Live Review : Kamelot + Ad Infinitum + Blackbriar + Frozen Crown @ O2 Ritz, Manchester on November 3rd 2024

The Ritz is hosting progressive symphonic titans Kamelot tonight, alongside a host of bands promising to deliver an evening of mystic allure. It’s a hefty four band bill, and Frozen Crown took the stage first, and with a formidable presence. Unleashing a torrent of epic soundscapes that seamlessly blended heavy metal with soaring melodies. This Italian power metal band is helmed by lead vocalist, Giada ‘Jade’ Etro, showcasing her range and charisma, effortlessly belting out powerful ethereal high notes, accompanied by virtuoso guitarist turned vocalist Federico Mondelli.

While the ensemble was undeniably talented, it was Mondelli’s artistry and command that shone brightest. He demanded the audience’s attention with his dynamic performance, engaging rhythmically with both the crowd and his bandmates. The chemistry among the group was evident, but it was Mondelli’s expert execution of his dual roles that elevated the performance and set the standard for the band.

Their set kicked off with ‘Neverending’, a track from their 2019 album that epitomises the band's ability to merge symphonic elements with traditional metal riffs, creating a wall of sound that feels both grand and intimate. The set featured a few tracks from their newest album, ‘War Hearts’, with ‘Steel And Gold’ clearly a fan favourite, given that the crowd were quick to belt out the lyrics before banging their heads to Fabiola ‘Sheena’ Bellomo and Alessia Lanzone’s impressive interplay; trading licks and harmonising effortlessly throughout the night. Their dual guitar harmonies not only added depth to the music but highlighted the fantasy-oriented lyrics that transport the listener to a realm filled with adventure and mystique.

Plunging the O2 Ritz into a foreboding darkness, Blackbriar’s opening intro and track really sets the tone for their haunting performance. Lead singer Zora Cock stands centre of an empty stage, shrouded in a black veil, the juxtaposition of her soothing yet mournful vocals carving a hallowed and wistful atmosphere, accompanied by the intricate harmonies swelling from the band. It’s an experience that had the crowd spellbound.

Effortlessly captivating, Zora’s voice seemed to summon the departing spirit of Halloween for one final night of gothic sensibilities. With her haunting timbre and emotional delivery, she immediately drew the audience in. Songs like ‘Crimson Faces’ showcased her ability to soar effortlessly into a powerful falsetto, while maintaining a sinister yet graceful presence that left listeners entranced. Each note she sang seemed to float in the air, weaving a tapestry of sound that was eerily enchanting, archaic whispers and wails to powerful, operatic crescendos, creating an otherworldly echo, most prevalent in ‘Arms of the Ocean’, the lights shift to blue, reflecting the shimmering hues of the sea, Zora’s tone is a blend of melancholy and romance, each note cascades from her like water, while her vibrato adds a touch of enchantment. The sound is alluring, drawing listeners in with its rich, velvety texture, as if beckoning them to follow her into the depths.

The band's performance was marked by a perfect balance of aggression and elegance. The heavy riffs, courtesy of guitarists Bart Winters and Robin Koezen, provided a solid foundation, while the atmospheric keyboard textures from Ruben Wijga added layers of depth to the overall sound. His pieces of piano settled the audience into a captivated silence, hanging onto each of these soft, ambient notes, setting mood, luring listeners into ‘Far Distant Land’ with resonant tones that mimic traditional folk instruments, rich in reminiscence of rustic soundscapes. The haunting quality is accentuated by minor scales and dissonant harmonies that linger, creating a sense of mysticism.

Blackbriar displayed their heavier side with ‘Until Eternity’ leaving the audience in a frenzy of headbanging and spirited applause. It was clear that the blend of soft, melodic passages with intense metal elements resonated deeply, showcasing the band’s versatility and skill.

Ad Infinitum, a metal band that has been steadily carving its niche within the heavy music scene, with their blend of symphonic elements, hard-hitting riffs and progressive influences, the band took the stage at a packed venue against a chorus of roaring applause. Clearly Manchester is happy to see them.

The band are tight and their chemistry palpable, with each member understanding and executing their role in accentuating frontwoman Melissa Bonny’s stellar vocal showcase, creating moments that felt both intimate and grandiose. The stage is futuristic; beacons of lights flash in synchronised bursts, the sudden transitions between darkness and blinding brightness heighten the drama, building tension that culminates in an explosion of sound and light. When Adrian Thessenvitz taps his fretboard, the lights pulse, reflecting the ferocity of his picking. He even sports a headless guitar to really call attention to the technical prowess of his playing.

Melissa may be the standout feature of Ad Infinitum’s performance, her voice is a mesmerising fusion of power and emotive depth, effortlessly oscillating between thunderous growls and ethereal melodies. The contrast was striking, highlighting her talents as a vocalist. As the band opened with the crushing anthem ‘Follow me Down’ the audience was immediately pumped, Melissa’s soaring vocals cutting through the heavy instrumentation like the beacons of light on the stage.

Throughout the night, Melissa demonstrated a remarkable range and control, whether she was belting out high notes or delivering poignant, subdued passages, but she lost her composure during the breaks between songs. Unable to finish a sentence before being interrupted with screams, cheers and rounds of applause, there was so much love for Ad Infinitum tonight, you could choke on it, and bass player Korbinian Benedict was choked up by the end of the performance.

