METALIUM took the stage at 22:00 for a set that lasted about 1 hr 50 m. The stage set was almost the same as on their previous tour: a large band logo backdrop that hung from the back wall of the stage, two giant flags on the sides of the stage and microphones with red glowing eyes. Fortunately, this time they didn't use the metalian outfits :-) Although there wasn't the massive crowd this band so rightfully deserves, Metalium performed like they were appearing in a stadium. After the intro tape, the band fired up the house, and launched right into three cuts from their first studio album "Millennium Metal": "Fight", "Dream Of Doom" and "Break The Spell", during which the audience start headbanging like demons. The very powerful "Rasputin" was the first new song the band played. They carried on with the new album, playing "Odin's Spell", "In The Name Of Blood" and "Odyssey". Then a couple of old songs, "Revelation" from "Millennium Metal" and "Inner Sight" from "State Of Triumph". Up next was one of the songs I was waiting for, "Revenge Of Tizona", the tremendous first track on the new CD and it was played perfectly, with all the audience singing along. After "Revenge Of Tizona" there were some problems with Matthias' guitar, so while the techs tried to mend the problem Michael and Lars entertained the audience by playing a cool drum/bass solo. Lars spoke a few sentences in Spanish to make us laugh and to thank the Spanish audience for the warm welcome, endearing them even more to the hearts of their fans. Once the problem was fixed, they immediately started to play "Metalium", shouted out loud by anyone who still had a voice left. Then, a total change of pace and mood with the power-ballad "Prophecy" (ahhhh, THAT VOICE!!). Up next was the title track from the new album! Henning introduced it as "a homage to metalium fans". This, of course, sent the crowd wild. After "Hero-Nation" the band members disappeared back stage in order to return a moment later to play some crowd favourites. They launched their attack with "State Of Triumph". The "fire" on both sides of the stage gave a wonderful atmosphere to this brilliant performance. The following song, "Steel Avenger" with its complex vocal sections was unbelievable and breathtaking. Henning's voice was simply awesome. The last encore was "Free Forever", getting an incredible response from the audience (everybody joined in for the chorus). Finally, the show ended with Lars and Matthias spitting fire! Amazing!! No covers were performed this time. My only complaint is that they played too many songs from the new album, I think (please, play "Metalians", "Erania" or "Years Of Darion"!!) and the most important thing... they should add a second guitarist!!

     

Lars' energy and engaging personality demands that you get involved with foot tapping, headbanging and mouthing of words... and the audience certainly responded, illustrating the fact that a good number were familiar with their material. Matthias' solos were just breathtaking. Henning's voice sounded perfect as usual, this guy enchanted the Arena that night and had us all under a spell (and showed us his new tattoo, by the way). He interacted with the audience a great deal more than at previous concerts I attended. This was their first tour with new drummer Michael Ehre, who really is a fine drummer. A great addition to the band, I must say!! Well, their musical competency was clear for all to see, with that added sense of humour which makes them unique. Be sure to see them live, 'cause it will be a show that you'll never forget by one of the best metal bands :)

           

After the show, there was a party with Metalium at a cool metal pub in Madrid called "Excalibur". The band arrived there at about 1:00 AM. There were about 40 people present (band members, journalists and some fans). Lars Ratz was the DJ and he put on cool classic metal tunes that made us bang our heads unmercifully (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Kiss, Halford and... Metalium :-) among many others). There were some surprises and gifts. That was a really nice and funny party!!! Below are some pictures of the party. As always, thanks to everybody I met there and a big THANKS to the guys from Metalium (your neverending kindness is something that I cannot thank you enough for) Stay Heavy!! -Review & photos by Marina-

METALIUM SET-LIST

Fight, Break The Spell, Dream Of Doom, Rasputin, Odin's Spell, In The Name Of Blood, Revelation, Eye Of The Storm, Prophecy, Revenge Of Tizona, Metalium, Inner Sight, Odyssey, Accused To Be A Witch, Hero-Nation, State Of Triumph, Steel Avenger & Free Forever.