuse to get the crowd going because it seems to happen regardless and you get caught up with the music and the friendliness of the band and this is encouraging to go see them play live again. Jake really set the feeling of the night and the fact we were all a part of something, and this makes me feel excited and makes me want to cheer along with the crowd! Of course Elize looked as gorgeous as ever as I am sure every guy in the house noticed this as well, showing off her legs as she moves seductively round the stage.

She does all this with grace and dignity and shows of talented wide range of vocals as she commands the stage like a first class Diva. This is shown off best on the fantastic Melodic Metal song 'Hunger' the mixes up Symphonic Metal like Nightwish with the hard Metal vocals of Henrik who makes them sound like Sonic Syndicate in places. This is quite a commercial song and by the time she sings solo for 'Amaranthine' the mood has seamlessly transitioned from dancing and shouting to gently swaying side to side. Drummer, Morten Løew Sørensen enlivens the crowd with his drum solo in between songs and as usual, guitarist Olaf Mörck, performs many wicked riffs, especially with his guitar solo in 'Automatic'.

The entire song the crowd is thumping and clapping and the air guitars are desperately trying to follow in Olaf's footsteps. Then suddenly we all find the time has just flown by and Jake is announcing its time for the last song. No one can or wants to believe it and I really felt like a little kid again when you are having too much fun playing outside and you are called in for dinner. And as the last song 'Call out my Name' finishes and you cheer, you can still feel the residue of the collective pout and disbelief in the air.

It is thankfully short lived as funny man and bass guitarist Johan Andreassen stays on the stage and has us all laughing in no time at all. Everyone was having fun, clothes were thrown on stage, and just as he gets you raising our hands and cheering, the entire band is suddenly back for the encore! Amaranthe save some of the best songs for last like the 'The Nexus' that toped the Swedish Rock chart and iTunes Metal chart in the USA. The first song 'Invincible' really reflects the mood of everyone.

Maybe its the end of the show, maybe is the lyrics but there is the feeling to give the moment what you have got and just have as much fun as possible. In fact, there is a feeling in this more intimate venue that you are among friends. Even if those friends are young or old, dressed with long hair, Metal chains and big boots or dressed to go out to dance and have a good time and this makes the evening really enjoyable and not one I will forget in a while.

Everyone have really made the effort to come out tonight from the people down the road in the capital city London to Bulgaria or even as far as Canada! And just like Amaranthe blends these genres of Metal, Dance and Pop, there is a blending of cultures in the room tonight making this a very international affair and the band seems to love this fact and welcome everyone with pleasure. Amaranthe provide something for everyone, pushing the envelope of Metal and Rock and pushing your own personal boundaries as you push your fist into the air, smile, and perhaps make a new friend. The fact their not always Symphonic Metal or Melodic Metal, and even have some hints of Death Metal screaming means they are far more interesting than Within Temptation or Epica and I think this is starting to show of in record sales.

If you have not got the bands latest album 'Invincible' I would advise you run out and get it now because it is a great album that I can't stop playing. Also go see them live if you can because they put on a great fun show that could be enjoyed by anyone, even if they are not into this genre of music. I made loads of new friends and had a great time so I certainly will be going to see them next time they play.

Amaranthe - Setlist
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Future on Hold
1,000,000 light Years
Leave everything Behind
Infinity
Automatic
Razorblade
Theory of Everything
Burn with Me
Afterlife
Mechanical Illusion
Hunger
Electro Heart
Amaranthine
Call out my Name
------------
Invincible
The Nexus

Review and Photo's by Amanda Morrison

The North American tour starts in September and their new album from SpineFarm Records should debut this August. The new album will have a new bold and different sound so keep an ear out for it as I this band knows what they are doing.