KAMELOT - Philly: Rock You Like A Hurricane!

KAMELOT - Philly: Rock You Like A Hurricane!









Images and words by Mark Gromen



Hard to imagine, but 24 hours ago (as another Florida metal band
once said), the Delaware Valley was under siege from the first
landfalling hurricane in over 100 years. Thankfully Irene wasn't as mean
as forecast, the KAMELOT crew able to leave Jaxx, outside DC and make
it northward throughout the night. Guess all that Sunshine State
experience came in handy. Riding the storm out, indeed. However more
than 200 pre-sale tickets in both locations were unable to attend the
show.






This is a new look outfit, what with Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE)
fronting the band since Roy Khan's abdication. Considering keyboardist
Oliver Palotai (also of SONS OF SEASONS) brought along his paramour,
Simon Simons (EPICA) to help out on 'The Haunting', this is something of
progressive power metal convention on wheels! I'd seen Lione with his
other band many times, yet a month ago, at Wacken, it was apparent his
time in Kamelot has loosened him up, onstage. Now entrenched in the
frontman role alongside mainstays Thom Youngblood (founder/guitarist)
and drummer Casey Grillo, the Italian import, his hair pulled back in a
ponytail, makes the stage his own. Just wish the band would trot out a
couple of older tunes (say anything off the first trio of albums),
although Youngblood has recently been vocal about trying to secure the
rights to these tunes, which should (hopefully) translate into playing
live.



Opening with the one-two punch of 'Rule The World' and ''Ghost
Opera', Youngblood then took the mic to thank the fans for braving the
post-hurricane hoopla. Grillo was behind his spherical drum cage, masked
vocalist Elize (AMARANTHE) on a riser to his right and behind
Youngblood. A trio of foot high risers stood at the edge of the stage,
between the monitors. Each shone a light from below and were repeatedly
utilized throughout the evening. Lots of reds for 'The Human Stain',
while Elize donned a white robe for 'Center of the Universe'. There was
plenty of energy from everyone onstage. The sound was magnificent,
although it gradually increased, to a level that was not supported by
the attendance (lack of absorbsion making it overbearing).






'Abandoned' saw Elize spotlit, as the stage was lit in blue/green
teals. Eventually, it was just Fabio and the keyboards, the singer
standing on the center riser, until he was met by the hooded female
vocalist at the front of the stage. 'When the Lights Are Down' saw the
stage turned red/pink as Youngblood ventured to the second riser, behind
Palotai, toying with Grillo's cymbals. 'Soul Society' kicked off with
sirens and warning lights, while 'Hunter's Season' began with a
classically trained keyboard solo from Palotai. Alone onstage, he ran
through a few clasical etudes, but from here on, the set slowed, a
series of stops & starts with solo appearances (Grillo also got a
turn in the spotlight), talking bits and eventually leading up to
'Forever', which ended the proper set, prior to the encore.



The band returned for a two-song encore, first 'Karma', then 'March
of Memphisto'. Shame more people couldn't have been in attendance, but
with the bad weather gone, the rest of the tour should be smooth
sailing. Check 'em out when they get near, supported by THE AGONIST,
BLACKGUARD and those fun-loving, hard drinking ALESTORM. Makes for a
good night out!


More photos can be found in a gallery here.