Well so far, being part of Metal Temple in 2015 has already got off to a magnificent start; the releases I have reviewed have been out of this world and for my second live show of 2015 I was treated to some brutality, beards and lots of great quality Heavy Metal.  The show I am talking of is when everybody's favourite Swedish Melodic Death Vikings AMON AMARTH docked into Southampton's The 1865, with the ever powerful Californian Metal storm HUNTRESS and London based Thrash outfit SAVAGE MESSIAH.

From a journalist's point of view, Southampton's newest venue The 1865 has become a favourite of mine. This is because wherever you appear to go you can catch a glimpse of the bands, crowds and the bar isn't too far away if you wanted to grab a drink. So when I settled on the perfect spot I was ready to observe the show.

I had the pleasure of catching SAVAGE MESSIAH last year when they supported Nu/Groove Metal legends SOULFLY coincidently in Southampton but at a different venue. I was so glad I arrived early enough to watch their set as I felt their sound had developed nicely to fit the acoustics of this particular venue. As the scene started to fill up with more Metalheads their set containing excellent guitar solos and powerful vocal work progressed. The sound it produced gave me an idea if EVERGREY and DRAGONFORCE were to ever duet together. That's my personal opinion mind and I am in no way saying that's a bad thing as I admire both EVERGREY and DRAGONFORCE. They were definitely the right choice to open up this grand evening of Metal that was to be bestowed upon us.
 

Californian Metal storm HUNTRESS were next to take to the stage; I had the delight of speaking to their leading lady Jill Janus beforehand, she happened to mention that they were a lot stronger and more powerful live. Well witnessing the crowds bowing before them before they even sang the first note Jill's statement was proved correct. They had the audience under their thumbs the moment they started to play the opening song "Spell Eater".  Their performance of distinct vocals, thunderous drums and badass guitar shredding proved to me that HUNTRESS are not a band to be messed with; their infectious energy spread like a Heavy Metal virus that had everyone head banging and starting mosh pits. Ending with "I Wanna Fuck You To Death" and "Eight Of Swords" marked the end of a more than efficacious set, I think I speak on behalf of all who were there when I say they are more than welcome back to Southampton.
 

Now the last time I had seen Swedish Vikings AMON AMARTH play was at Bloodstock Open Air Festival last year, I can remember a grand stage set with large props and lots of technical aspects so I was interested to see how much they would have to scale down to play on a smaller stage.
 

If there were awards for the most Metal opening to a show then AMON AMARTH would win hands down and I shall tell you why. Once the lights went down and the cheering had quietened you could suddenly hear IRON MAIDEN's classic hit "Run To The Hills". Many fans showed their appreciation for this by singing along and practising air guitar; you couldn't get much more metal than that really.
 

The first belting chords of blinding opener "Father Of The Wolf" were heard and from that moment you could see fists pumping, long hair swishing and mosh pits breaking out. So to say AMON AMARTH had Southampton eating out of their rough Viking hands from the word go would be an understatement. Their rough Viking Exterior and godly talent when it came to their musical gifts gave us an excellent show to watch and to experience their brilliant music. Their selection of songs for the setlist was very eclectic; it included "Deciever Of Gods", "As Loke Falls" and my personal favourite belter "Guardians Of Asgard" that sat well with Southampton's Metal Heads. My only regret was missing the last half hour due to other commitments elsewhere in the city centre but taking one last look before leaving the venue I was comfortable knowing that AMON AMARTH had Southampton right where they wanted them.
 

Speaking to other concert goers after the show, I think it's safe to say AMON AMARTH is more than welcome to dock their ship into our port anytime soon.

So from this glowing report, I can safely say it was one of the greatest nights of metal I have experienced. If any of these bands are ever on tour near you, be sure you catch them, lest you regret it later.

*Photography by Pedro Alves

New upcoming Californian Heavy Metal piece HUNTRESS is definitely causing a storm within the metal community in the most positive way imaginable. I can guarantee by the middle of this year at least they will be the band on everyone's lips, find out what happened when I spoke to their leading lady Jill Janus. We spoke about their album themes, their tour with AMON AMARTH and issues surrounding women in metal.