Kamelot, The Almighty

It has to be said that Kamelot put on the most incredible show I have seen to date. While I thought Shinedown performed excellently, followed by Evanescence in Manchester, I was overwhelmed by Kamelot. 

Though, it must be said that each band I've seen this Autumn/Winter has played in a completely different venue to the rest, with Kamelot performing in the smallest venue in the HMV Forum in London and Evanescence in Manchester Arena (approximately three times as big as the Forum!). Personally I prefer the smaller arenas, as they exert a much more intimate feel and atmosphere. You feel far closer to the band on stage and - if you're lucky like me - you get pinpointed in the crowd. (-Momentary fan-girl squeal-). I've had a very different experience with each, although I did get to meet Shinedown as well as Kamelot, mainly because of the venue. The other contributing factor to an excellent gig is also the crowd, believe it or not. A cooperative, excitable crowd always add to the lively atmosphere. 

Also adding the fact that I met them too... I met my all-time favourite band!

L-R: Oliver; Casey; Thomas; Me; Tommy; Sean; Elize

Sure, Evanescence had that air about it, of course they did with the six and a half thousand people present, but Kamelot, with their more close-knit, loyal fan-base to stand by them regardless, were gifted with an amazing crowd of people who enjoyed every moment of the show. You could hear the beauty in the music, but you could also feel it too! The emotion in Tommy's voice, and the acting of the songs through his gestures, and the bass rumbling through you... it simply all came together perfectly. Not to mention the perfect blend and variety of songs they played throughout. I could not help but feel giddy every moment I was about three feet away from any one of the band members... never had I been so close. Tommy made the decision of jumping off the stage and stood upon the barrier (perhaps a bad idea with a group of gaggling girls to my left pretty much attempting to grope the man)... and moments like that, and when the infamous Thomas Youngblood stands upon the amps in front of you and brushes his hand past yours, leaves you somewhat breathless. No experience I have had compares to this, feeling the live music of and standing so near the band you admire perhaps the most. 

Now, when you think about it, the impact music has on you isn't too far gone from art. Music is an art. The point of art is to create an impression on the viewer (or listener!), to convey a message and to communicate visually (or musically!). When you look at a painting, drawing, digital or otherwise, you feel something from it. It impacts you with some kind of emotion whether positive or negative, and leaves you pondering more about the message or ideal of that artwork. You interpret the piece of work, deciding on whether it comes together as a successful piece or not - in your opinion (that's mightily important) mind you - and discovering the whole reason for the use of colour palette and style of brush strokes. Artwork always has contrast, and the artist behind it all undoubtedly develops. 

This applies to musicians as well. A good musician  singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer (you name it) creates their music with intent, deliberately and confidently, trying to leave an imprint on the listener. 

During Kamelot's show, I felt it all. Tommy's voice, particularly during Song for Jolee, sent chills down my spine with that mournful beauty coupled with the song's lyrics. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Let's not forget that they are really lovely people to talk to as well, I know first hand now. If I could turn back time I would most certainly do it all again (including battle with the London Underground to get there!). 

In the next couple of days I will post the photographic evidence, some rather good captured moments if I say so (this time with a proper camera, unlike Shinedown (woops!)). Although, here is a taster for what is to come, a taster of just how near I was: -

(-More excitement-)

Tommy Karevik

SO  if you are a fan of Kamelot, stay tuned for more photography from the Silverthorn

tour @ The Forum, London.
x

Shinedown - Manchester 29/10/12

I had to write an entry about this gig; it was, as per usual, an excellent performance by Shinedown- this time at the 02 Apollo. 

Not to mention this time I was able to meet them. (Moment of heart-busting excitement!)

Yes this is art related, because it includes some of my VERY amateur photography (in this case it wasn't really for artwork's purposes, given that I was limited to my camera phone and waiting to take photographs at rare still moments!) 

Anyway, I took a few photographs which weren't the best quality but they capture the essence of the atmosphere in the arena. [ N.B - I remembered a camera, but forgot the memory card, which reduced me to the use of my phone. This was devastating, because in the end the dim lighting and poor quality led to a photograph with the band that I had to edit in Photoshop to get it vaguely clear ] 

BUT - I met them, and they were such friendly guys! Surprised by how short they all were, barely taller than my measly 5'6, but such a humble group of men. Bit of banter over my phone because they saw my password when I tried to get to the camera mode. Shinedown - you could steal my phone any-day (just so long as you gave it back!) 

The band and I! Not the best quality picture, but one is better than none at all!

It was simply amazing. A pretty much packed out venue, with nearly four thousand people - which is quite impressive for a band that has only really recently taken off over here in the United Kingdom. Bear in mind, that's only one venue out of many that they have been playing at throughout their UK tour. 

They had a slightly different set-list this time, which I wasn't complaining about. They played pretty much most of my favourite songs, as always! One of the best moments had to be during the encore, the performance of Simple Man: 

Hearing the crowd singing over the top of Brent was incredible and chill-inducing all at once:

Excuse the steward in the corner! But yes, I was close :P 

Later I may return to this post and update the pictures with slightly edited, sharper focus and better contrasted versions - just so to make the quality somewhat better! But you can see enough from these for now ;)

I digress. 

Before Simple Man came Devour, and boy does that always go down well! I love this song and I always sing my heart out when it inevitably comes about during their performance!

Taking a photo of the guitarist at this point above (obviously!) and to get a smile of recognition from the earlier Meet & Greet filled me with butterflies. Zach is such a lovely man - well, as are they all. 

These photographs may be swamped with light, but I hope you can see the energy in them. The very exposed light is partly due to the strobe lights, partly due to the poor equipment being used to take the photographs - as earlier stated! :P 

Every one of the songs played were amazing. I've never been disappointed by a performance by Shinedown - and I've seen them three times this year already. Many more of their gigs for me to attend, I expect! Okay, so the support bands were questionable, the second most definitely better than the first, but in the end it wasn't them I went to see. It was Shinedown, and once again they delivered. 

There was an intriguing moment, when Brent stopped the whole show because of some commotion going on not too far to my right. Perhaps someone had been hurt, and he wasn't going to carry on playing until he made sure everyone was all-right. It turned out that a girl had lost her Iphone. Well, darling, don't take such an expensive phone to a gig where it would potentially get lost or damaged! You interrupted everyone else's show. Other than that little five minutes of amusement, a flawless show. It perhaps topped their performance at Download this year... maybe. ;D

Meeting them was almost dream-like, and I'd pay for it again! (Although I didn't pay for it this time, it was a birthday gift!)

If only I had remembered my memory card for the worthwhile, 14 mp camera I had with me...