ARCH ENEMY + Strapping Young Lad + Throwdown.
THE ASTORIA, LONDON.
THURSDAY 15TH DECEMBER, 2005.

Holy shit! What can I say that will do justice to tonight's performance? The Astoria was built for music like this and for nights like this - if not for tonight alone! First up, Throwdown. It's a wonder this lot are only first on the list. On entering the doors onto the main floor the barrage that hits you is almost enough to knock you over. Powerfully muscular guitars twine with vocals matching the potency and aggression of Corey Taylor, creating a wall of sound that Slipknot would be proud of. Indeed on several occasions it seems they are going to break into 'Only One.' Alas they don't, but as they disappear off stage they leave the crowd, and probably most of London, with no doubt about their might. Never have skinheads looked so cool headbanging!

Although lacking the raw power of Throwdown, Strapping Young Lad more than make up for this with stage presence and entertainment value; and once they get the sound problem sorted out with their keyboard, with a surprising depth and intricacy too - especially for a bunch of old long-haired balding men with rather large beer guts. Not forgetting that they are also heavy as fuck! A fine and deserving support band.

Bathed in blue light, the audience are rapturous. And rightly so, because after a few moments of electric anticipation Arch Enemy explode into action, and then there is nothing but oblivion! Never have I seen a band play like this! EVER! Angela Gossow not only looks fantastic, as she prowls the stage like a lioness leading her pack on the hunt, but she sounds.........she sounds like nothing else on earth! How can she possibly make ver voice do that? Most men couldn't sound like that! The music, too, is amazing. Incredible. Fuck it, there is no word that can adequately describe this. Technically it's outstanding. Talent is something these guys do on their day off. The sound is perfect. The lights....they're not even part of the show - they're part of the music! And thank fuck there are lights because the music is so ferocios if the place had been dark I'd have shat myself.

I have no idea what was on the set-list. I was too shell-shocked to remember most of it. I think 'Dead Eyes Have No Future' and 'My Apocalypse' were in there somewhere, as well as a (relatively speaking) mellow 'Hybrids Of Steel' followed by a truly spectacular drum solo. And of course 'We Will Rise' gave a staggering final climax to the evening. This was electrifying. One of the most moving nights of my life. They said they would rise, they did, and woe betide anyone who gets in their way!

6/5