Words/Photos: Smudge
It’s a Monday night in Norwich but it could have been a weekend judging from the crowd that turned up for this Power Metal extravaganza. Although the venue was not full by any means the crowd was thoroughly invested in all three bands.
First up were Harwich quartet Fellowship who warmed us up with their heady brew of Melodic Power Metal. Guitarist Brad Wosko put in a proper shift with some fine lead lines and the very well-spoken singer Matthew Corry has a fine set of pipes, none more evident on their tour-de-force “Hold Up Your Hearts (Again)” and a stirring version of Elton John’s “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”. My only issues were with the sound which was muddy and poor plus I think they need another guitarist to flesh out the sound a bit more. Whatever issues they faced they put on a wonderful show.
I was proper excited to see German Gothic/Dark Power Metal mob Dominum. They have issued a couple of stunning albums since their inception in 2022. Their sound was a whole lot better and just what is it with the Germans and being able to create such wonderful dark melodies. “Danger Danger” was an absolute banger then the crowd didn’t need any encouragement to help singer Dr. Dead on “The Dead Don’t Die” which is a horror story lullaby. Sing this to your kids and they’ll need therapy! We got “Frankenstein” then “Don’t Get Bitten By The Wrong Ones” – Good advice seeing as Dr. Death was backed by three zombies. Those zombies can certainly play as they ripped apart a fantastic version of Scorpions’ “Rock You Like A Hurricane” again assisted by the growing crowd. “Killed By Life” brought a big celtic feel before they opened the zombie café with “We All Taste The Same” which has another dark, creepy melody that was consumed by the crowd. Final number “The Chosen Ones” brought some bounce metal as everyone started jumping. Dominum are going to be huge. They’ve got the songs; they’ve got the image and they’ve got the talent. As long as they keep on this trajectory, they will be headlining gigs like this very soon.
Scottish Power Metal knights Gloryhammer played a blinder from the start. A cardboard cut out of Sir Tom Jones (it could well have been him, I don’t know) was brought out as “Delilah” was played over the P.A. Oh how the crowd sang and got ready for the absurdity to come. The shouts of “Hoots” were loud as the band launched into “Holy Flaming Hammer Of Unholy Cosmic Frost” which had the crowd singing straightaway then things got proper heavy on “Land Of The Unicorn”. “Fly Away” and “He Has Returned” were full of melody before things got proper crazy on “Angus McFife”, “Questlords Of Inverness Ride To The Galactic Fortress” and the hoots of “Wasteland Warrior Hoots Patrol”. Bass player The Hootsman asked the crowd: “Who plays Norwich on a Monday night?” The answer came back – Gloryhammer does! Unfortunately, I had to leave due to an early start for my day job, but I left to the mighty sound of the song “Gloryhammer” ringing in my ears.
What a fantastic night of pure entertainment. Nothing serious other than serious fun and escapism. A shout to all three bands who were all awesome and to Jack Pottle who along with his family dressed as unicorns including his son who was at his very first gig – one he will remember for the rest of his life. I think I will too.
GLORYHAMMER + DOMINUM + Fellowship
January 2025
31st DUNDEE – Church
February 2025
1st NEWCASTLE – Riverside
2nd SOUTHAMPTON – The 1865
3rd NORWICH – Epic Studios
4th GLASGOW – Garage
6th DUBLIN – The Academy
7th WOLVERHAMPTON – KK‘s Steel Mill
8th MANCHESTER – O2 Ritz
9th BRISTOL – SWX
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