Temperatures are at their highest in the UK since July 2006, making this one of the worst days to attend a sold out show. Also in 2006 was Finnish power/melodic death metallers Wintersun's last trek to the capital in support of Amon Amarth. Since then, Finland's melodic finest have absolutely sky-rocketed in popularity and this show is unsurprisingly sold out. Great for the band, bad for the venue as the unbearable heat transcends the usual gig levels.
Support is from Portsmouth-based Bloodshot Dawn. Despite forming in 2003, the quartet only released their debut full-length 'Bloodshot Dawn'last year but have been touring the local circuit committedly. Their blend of modern metal is rich in melodic death and thrash moments with meandering, colourful solos. Influences are a pastiche of Morbid Angels more orthodox moments to Amon Amarth's melodic harshness. The stage presence is somewhat subdued but some fans manage to reap some enjoyment from this largely unknown act.
It is a full half-hour after their set is supposed to being before Wintersun finally take the stage with audience members violently fanning themselves and marinating in their own sweat. Classical-inspired instrumental opener 'When Time Fades Away' acts as a particularly long intro tape song (which would normally be fine were the mercury not melting) and acts as a highly effective reminder as to why the audience are here tonight. When the band takes the stage, the intro gives way to 'Sons of Winter and Stars' from the extremely overdue 'Time I' full-length from last year. Despite the six year delay in this album being released, the fans' loyalty has been unwavering, with a vast portion of the audience crooning along to each word of this new track, more mature and comprehensive in song writing than cuts from the solid self-titled debut. Mosh pits are raised fairly consistently, a truly brave feat in such intense heated conditions.
Riffs are largely melodic and have a space-y, otherworldly vibe, chopping and changing tempos. The keyboards are sadly all taped, surprising given their prominence in the music. Frontman Jari Mäenpää alternates between a vicious growl and a throaty shout while executing memorable solos amongst a typically Finnish marriage between melodic death and power metal riffs. The stage presence of the band is relatively static but the fans wholly enjoy the experience. A particular highlight is singing 'Happy Birthday' to bassist Jukka Koskinen. The band hand him a cute stuffed toy monkey holding a heart as a present. Not bad!
Given the lengthy duration of the new songs, the setlist contains a limited number of tracks. 'Land of Snow and Sorrow' and 'Time' round off the new album , with a strong sound replicating the recorded versions appropriately. From 2004's 'Wintersun' release, the audience are treated to five tracks including the eight minute long 'Beautiful Death' and seven minute 'Battle Against Time';. But closing number 'Starchild' receives the strongest ovation and ends the night on a high note, despite the obvious lack of an encore (surprising given the popularity of 'Winter Madness', which is absent from the set).
Wintersun's first headlining show in London is nothing short of a sold out success but the soaring temperatures made the show an endurance test. Perhaps if the Garage considered putting its air conditioning on (it should be a crime not to), the gig would have been better. Maybe next time, Wintersun will play in winter.
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.