Strap in and brace yourself for a metal odyssey that breaks the mold, where Dragonforce, Amaranthe, and Infected Rain come together in a lineup that’s a rarity in today’s landscape—a trio where no band is the weak link, each elevating the bar for what a metal tour can be. Gone are the days of filler acts; this tour is all killer, no filler, channelling the spirit of the late ’90s and early 2000s when lineups were so impeccably curated, you’d swear the stars had aligned.
Amaranthe, with their unparalleled trio of vocalists, elevates the metal scene into an electrifying spectacle. Elize Ryd’s enchanting melodies, Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson’s raw growls, and Nils Molin’s robust cleans interweave, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound that’s both aggressive and melodious. This vocal dynamism sets the stage for performances that blur the lines between genres, cementing their place in what some affectionately term “dance metal.”
Their latest endeavour, The Catalyst, is a testament to this evolution, showcasing a blend of razor-sharp precision and boundless energy. However, as someone who holds Helix as their favourite album, its absence from the setlist strikes a personal chord. Despite this, the overall brilliance of Amaranthe’s performance remains undiminished, offering a glimpse into a future where metal is not just heard but felt in all its multifaceted glory.
Dragonforce orchestrates a journey that’s a high-octane blend of nostalgia and spectacle, weaving an adrenaline-charged realm where power metal is sovereign, arcade games cast their luminous allure across the stage, and pop classics undergo a metamorphosis into power metal masterpieces. Their renditions of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” exemplify their knack for blending the unexpected with sheer technical brilliance.
And just when you think you’ve seen everything a metal show could possibly offer, the mosh pit transforms into a mock Viking ship with fans rowing in sync—a scene so surreal it borders on the absurdly magnificent. This moment of theatrical genius, coupled with the electrifying opening of “Revolution Deathsquad” and the epic finale of “Through the Fire and Flames,” solidifies Dragonforce’s status as unparalleled showmen, delivering an experience that’s as visually captivating as it is musically profound.
Emerging from the passionate yet underrepresented metal scene of Moldova, Infected Rain has been a standout act, showcasing the depth and fervor of a community that thrives on the fringes of the global metal landscape. With their latest release, TIME, they’ve crafted an album that not only captures the gritty, emotional essence of their music but also signals their readiness to break into the metal mainstream in 2024, maybe even in America.
Led by the mesmerizing vocals of Lena Scissorhands, Infected Rain adds a distinct depth to the lineup, exemplifying their ability to explore the genre’s darker realms. If this album isn’t their breakthrough, then we need to talk, metal community. They’ve been ready for a while now.
Dragonforce, Amaranthe, and Infected Rain reignite the essence of what metal shows used to be, delivering a blistering night that serves as a masterclass in all things metal. It’s a throwback to the era when lineups were stacked with powerhouses, ensuring an unforgettable showcase of metal mastery. Without a doubt, this is the best lineup I’ve witnessed in years, a reminder of the golden age of live metal music.
AMARANTHE
INFECTED RAIN
