Arthemis - 18 Nov 2011 (The Underworld)

 The Italian metalers are back, and thank god this time they’re not wearing skirts! Arthemis, the Italian power metalers, were in London to start their first ever UK tour along with Neonfly and Freedom Call at the Underworld in Camden, London.  The heavy metal quartet delivered a very energetic set and rocked the house. By playing a selection of their best compositions, the band filled the support slot for Freedom Call in a great way. With a very Maiden-like sound, Arthemis have a sound which is familiar to many and which never disappoints. In conjunction with the amazing technicality that the Arthemis members have on their instruments, they definitely made it clear that they are a band which came here to stay and they won’t stop till they get to the top.  On the night, Arthemis also performed an excellent cover of Deep Purple’s Burn which fitted really nicely with their own compositions. Sound wise however it wasn’t great, and this wasn’t because the band didn’t have a nice sound but because as usual, the Underworld is not a great venue when it comes down to sound. Unfortunately the sound is a very important factor to create the atmosphere needed to make a great gig and the atmosphere of the gig was affected by the sound. Nevertheless a great set by Arthemis which made a very promising tour debut on the London stage!

Arthemis: 18/20

Sound: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Presentation: 5/5
Performance: 5/5

Posted by Nick 

Pagan's Mind - 20 May 2011 (Underworld)

It was only four years ago when, while I was going through my local CD shop in Paris, I came across God's Equation by Pagan's Mind. While I have to admit that I only bought the CD because of the artwork, I was pleasantly surprised and satisfied when I heard the music. And now, four years later, here they are, performing at the Underworld for the second time in their career. Supporting them: progressive power metalers Neonfly. With the news of, them signing a record deal with Rising Records being still fresh, Neonfly performed an amazing set containing songs from their first album due to be released on the 29^th of August. Willy Norton(Vocals) proved once again that he is a perfect fit for Neonfly, with his powerful vocals and stage presence. Despite some technical difficulties affecting the wireless system of Freferick Thunder(Guitar) half way through the set, the band still delivered a great show full of energy and power. Neonfly are now tighter than ever and the album should be anticipated by all! Pagan's Mind kept the same pace and delivered a very powerful and energetic set. The Norwegian made it clear that they are back to rock the UK and they definitely rocked London! The crowd, although not huge in numbers, was completely into it and everybody seemed to have a great time, which created a superb atmosphere. Pagan's Mind are one of the few bands that actually enjoy being on stage and you can clearly see it! The always impressive Jørn Viggo Lofstad(Guitar) along with the amazing vocals of Nils K. Rue(Vocals), who performed with a broken hip, along with the rest of the band really created a great feeling and left the best impressions to the London crowd. Their new album named Heavenly Ecstasy is out now via SPV Steamhammer. And if you missed the show for any reason, make sure not to miss it the next time this boys will be around!

Pagan's Mind: 19/20

Sound: 5/5

Ambience: 5/5

Presentation: 4/5

Performance: 5/5

Neonfly: 18/20

Sound: 4/5

Ambience: 5/5

Presentation: 5/5

Performance: 4/5

Posted by Nick

 

Neonfly - 5 Nov 2010 (Purple Turtle)

 UNSIGNED BAND

Neonfly was flying tonight at the Purple Turtle. The band went through a big change in the last few months when Tamás Csemez who used to hold the mic for Neonfly suddenly left the band and had to be replaced. Luckily Willy Norton(Vocals) stepped out of the shade and stood under the spotlight. And what a terrific job he did. If you are not familiar with Neonfly let me describe them for you: Get a Gojira loving drummer, two long haired riffers that are as tight as a virg...well...you know....and a dreadlock bass player that is better at circle headbanging than Corey Beaulieu. What do you get? POWER!!!! Neonfly is the perfect mix between melody, heavy and power! So obviously they needed a singer who could deliver all of that as well. Well Willy didn’t disappoint me at all. He delivered so well on stage that he gave to Neonfly a massive lift...a bit like the surgeons do to Mick Jagger’s face. The band was very tight and gave out an amazing energy. The Turtle was packed, since the line up for the evening was very attractive, and what a great opportunity to present the new singer to a wider Londonian crowd. Neonfly came on with an amazing energy and the riffs of Frederick Thunder(Guitar) filled the venue with a very pleasant heaviness! During the set the band presented some new songs, due to be recorded on the band’s first album some time in the beginning of next year, so keep an eye open for that. Towards the end of the set the ever so melodic Ship with No Sails and the new Star Trek fans anthem I think I saw a UFO where the ones to show how good the band is and concluded this great set. Neonfly is currently on tour with Freedom Call, across the UK. Check out their website for the full tour dates.

Neonfly: 8,5/10

Posted by Nick