In America it's is alreay pretty common, that Rockbands are touring in a package of several acts together throughout the continent. I'm talking here of bands of the fairly big cathegory and not of the small unknown acts, who try desperately to get some attention in a six pack, exspecially here in Germany. 
Those bands here, who are on the way with the Black Crusade tour have already made themselves a name in the genre. But whatever went quite successfully in America, it does not do that well here in Germany, the country of Heavy Metal bands. The venues are not filled completely, but I can' t tell you, why. Maybe it's because, there is too much going on right now what's up to concerts and events. And as we all know, tickets ain't cheap either. In this case of the Black Crusade tour, including Shadows Fall, Arch Enemy, Dragon Force, Trivium and Machine Head, all bands of the new generation, our good old behated Zenith venue is just half full with about 3.000 fans. And you can easily make out, that 99%  are true Machine Head fans. My god, it's such a  long time ago, when I saw this lot in a tiny club in London, England. But I remember it very well. It was a time, when this band was only known to insiders.  - But on the other hand, that's nothing unusal, as all artists usually start very small. I'm probably just one of the view people in  here, who know this band for so long,- expecially when I look at all those youthful faces in the audiance.  

Within a short interview with 'Dragon Force', the chinese guitar wonderchild Herman says, that Germany is still the worst place to play for the band. Unfortunately this statement does become somehow true tonight. But I get to this later on and start off with the first group Shadows Fall and their 30 minutes set, shooting off at 7 p.m. By the way, exept the Sweds  Arch Enemy, it is a american line up only. 

In this case it's Shadows Fall who come from Massachusetts and are going for 12 years now  Singer Brian Fair first came in in 2000. But his impressing 
dreadlocks  became almost something like a trademark for the band. The style of this lot moves between melodic Deathmetal and Thrash.- 'Threads Of Life' came out last march and is the 10th release for Shadows Fall. However, it is always a bit difficult to judge the very first opener, thanks to the weak circumstances, like very little light, little sound and most of all - many still not have arrived yet - fans, who could possibly cheer them up.
Http://www.shadowsfall.com/

Oh, before I forget, I have to apologize, but I could only get hold of the setlists of two bands tonight. 




Okay, let's continue with Swedish Thrash - Arch Enemy. And you can feel immidiately that this band is already pretty popular by all those Machine Head fans. I'm not sure, whether this devotion goes to the pretty appearance of frontwoman Angela Gossow or rather to the acoustic performance. 

It's a fact, that as pretty as this lady is, as brutal is her vocals. Jesus Christ..... 
About 2 months ago, the new longplayer 'Rise Of The Tyrant' came out. And yes - one point for Miss Gossow. It's sparkling, although personally I've got sort of a shiver when listening to this voluminous vocals.
  http://www.archenemy.net/

Third in the row is Dragon Force. And there we are again at this problem, mentioned in the beginning of this review, what guitarist Herman mentioned. Whereby the non acceptance is pretty obvious at all those thrahsmetal freaks tonight. Because this band steps out of the line. They rather follow a melodic way of Heavy Metal. I have seen Dragon Force before at the Backstage in Munich, and was very impressed about the talents of the youngsters, where none is older than 25.

To get it straight, this group does play Melodic Rock but at least 10 times faster. That's why it doesn't sound sentimental, symphonic or soapy, like many other musicians do in this draw. Both guitarists  fight a battle in high speed playing. I do luv this live on stage, not so much on CD. But that's another story. 
However, many Thrash fans do not like it and you can hear them whistling and shouting buuuuhhh. But be honest, our german metalfans are so narrowminded, and they do only want their dead serious metalbands. But this here are young guys, having fun up there - take it easy - they have a good laugh and still play like young gods. And they do look great. I honestly say, - compared with all the other participants here tonight, every single guy in Dragon Force could candidate for Mr. Universum..... apart from Miss Gossow maybe...

 Nr.4 – Trivium  also belong to this cathegory – New Generation Metal Band, and they are received pretty well at the audiance again. 

Also this band I have seen before a while ago here in Munich, supported by Annihilator and Sancity. And they did well with the german audiance. Their musical way is so called Metalcore. It's their youth as well pulling a young new audiance.  Seven years on the road and 2 albums in the luggage, that's the story of Trivium so far. They are energetic as well and give everything. And the fans are grateful....
  http://www.trivium.org/

And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, here they are – the mighty Machine Head,  one of the best Metalbands ever.... – That how  Triviumsinger Matthew Kiichi Heafy announces the Headliner… 

Now, maybe it's only me, who don't agree a 100% with that. Maybe I know too many others and this one too long, having seen them in a very small place in England almost 20 years ago. Okay, I confess, it's not quite my cup of tea, but that's a personal question, and shouldn't interfere my objectiv review.
One thing's for sure, they are doing very well here and celebrate a huge amount of success with their set. 
http://www.machinehead1.com/

Meanwhile I'm absolutely exhausted, as I am already here for 7 hours,including the interview  and all these countless pictures I have taken, trying to  get a picture of the visual action.

So once again I have to confess, after taking pics the usual 3 songs of Machine Head, I'm off back home. My energy is finished. But the right mood has reached another peak. Bodies are flying through the air, as you can spot above. This is it, and everybody is happy .
Only Dragon Force, should go out on their own next time or with bands similar style. Only then, they will win a Royal Flash in Germany as well
I for my part wish them all the best and luck in the world. They deserve it, as for me it has been definately the best band tonight.
Solong....     

                                                        My little Smalltalk with Herman Lee can be heard again at the Interview Section