ARCH ENEMY // O2 ABC, GLASGOW
ARCH ENEMY CONTINUE THEIR HEADLINE UK TOUR WITH SHOW AT O2 ABC, GLASGOW
ARCH ENEMY PERFORMING AT O2 ABC GLASGOW, 09.02.18
PICTURE: STEPHEN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Friday saw a line up at the ABC in Glasgow which promised much for the death metal rock
fans of the city, and they didn't leave disappointed. Even with the evening's early start of 6pm, the crowd waiting to enter was already halfway along Sauchiehall Street and was clearly ready for the heavy onslaught to follow.
First on the bill were Swedish rockers Tribulation. Band members Johannes Andersson on
vocals and bass, Adam Zaars and Jonathan Hulten on guitars and Oscar Leander on drums
played a set showcasing tracks from their recent release 'Down Below', and were received
well by the ever expanding crowd. I'm sure they made more than a few new fans after they
left the stage.
Second band on the night were Finnish metal veterans Wintersun; comprising Jari Maenpaa on vocals, Jukka Koskinen on bass, Teemu Mantysaari on guitar and Kai Hahto on drums. Playing mostly tracks from their extensive back catalogue including Time 1 and The Forest Seasons. they only served to whip the crowd to a simmer as most couldn’t wait to get the main act on stage.
And at 8:30 the lights dimmed and Arch Enemy took to the ABC stage. The crowd were in
raptures as they played through a set including ''World is Yours'', ''The Race'', ''You Will Know'',
''Dead Eyes'' and ''Dead Bury Their Dead''. As soon as this gig was announced, every fan knew it
was a ‘had to be there' night, and they weren’t being let down by any of the bands on the
bill. From the first song to the band’s encore, Allisa White-Gluz on vocals, Sharlee D’Angelo
on bass, Jeff Loomis and Michael Amott on guitars and Daniel Erlandsson on drums lived up
to everyone’s expectations.
Playing a style of music known as ‘melodic death metal’, it’s easy to identify the bands influences which lie in Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Metallica to name a few. With heavy guitars, punchy bass and drums and guitar solos Slash would be proud of, the instrumentation backs up Allisa's growls with poise. With the energy of the lady up front, the Glasgow crowd lapped up every second and left the venue thoroughly entertained by the show Arch Enemy bring with them.
The musical style of the lead singer is maybe too heavy for many mainstream rock music fans. But if you can put that aside and take in the whole package: the theatrics, the music, and the incredible atmosphere, then Arch Enemy live is a band well worth seeing. To quote what they posted on their Twitter page after the ABC gig, ‘We really should play up here more often’. I'm pretty sure this drained, tired and sweaty Glasgow crowd would whole heartedly agree.
ARCH ENEMY SETLIST - O2 ABC, GLASGOW - 9TH FEBRUARY 2018
The World is Yours
Ravenous
The Race
War Eternal
My Apocalypse
You Will Know My Name
Bloodstained Cross
Dead Eyes See No Future
The Eagle Flies Alone
As the Pages Burn
Intermezzo Liberté
Dead Bury Their Dead
We Will Rise
ENCORE:
Avalanche
Snow Bound
Nemesis
Fields of Desolation