Montclair, NJ came alive on an otherwise sleeppy Wednesday night as metalheads gathered for the “Awaken the World Tour.” The night promised a triple-threat attack of symphonic and power metal, and it did not disappoint.
Ad Infinitum, fronted by the powerhouse vocalist Melissa Bonny (who also handles lead vocals for Kamelot on this tour), kicked things off with a potent dose of melodic metal. Drawing from all three albums and their brand-new single “Outer Space,” the band nevertheless engaged the modest crowd. Bonny mesmerized with her versatility, effortlessly switching between melodic clean vocals and throaty roars. This Swiss/German act, embarking on its first-ever North American tour, proved every bit the rising star.
Then came the undisputed kings of Swedish power metal, Hammerfall. Joacim Cans’ powerful voice rang out through the venue, urging the audience to raise their fists and bang their heads to anthems like “Heeding the Call” and “Let the Hammer Fall.” Hammerfall’s brand of power metal is pure, unadulterated fun, characterized by soaring guitar riffs, galloping drumbeats, and ridiculously catchy choruses. Guitarists Oscar Dronjak and Pontus Norgren shredded with precision, while bassist Fredrik Larsson and drummer David Wallin laid down a rock-solid foundation. The energy in the room was electric by the time they finished their epic closer, “Hearts on Fire,” leaving the crowd breathless and primed for the main event.
Kamelot took the stage to a thunderous ovation, launching straight into “The Great Divide,” the opening track from their latest album The Awakening. The band, boasting a rich history spanning over three decades and 13 studio albums, wasted no time showcasing their signature blend of symphonic and power metal.
Kamelot delved deep into their extensive back catalog, much to the delight of the longtime fans in the audience. Myself included. Prior to picking up concert photography, Kamelot was probably the band I’d seen most often throughout the early through late 2000’s. The only thing that’s changed is the song catalog, because the performance remains ridiculously strong and massively entertaining. Classics like “March of Mephisto,” “When The Lights are Down” and the ever-popular “Forever” elicited enthusiastic singalongs, while the inclusion of “Opus of the Night” and “New Babylon” showcased the band’s ability to weave intricate melodies with powerful storytelling.
Remaining tour dates are listed below the show photos. Even if you’re just a casual metal fan, this tour is worth checking out. Solid lineup, killer performances all around. You won’t be disappointed.
Photos of Kamelot live at The Wellmont Theater:
Photos of Hammerfall live at The Wellmont Theater:
Photos of Ad Infinitium live at The Wellmont Theater:
Remaining Tour Dates:
5.7.24 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes Event Center
5.9.24 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater
5.10.24 – Tucson, AZ – Encore
5.11.24 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove
5.12.24 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
5.14.24 – Denver, CO – The Summit
5.16.24 – St. Paul, MN – Myth
5.17.24 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom/Milwaukee Metal Fest (no AD INFINITUM)
5.18.24 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
5.20.24 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian
5.21.24 – Richmond, VA – The National
5.23.24 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
5.24.24 – Atlanta, GA – Heaven – Masquerade
5.25.24 – Tampa, FL – Jannus Landing
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