2006 Inhuman Rampage US Tour
Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
The anticipation couldn't be more over whelming
with the first ever North American Tour of Britain's export DragonForce
who, have consistently captivated fans and audiences on the shores of European
soil with their amazing live shredding performances throughout timeless
metal festivals with a single hand over fist type of attitude which, has
built this outfit as being one of the most exciting band's to perform in
small intimate type theater setting leaving fan's the greatest opportunity
to soak up more then just a typical metal concert event. I myself have never
even heard of their music other then through associates off the Internet
who have said wait till this band comes to the states, you will be in a
state of shock with their live show after hearing snips off of Inhuman Rampage.
Indeed after actually getting a fresh copy of their newest release from
Europe that will reach America on the Roadrunner Label later this year I
was totally impressed with it already that being able to witness this band
bring the Trocadero in Philadelphia down to a single fiery blaze with a
ninety minute Grande performance. When you arrive at a typical concert venue
in Philly, and you find fans already outside the doors as early as noon,
you know its going to be something to talk how great this show is going
to be even before it even starts.
If we all it our way, we could have had
DragonForce play the entire Show by themselves. But we had to sit through
two support Bands Sanctity and Protest The Hero before DragonForce headlined
their show supporting Inhuman Rampage.
Opening the entire show was North Carolina's own Sanctity who warmed up
the fans who already piled themselves as close to the stage as possible
to get a great spot to rock out at the show. Funny how different bands have
the up most opportunity to play in front of thousands for what a mere thirty
minutes. I don't even think that's enough to get a fan warmed up but, it
is what most bands get these days at the Broader before the main band tears
it up. Sanctity alone is a great young band with serious potential musically
speaking that is. This one individual who plays guitar and fronts the vocals
reminded me of a young James Hetfield when Metallica first stumbled onto
the metal scene in the late eighties. A well done warm up set from their
debut roadrunner cd.
Even with a quick set change, the fans eagerly
awaiting DragonForce to play, we had to sit through this next band who call
themselves Protest The Hero straight out of Canada who reminds me of a pure
emo screamo band that really didn't fit the bill. As they started to play
the first three songs in their set, the band got the Philly " Get off
the stage. you suck attitude", I wasn't impressed thus they cut their
set short moving Dragonforce up earlier then expected to play which was
around 10:15.
The anticipation of what was the most intense show ever to be performed
in Philly by Dragonforce can surly stick out like a sore thumb. I have to
admit being apart of countless concerts and festivals over the years, I
can say this was the most brutal show ever in the history of the Trocadero
Theater. I could list all the reasons but let's narrow it down to how great
this band is live. A full throttle set
done by DragonForce who stormed the stage the minute they opened with the
first Key track in their live set.
I admire guitar musicians for great guitar work
but, this is more then your average guitar shredding between Herman Li and
Sam Totman who continuously earned the words guitar Shredding to a "
T " . It is quite hard to physically label this six piece outfit that
combines great stage presence, superb harmonies, and sheer off the walls
testosterone power anthems by front man
ZP Theart. I definitely respect any band that stops and says " we want
to thank you for selling out the Trocadero tonight " I don't really
know any band that does that other then giving a big thanks for coming or
whatever. As if ninety minutes ninety minutes wasn't enough to set the record
straight in Philly on the second night of DragonForce's mini ultra rare
club tour, the band performed key tracks spanning their catalog which remains
to be three CD's including Inhuman Rampage to the present moment. I especially
like the riser they used during the show where both guitarists could feature
their solos on each and every song. I also like the fact that they really
got the fans into the songs and you could feel the energy being drawn from
both the fans and the band as DragonForce turned Philadelphia into a frenzy
for the first time ever. When someone says they came, rocked, and conquered
Philadelphia Pa that would be quite a true statement beyond a shadow of
a doubt.
Rating: --
Reviewed By: Steve
Trager |
