“It’s a regular fucking Swedish invasion, huh?”
Metal. Metal. Metal. I spent 8 hours refabricating metal at work, so why not end the day at The Hollywood Palladium for a night of epic metal, fantasy metal, and melodic death metal? Thank you Sweden. We don’t deserve you.
Grand Magus
Having never listened to Sweden’s Grand Magus before this evening I found them to be a perfect opener for what was bound to be a loud and snarling evening. Employing more of a melodic vocal style than their tour mates, they thoroughly enjoy playing their first LA gig and considering that gig is The Hollywood Palladium, I’d say they got a damn good first LA gig.
At the Gates
These guys really kick it up a notch with some old school melodic death metal. Their interplay of riff and tech is extraordinary and makes for a hell of a sight to see. All around greatness which clearly informed bands like Black Dahlia Murder. The last night of the tour vibe is running strong and everyone clearly want this tour to end with a bang. They play at 110%, unrelenting, breakneck speeds.
Arch Enemy
If you want pure metal showmanship, look no further. Arch Enemy fucking kills. Pushed far forward like the previous bands they make incredible use of no space and shred through epic melodic death metal. While I know there is a lot of contention between older fans and newer fans, I am in awe of Alissa White-Gluz. If I wore a getup like that I’d die of heat exhaustion in 10 minutes but she owns the stage like a young Iggy Pop. Unstoppable and absolutely fearless.
Amon Amarth
If you thought GWAR was the ultimate in theatrical metal performance, Amon Amarth will leave you equally pleased. Their commitment to viking lore is incredible and their performance includes viking battles, deity representation, a liberal amount of fire, and concludes with an epic dragon who’s reveal was a crowd stunner.
Vocalist Johan Hegg is full of energy and engages very well with his audience. Full of that special kind Swedish humor that I’ve come to know from seeing Opeth, he never once condescends but enforces a community among his fans whether telling a joke, humbly thanking the other acts on the tour, or raising his large horn for a toast to the crowd. These are the kinds of shows that stir up something special.
