Words and Pictures: Adrian Hextall \ MindHex Media
In a night filled with eclectic melodies and powerful storytelling, Peyton Parrish took center stage at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, delivering a performance that seamlessly blended modern hits with timeless tales of myth and legend. With a set-list as diverse as it was captivating, Parrish led the audience on a musical journey that traversed genres and centuries, leaving them spellbound until the very last note.
If that wasn’t enough, openers Dominum brought their own Gothic infused story telling with a monster mash performance that brought to mind the classic Universal Studios movies from the 1930s.
DOMINUM
Dominum are an up-and-coming power / horror band from Germany featuring four members: Dr. Dead as vocalist (also I believe one of the main songwriters in Visions of Atlantis) , Patient Zero on bass, Tommy on guitars, and Victor on drums.
They sound, quite simply, great. Even if our headliner was to fall out of favour with these ears, Dominum would have made the night worthwhile. Supporting their recently released debut album, “Hey Living People”, the performance from the four-piece was pure horror theatre.
Whilst the fear factor fell between Abbott and Costello and Hammer Horror, there’s no doubting the impact they had on the sold out crowd at the venue. Even though 99.9% of people were in town to see the Viking blooded influencer perform in London for the first time, they warmed beautifully to Dr. Dead & Co. from the get-go. The highlight, performed with rampant campery, was a brilliant rendition of “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” the classic Dead or Alive (apt for the band) track from the 80s.
Huge melodies, great choruses, making the album a must-buy, rousing and worthy interaction from the energised crowd, more than encouraged the band to give it their all and whilst they made unusual bedfellows with Peyton Parrish, it was in actual fact a match made in heaven. By the time their short set was complete, they had, judging by the number of people queuing to meet them at the end of the show, made a lot of new friends in London.
PEYTON PARRISH
Kicking off the evening with “Fist Into the Air,” Parrish wasted no time in setting the tone for the night ahead. With its anthemic chorus and pulsating rhythms, the song served as a rousing call to arms, drawing the audience into Parrish’s world of raw energy and unbridled passion.
As the set-list unfolded, Parrish showcased his versatility as both a musician and a storyteller. From the haunting melodies of “Cavity” to the raw intensity of “Fallen Angel,” each song offered a glimpse into the depths of Parrish’s artistry, revealing layers of emotion and meaning that resonated with the audience on a profound level.
But it was in the midst of myth and legend that Parrish truly shone. With “Ragnarök” and “Thor,” he transported listeners to the realm of Norse mythology, where gods and mortals clashed in epic battles of cosmic significance. The pounding drums and soaring melodies captured the drama and intensity of the ancient sagas, leaving the audience breathless with anticipation.
Yet, Parrish’s exploration of mythology didn’t end there. With “God of War” and “Valhalla Calling,” he delved into the world of Norse-inspired video game soundtracks, infusing the music with a sense of epic grandeur and cinematic scope that left listeners on the edge of their seats.
But amidst the epic tales of gods and heroes, Parrish also showcased his softer side with heartfelt ballads like “Poetry Glass” and “My Mother Told Me.” These intimate moments allowed Parrish to connect with the audience on a more personal level, sharing stories of love, loss, and resilience that resonated deeply with all who listened.
As the concert reached its crescendo, Parrish closed out the night with a stirring rendition of “I’ll Make A Man Out of You” from Disney’s “Mulan,” followed by the anthemic “Go the Distance” from “Hercules.” These songs served as a powerful reminder of Parrish’s ability to bridge the gap between myth and modernity, blending the timeless themes of heroism and perseverance with contemporary sensibilities.
This was a real first. I went into this show pretty much blind. Parrish hadn’t been on my radar before, I’m probably the wrong age group that has latched onto him to be honest but the concert at Shepherd’s Bush Empire was a tour de force of musical storytelling and artistic innovation. With a set-list that traversed genres and centuries, Parrish captivated the audience with his raw talent, infectious energy, and boundless creativity. It was a night that transcended the boundaries of time and genre, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to experience it. Come back soon !
The tour continues:
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