This was the first time I was seeing both bands, and the very first time that either of these bands had played at a Brooklyn Bowl. The United Forces Tour kicked off the month of June at the Bowl and local old school metal fans showed up en force.
Swedish metal titans HAMMERFALL from Gothenburg, Sweden started off the show. I was excited to finally see this band, and they gave us about an hour of high energy old school metal and came in hot. Their set list gave included "Hammer at Dawn", "Renegade" and "The Metal Age", giving us
flashbacks to the days when metal bands ruled arenas around the world. One of the highlights of their set was the Crimson Thunder 20th Anniversary 4 song medley that included "Riders of the Storm", "Hero’s Return", "On the Edge Of Honour " and "Crimson Thunder". The band's set ended with "Hammer High" and "Hearts on Fire", a force to be reckoned with and a hell of a show.
German power metal legends HELLOWEEN headlined the night, composed of three guitarists, bass player, drummer and two vocalists. The stage was a sight to see, with that classic metal staging with steps going up each side of the stage to risers used by both the singers and guitarists, and a giant evil looking pumpkin between the risers on which the drum kit sat. Helloween opened the show with the huge screen behind the stage playing videos, and then launched into the nearly 15 minute opening song, "Skyfall". Both singers were on opposite sides of the stage at the top of the risers along with the bassist and a guitar player, and after a few minutes they made their way down to the stage.
Singers Michael Kiske and Andi Deris really shined, taking turns trading off leads between screaming guitars and thunderous drums. Helloween's show is a musical journey through their metal catalogue, the guitar playing was incredible and the bass and drums added the final element to what was a memorable evening of classic power metal. The show was intense and powerful and the stage show as always was an impressive. Helloween is always a hit.
HELLOWEEN VEGAS SETLIST:
Encore:
Encore 2:
I Want Out
Hammerfall photos : Harold Mountain / JustAFanPhotos
Helloween photos : Harold Mountain / JustAFanPhotos
