Simon Rushworth
@ Newcastle Carling Academy, October 8 2008
It’s taken two days for the rushonrock team to get its head around one of the craziest live shows this year and even 48 hours after two of metal’s hottest bands went head to head our minds are still in meltdown.
Was this a gig to go down in history? Or will the novelty wear off quicker than luminous socks and will this show ultimately end up consigned to history? Right now it’s hard to tell but one thing’s for certain – if you missed this then you missed out.
Turisas tread that fine line between supreme self-confidence and not taking themselves too seriously. Sure, the fur-wearing, paint-daubed Vikings look and act like a sextet who mean business and their Battle Metal could really scare the under-fives. For the rest of us a set boasting the staples One More and To Holmgard And Beyond simply brings a smile to the face as wide as the river Tyne.
The lack of plastic swords in the crowd meant this wasn’t quite as memorable as rushonrock‘s first taste of Turisas, in a sweaty club north of the border, but it was still pretty damn good. The mind boggles when it comes to what these Finnish fools could achieve on the arena circuit – Spinal Tap eat your heart out.
And talking of Spinal Tap the dudes from Dragonforce don’t need anyone reminding them that certain sections of the media still regard them as a comedy act. On this evidence this is one serious band hell bent on reclaiming the speed metal high ground – regardless of the criticism which continues to stalk their every move.
When you have two brilliant guitarists trading delicious licks and an old school keys man called Vadim to boot what is the problem? Simple answer – there isn’t one. Everything about Dragonforce’s Newcastle gig was good from the big production – for this venue, anyway – to the faultless musicianship and the obvious on-stage banter.
Turisas had upped the ante by cheekily referencing Guitar Hero midway through their set and if Herman hates the very mention of that game then he did little to dispel his growing reputation as one of metal’s premier fret burners. At times it was like watching a youthful Yngwie Malmsteen rip through the scales (yes, that good) and axe buddy Sam Totman did his level best to keep up.
Pity Vadim and the rest of the band. With Dragonforce’s twin guitar attack in full flow it was impossible to focus on anything or anyone else. Our heads were spinning – and they still are.
rushonrock rated: 9/10 Pure Metal Meltdown