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Children of Bodom - HMV Forum

CHILDREN OF BODOM + AMON AMARTH + ENSIFERUM

HMV Forum, London 9/4/2011

There is something so satisfying about listening to Scandinavian Metal. Whether it’s the Viking themes or the bouncy folk riffs, It’s a genre that seems to be enjoyed by all looking at the turnout for tonight’s gig at the Kentish Town (HMV) Forum. Old and New metal fans seem to be out in full force for this one and they were in for a wild ride.

Sadly I missed the Opening Act Machinae Supremacy but from what I could tell, they were really needed on the bill.

Ensiferum kicked off the night in a way only the flying fins can. Unleashing their soaring folk metal to a great response by the already filled London venue crowd. You can tell a lot of the fans came here to party with all the bands rather than just turning up for the headliner. They had a lot of energy and fantastic stage presence notably from bassist Sami Hinkka. A great way to kick off the night, ‘Twilight Tavern’ and sing-a-long finale ‘Iron’ are highlights. Ensiferum don’t really take themselves too seriously, but this is what I love about these guys, just going out and putting on a great show for a fired up crowd. 9/10

Never before have I been to a gig where the support has a bigger crowd reaction than the headlines act. Thanks to big bearded Swedish death metallers Amon Amarth this all changed. Galloping straight into new track ‘War of the Gods’ from their latest album ‘Surtur Rising’, Amarth never let up through the whole set. From start to finish they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Smashing through hits such as ‘Runes To My Memory’ and the epic ‘Twilight Of The Thunder God’ with every fan, Young and Old singing along to every word and chanting along to every riff. Much to the delight of frontman Johan Hegg, who even when he’s smiling looks incredibly intimidating on stage. Incredible, fist pumping, Viking metal at it’s finest. 10/10

While Children Of Bodom are the headline act tonight you wouldn’t have thought it with the buzz that was surrounded by Amarth. Alexi and Co however were greeted with a great reception and storm through opener ‘Not My Funeral’ from new album ‘Reckless, Relentless, Forever’ and old classics from Highlight album ‘Hatecrew Deathroll’ such as ‘Needled 24/7’ and ‘Bodom Beach Terror’ It never really felt like the crowd had quite the same energy and passion towards Bodom tonight however. The guys never really looked that energetic either, maybe due to it being the last night of the tour? ‘Children Of Bodom and Hate me!’ go down very well compared to a lot of the new stuff. A solid performance from the Bodom men but I couldn’t help feeling like I was left wanting more at the end of the set. Also felt like a few major songs were left out of the set like ‘Are You Dead Yet?’ and ‘Silent Night Bodom Night’. Maybe if it wasn’t for Amon Amarth this would have been COB’s night, but the Vikings weren’t going to be moved. 8/10

Graham Ray

Gavin Harris - 12/04/2011 20:05:51