The relentless outpour of adoration seemed to ignite him, pulling him to each corner of the stage, leaning out into the crowd and soaking up the love. He looked particularly emotional, perhaps due to this being the final show of the tour, as well as the hefty support from the crowd.

During ‘My Halo’ the stage lit up in fiery hues, echoing the intensity of both the instrumental and vocal deliveries. Melissa's ability to connect with the audience was authentic; she was not just performing but inviting everyone into a shared emotional experience. Her stage presence is both magnetic and raw, engaging fans with both her commanding voice and endearing charisma, saying ‘thank you so much’ after every song, making the heart symbol with her hands, and recognising a group of fans at the front brandishing an Ad Infinitum flag that seemed to really touch the band.

The band is composed of exceptionally talented musicians, creating a seamless backdrop for Melissa’s unyielding vocal performance. The rhythm section held down the bottom end with a ferocity that complemented the melodic lines, particularly in the track ‘Outer Space’. Each member brought their A-game, despite Melissa being the centrepiece of the performance, this four piece consists of some of the most polished, poised musicians currently on tour, with some of the most progressive, unique and refreshing concepts that make this band a true pioneer of the future of metal.

Known for their symphonic take on power metal, Kamelot are also known for having a spectacular live show, and the audience was eager to witness their theatrical prowess and musical mastery firsthand. Striking beams of magenta cut through the thick haze of smoke, creating an atmosphere that feels otherworldly. Kaleidoscopic strobe lights flicker to the beat, illuminating the faces of fans screaming with excitement as the band take to the stage.

Lasers sweep across the Ritz, adding depth and dimension to the stirring performance. The setup is titanic, evoking literal heavy metal with instruments and set pieces that look as if they were salvaged from Transformers spare parts. Alex Landenburg’s drum setup towers above the stage, a colossal mass of metal and skins that evokes the image of some monstrous Kaiju ready to unleash its fury. The drumkit is an intricate labyrinth of oversized components, a symphony of cymbals mounted high above, like metallic shields, producing unique, cutting tones when struck. The impressive cymbals glisten like twin moons on the horizon, waiting to deliver thunderous crescendos.

Guitarist Thomas Youngblood was a standout, showcasing his virtuosic abilities while delivering the powerful riffs that define Kamelot’s sound. His interplay with keyboardist Oliver Palotai created a mesmerising backdrop, especially on ‘Lights are Down’ where the orchestral layers added an epic dimension to the performance. The stunning visuals and theatrics propelled the performance of this song: a flurry of confetti shoots out into the crowd, a blend of dark, atmospheric imagery against a vibrant lightshow, and finishing with sparklers erupting from the stage, illuminating the night with a shower of golden sparks like a fountain of shooting stars created an enchanting backdrop for Kamelot's powerful sound. Although it’s clear that Kamelot’s visual aesthetics would be nothing short of spectacular, yet, as all seasoned fans know, the true standout of any Kamelot show is their vocalist, Tommy Karevik.

Karevik took centre stage, exuding an effortless charisma that captured every eye. His voice soars through the venue like a symphonic gale; powerful yet nuanced. His range was nothing short of impressive; transitioning from ethereal melodic verses to elevated anthemic choruses. Fans erupted in applause as he tackled complex vocal lines from ‘New Babylon’, accompanied by Ad Infinitum’s Melissa Bonny as his duet partner for the evening.

His ability to engage the audience was astounding, expertly weaving between moments of intense power and softer, intimate sections where he invited the audience to join in a singalong. Karevik’s stage persona was both engaging and genuine. He frequently interacted with the audience, expressing gratitude between songs with a sincere warmth that drew the crowd even closer. He dedicated the sombre anthem ‘Willow’ to everybody in the audience, and sang the song with such emotional depth; voice conveyed a raw, almost fragile vulnerability that resonated deeply.

Every note was imbued with a sense of longing, showcasing his ability to tap into the emotional core of the music. In those moments, it felt as though the crowded venue fell away and there existed only the music and Karevik’s soul-stirring presence.

The setlist was a well-curated journey through their discography, featuring fan favourites such as ‘March of Mephisto’ and ‘Vespertine (My Crimson Bride)’ Youngblood's guitar riffs were complemented by the thunderous drumming of Landenburg, whose energy never waned throughout the performance, despite his mammoth kit.

Each burst of sparklers coincides with powerful chords or a significant lyrical peak, creating a synchronised experience that is striking and awe-inspiring. Fans sing along passionately, their voices rising amidst the sparkling display, creating a sense of unity within the shared exhilaration. Each burst of sparks and boom of the confetti cannon amplify the dramatic essence that Kamelot embodies.

The concert concluded with a triumphant performance of ‘Forever,’ a classic that brought the house down. The soaring choruses, accompanied by a symphonic arrangement, left the audience chanting for an encore. Kamelot obliged, returning to the stage for two more spellbinding songs punctuated by sparks. They captivated their audience with not just their technical prowess, but also with a profound emotional resonance that carried through every song. The night served as a testament to the band's evolution and their ability to connect with fans on a remarkable level.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Kamelot + Ad Infinitum + Blackbriar + Frozen Crown