There can surely be few things more exhilarating, more primal, more life-affirming than a night of pure, unadulterated metal.  Regardless of whichever is your personal favourite of the kaleidoscope of genres (or sub-genres) that make up modern metal in all its wondrous guises, it remains an ever-changing form that continues to inspire devotion and obsession even now in the 21st Century. 

Both bands on tonight’s bill draw from the same well, having their roots firmly in the metal of the eighties, whilst stamping their own personalities on that template, giving the gathered masses a powerful reminder (if one were needed) of just how vital an art form metal truly is. 

And when you feel the drums as much as hear them, you know you’re in the exact right place.  With a cry of “We are Fury, let’s fucking go” from Julian Jenkins, the band dive headlong into their opener, driven by Tom Fenn’s blazing attack on his kit, inescapable in its ferocity and flair. 

It’s no surprise that Fury delivers a crowd-pleasing set; on the contrary it would be of far greater surprise if they didn’t, such is their consistently high level of performance.  Over the last few years ROCKFLESH have seen the band perform everything from support slots and festival gigs, to their own headline shows, and whatever the occasion, Fury never, ever disappoint. Tonight, we’re treated to a short surgical strike of a set, the band ekeing out every last moment of impact in the forty-five minutes allotted to them.  This time around they mix things up with a career-spanning set of choice cuts that ranges across their back catalogue, going all the way back to ‘Prince of Darkness’ from 2014’s “The Lightning Dream” opus all the way up to ‘Hell of A Night’ from their last album, 2022’s “Born to Sin”.  As such it almost feels like a showcase demonstrating exactly who they are and what they’re all about. 

Julian Jenkins on vocals and rhythm guitar is a truly skilled showman; big on personality and charm he knows exactly what the audience expect and leads the band through a set that not only meets but exceeds those expectations.  And whilst musically the band deliver in spades, visually too they are an equally compelling force, a maelstrom of fire, passion, colour and fun.  Stage left, Becky Baldwin, spins and stomps as if possessed by the spirit of rock and roll, all the while effortlessly peeling off those coolest of bass lines that are her trademark.  On lead guitar Tom Atkinson grows in stature with every performance.  Fingers flying in a devilish dance across the fretboard, his playing is fabulously melodic, technically flawless and a wonder to behold up close, as he leans over the barrier.  You also can’t underestimate Nyah Ifill’s impact on the band’s sound and delivery.  Whether taking the lead on ‘Prince of Darkness’ or providing a vocal foil to Justin, her stage presence and vocal prowess add an extra layer and depth that creates something really special. 

Fury once again show that they are the perfect blend of epic and accessible, ferocious and fun.  As their set draws to an end all too soon, with new material on the not-too-distant horizon, there’s more to look forward to than ever for the Fury faithful. 

A suitably grandiose overture heralds the arrival of Firewind to the stage, the video screen behind the drummer providing striking, heroic visuals to accompany their entrance. And should you want any validation of my early statement of the passion that metal provokes, it’s writ large in the crowd’s reaction to tonight’s headliners.  From the first note to the last, the heaving crowd hang on every beat, every solo, with a fervent ardour that is impressive in its intensity. Bouncing, singing, and constantly moving, it’s a real cross-section of fans, from those who fell in love with traditional, power metal in its early days, to a gratifyingly large number of younger fans who can’t even have been a twinkle in the time when power metal was young. 

There is something compelling about Firewind; they revel in the knowledge that they are masters of their craft and it’s this unself-conscious joy in what they do that connects so powerfully with their fans.  Firewind are everything you would want a power metal band to be.  Gloriously over-the top, horns in the air, stick twirling, epic shredding, phones aloft, world conquering metal. It’s what many of us fell in love with, and looking round continue to do. 

Kicking off with ‘Fallen Angel’ from last year’s “Stand United” album (after which this tour is named) the video screens are now showing fiery images of medieval demons and devils, and flames. Lead singer Herbie Langhans is in fine voice, commanding the audience with impressive vocals that are a fine match for Gus G’s six-string histrionics. The sound mix tonight is fabulous, allowing each musician to shine, and show what an impressively tight unit Firewind are collectively.  

It goes without saying (but I’m going to anyway) that Gus G’s playing is phenomenal; what is more surprising is how his playing fits so well within the band.  Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for him to display his prodigious skills – and a large part of Firewind’s appeal is precisely that – as it would be criminal for a guitarist of Gus’ calibre to not showcase what he is capable of.  But it always feels considered and exciting, never lapsing into over-indulgence, or letting ego get in the way of the band’s performance. As such the seventeen-song set flies by, with choice highlights being the epic ‘Ode to Leonidas’, a surprise appearance by Fury’s Nyah for an electrifying duet on ‘Breaking the Silence’ and ‘Mercenary Man’ to name but a few. 

Herbie exhorts the crowd to dance with him, and whilst actual dancing may be one step too far for a metal crowd, they do respond with wild abandon as the band cover the Flashdance classic ‘Maniac’.  It’s a song that uncannily lends itself perfectly to a power metal make-over and in the hands of Gus, Herbie, Petros and Jo it’s almost transcendent as the set comes to an exhausted climax. Returning for the encore, the Waterloo dancefloor is put to the test one more time, as the crowd jump en-masse to the Dio-esque ‘Head Up High’ before the curtain falls finally with the electric ‘Falling to Pieces’. 

Tonight’s show felt like a truly cathartic experience, the crowd looking for - and getting - that escape and release that only a pure metal gig can provide. A masterclass from both bands, when Firewind return, as they vow to do, you can guarantee that those who were there tonight, will again make the pilgrimage to the Waterloo’s hallowed stage to experience once more the beauty of real metal.  Long may it go on… 

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Firewind + Fury