INNERWISH was always a very good Metal band hailing from Greece, but I think right now they're playing on a higher level. The melodic Heavy/Power Metal outfit did its first headline show celebrating the release of their newest album "No Turning Back" and there's limited chance someone was dissatisfied with what went on in Gagarin205 Club on a cloudy Thursday afternoon.

Good news was spewing out right on our arrival at the venue: the amount of metalheads/rockers eagerly waiting outside the venue brought good faith for the participation of a big crowd in a concert featuring local bands (a sad point for Greek Metal in general…) and as soon as RAGENHEART was stepping onstage the atmosphere was already warm and familiar. The Athenian melancholic/prog/intellectual Power metallers had a good sound and offered a nice set of songs but I'd probably mark this appearance as their worst one, and this not because they lacked the skill this band has but probably due to their denial to warm things up a little bit. RAGENHEART's music is excellent – not to say superb – and they have proved all these years they're hardworking and intelligent musicians writing serious stuff without an expiration date. Still, they are so standing still onstage which – added to the moodiness of their music – can created symptoms of boredom to the crowed. Maybe they're more of a studio band, after all? Two cover takes accompanied the band's set: "A Touch Of Evil" and "One Night In The City" (both well done).

The venue was continually welcoming more and more faces; I bet 400 was a good estimation by the time DEXTER WARD was walking onstage. Featuring two members of Epic Metal warriors BATTLEROAR (the Italian singer and Greek guitarist), I recalled seeing this quintet performing live in last year's 'Up The Hammers' festival and was not even impressed. The same happened again; their music is not easy to swallow, even if we're not talking 'bout something technically unreachable of over-complicated. The band's music (with an EP already out) owes a lot to both JUDAS PRIEST 'relics' songs plus a slice of America's underground Heavy/Power Metal born in the 70s. Nothing primitive, definitely well-played and also featuring some remarkable vocals by Mark Dexter (aka Marco Concoreggi)…but with no clear vision or scope. Anyway, enough of the front rows seemed to enjoy the set, CIRITH UNGOL's "Go It Alone" did ad some spark and the applause was hot the time the band walked away.

When INNERWISH's latest album was issued some months ago it was evident this fabulous outfit was now playing in the major European Metal league. What did strike like lightning was the band's performance that evening. Everything was close to great: the sound was fat and clear, the lights created a huge 'Rock stardom' atmosphere and the level of musicianship in the band was sight for sore eyes. Rare are the times such onstage consistency is shown by bands that are not considered are 'classic' or top professionals. All these resulting in an 90' party featuring tracks form the whole INNERWISH discography with the big crowd – at was magical to see so many faces enjoying a 'local' band's recital.

The new album had its share of course, with the first 'hit' (also shot as a video) "Burning Desires" raising hell, but the sentimental vocal/piano ballad "Live For My Own" showing singer Babis Alexandropoulos' majestic voice. Old classics included "Spacerunner", "Ready For Attack", "If I Could Turn Back Time", "Eye Of The Storm" and "Feel The Magic" and it was good news to see friends of the band but not that 'into' this music style approving INNERWISH's skilled perspective and neat onstage sweat. During the cover take on Q5's "Lonely Lady" the vocal parts were doubled by female singer Vasia Zaharopoulou generating a tremendous duet preserving the original's mastery. The rest of the band was on top form too, with stellar guitar work and some breathtaking rhythm section (two drummers were used for this occasion, the first one being the band's new member with old 'family' member Fotis Benardo filling in for a couple of tunes too).

This was possibly one of the best gigs I've ever seen by a Greek band. INNERWISH did deliver a helluva show and we know just have to wish the rest of Europe will take the chance and welcome this fine Metal band; 'Brainstorm Festival' (Netherlands, November 5th–6th) will give the first opportunity.

(photos by Nat)