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Events and Reports - King Diamond - Live with Loch Vostok and Secret Sphere at Tobakken, Esbjerg - April 15th, 2006
The European tour was set to start in Esbjerg, which made the expectations even more exciting due to the fact that nobody really knew what was in store for us.
After some compulsory warming up at my place we went towards the gig in time to catch a dose of Loch Vostok. Interesting band but a bit static on stage.
Anyway, I had been looking forward to the next band for a long time, an Italian Symphonic Power Metal unit by the name of...
Secret Sphere
The very sympathetic band went right into action and didn't look back at any time. The result was an energized, powerful and still technically high standard show. Now that we have the conclusion covered, let's look at the details.
From their newest album Heart & Anger they presented a number of quality tracks, among them a very melodic version of Where The Sea Ends, using the keyboard to the max without compromising the tight and heavy rhythm section.
Loud & Raw saw a high spectacle collective energy boost and Leonardo Da Vinci a very groovy approach.
There is no doubt that these guys are super musicians, which also shows in the slightly progressive tendencies popping up here and there, but it's the songs themselves that are in focus, and they get delivered with a firm and precise hand.
From the very good Scent Of Human Desire record we got a thrilling version of Rain; another example of how well this band injects powerful music with great emotional vocals. Besides that the crunchy guitars and elaborate drumming were very much in front.
I would have been so gravely disappointed if they didn't play one of their ultimate hits, the amazing Legend, and I was immensely thrilled as I recognized its beginning. The chorus line has to be one of the greatest and most bombastic ever and live the energy from the stage continually poured onto us.
The harmonious piano melody leading up the where the song explodes was one of many other rushes.
Singer Ramon had a balanced stage presence and a positive connection to the audience and the band just seemed glad to be here.and so was I, this was a great performance.
King Diamond
Behind the cemetery fence the child lies. Abigail.
The scene was set for a dramatic evening, and when the spotlight fell on King's horrific face as he entered the stage, narrating Funeral, the crowd was ready to let go.
Arrival hit like a sledgehammer and with one of Kings finest lines "That must be it" the song went off with a very energized band running round on stage.
It was clear that Andy and Mike were in top form and they simply nailed the solos spot on, something they with impressive passion kept doing all night.
The King himself seemed very much up to it and delivered a captivating performance on stage, his communication with the fans was humble and well weighed, he clearly was very happy to be back on the road.
Unfortunately his voice occasionally was too trebled and I don't think the sound crew managed to correct it enough for it to fully work. Overall the sound was rather muddy but forceful and fairly good nonetheless.
The Abigail songs are classics and they rock hard live, there were just a bit too many of them. From the sequel we got A Mansion in Darkness, detailed drumming and a catchy chorus made it a sure winner.
Eye of the Witch wouldn't be my first choice from The Eye album, its groove kills but not much happens and unfortunately it didn't really open up live.
Sleepless Nights was simply excellent though, twisting guitars and plenty of action on stage; Kings varied vocals were dramatically outlived.
As the forceful bass lines and heavy drum opening of The Invisible Guests came off the stage, the fans once again went wild. A clear highlight of the show, this was simply classic Heavy Metal at its very best.
I had hoped to experience more songs from the fantastic The Puppet Master album. Blood To Walk had a strong drive and So Sad, featuring a striking duet with King and Livia, was emotionally deep but also a bit static in a live setting.
No King Diamond concert without it, Welcome Home is one of the bands best songs and tonight's version was very tight, naturally it included a very "rocking" Grandma in her wheelchair.
The Mercyful Fate songs were positively received by the audience, and I especially recall a blistering delivery of Evil.
As I began to dig more into the personality of King Diamond, I have developed a strong fascination towards his music, lyrics and overall way of doing things.
A strong devotion in creating good old quality Heavy Metal, implemented in interesting and relatable horror stories, and not doing things half-hearted, as on this gloomy night where I witnessed a musical performance of high exacting manoeuvring. The whole band seemed as one tight and extremely vigorous unit, making room for minor improvisations along the way.
The song selection was a bit disappointing (the setlist is as a minimum close to correct), the sound could have been better but the atmosphere and band performance were intense and that was really what it was all about.
Setlist:
1. Funeral
2. Arrival
3. A Mansion in Darkness
4. The Family Ghost
5. Black Horsemen
6. Spare This Life
7. Mansion in Sorrow
8. Sorry Dear
9. Come to the Sabbath
10. Eye of the Witch
11. Sleepless Nights
12. Blood to Walk
13. So Sad
14. Welcome Home
15. The Invisible Guests
16. Halloween
17. Evil
| Click pictures for a bigger version
Loch Vostok
Secret Sphere
Secret Sphere
Secret Sphere
Secret Sphere
King Diamond
King Diamond
King Diamond
King Diamond
All pictures taken by Steen | Written by Tommy
Thursday, July 20, 2006 |
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