Germany's Premier power metal band, BLIND GUARDIAN, made their way to London, England for their first UK tour in four years and to make it more special, it was their only UK date on their "Beyond the Red Mirror" tour. They chose the perfect venue, The HMV Forum in the trendy suburb Kentish Town, which has seen the likes of SABATON and ENSIFERUM hit the stage.

Outside the venue had a classic, 1950s cinema feel to it and inside the auditorium was grand and snazzy. As the audience drew into the room excitement grew in the air as everyone anticipated what was to be an epic show. First, Israeli folk metal band, ORPHANED LAND, came on stage with their short but sweet set. It was full of big chorus's, colourful lighting and a sense of Eastern mystique. You could tell that the band had already created a loyal following when they played their song "All is One" and the crowd clapped in perfect. Their live show was definitely the perfect fit for Blind Guardian's fast and furious European power metal.

The stage was empty awaiting the headliner before the lights went out then there was a heavy roar that boomed around the room and hundreds of fists went up in the air as if they were ready for battle. The dramatic opening of "Beyond the Red Mirror"'s, "The Ninth Wave" began before the band members finally came on stage. It was a flawless introduction, but by the end of their set Blind Guardian's performance had reached a massive sale - one that only some bands hope to achieve.

This had something to do with their amazing set list which felt as though it had been carefully carved together with old and new favourites to please everyone. The songs off the new album went down well specifically when they played their single, "Twilight of the Thunder Gods" where huge power chords and electrifying riffs blasted from the powerful speakers. But the real sing a long moments that I was expecting from a show like this happened when songs like "Imaginations from the Other Side" and the truly wondrous "Nightfall" were performed, however. The best moment of the entire show was when "The Bard's Song" was played. It was a real camp fire moment that pulled everyone together.

BLIND GUARDIAN's London show this April was one of the best live performances I have ever seen. The band really gave it their, pelting out their raging guitar in an act of passion and Hansi Kursch's vocals were completely on top of his game. If we're ever lucky to get the Power metal legends back in the British Isles I'd advise getting tickets in a heartbeat. The spectacle of their live show is not something to be missed.