Review And Photos By Suzie Packebush
In downtown Fort Worth, Texas, in a place sometimes called Cowtown or The Stockyards, sits Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall. While the area is best known for country music, this venue is branching out and bringing a variety of sounds to the area; so much so that they just hosted the Awaken The World Tour 2024 with KAMELOT, HAMMERFALL and AD INFINITUM.
AD INFINITUM's set was so early that they were in the final songs when we arrived, but the Swiss band has a steady fan base and the Napalm Records Artist is becoming a commanding presence within the metal scene. Vocalist Melissa Bonny is a standout in the female fronted metal genre and the band is currently supporting their 2023 release, Chapter III: Downfall, which is part of the trilogy of releases Chapter I: Monarchy and Chapter II: Legacy.
The Swedish power metal band, HAMMERFALL, took command of the stage and had an energy that you would have no idea of their thirty-one-year history if you were just encountering them. With Oscar Dronjak on guitar leading the band onto stage they began their set with "Brotherhood". Joacim Cans on vocals delivered a flawless performance while interacting with the crowd, much to the delight of the fans. The animation on stage from Fredrik Larsson and Pontus Norgren was intense but at the same time playful, translating their love of what they do openly and in a way fans could easily understand.
While the crowd enjoyed previously released songs after "Brotherhood" such as "Hammer High", and "Let the Hammer Fall", they were also treated to a song off their upcoming record, Avenge The Fallen, called "Hail To The King". With the enthusiasm of the crowd, it was obvious that the taste of the new album was well received.
Closing out their portion of the show with "(We Make) Sweden Rock" and "Hearts On Fire", the set from HAMMERFALL delivered a fantastic experience to the concert goers no matter if they were long-term fans or just encountering the band for the first time like some of the audience I talked to.
When the American power metal band, KAMELOT, took the stage the vibe was almost akin to a powershift, where HAMMERFALL was playful to a point, KAMELOT was intense, brooding and suspenseful. The bright lights of HAMMERFALL were replaced by muted tones to fit the atmosphere. The music was just as powerful.
Beginning their set with "The Great Divide", KAMELOT vocalist Tommy Karevik stage presence had such an intensity that was visible to all in the venue. While Tommy commanded the visual center point other band members Thomas Youngblood and Sean Tibbetts interacted with the crowd, pointing out to fans in the crowd and exchanging fist bumps with fans.
During "Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)", "New Babylon", "Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)", and "March of Mephisto", Melissa Bonny joined KAMELOT on stage to lend her amazing vocals to these songs. The drum solo featuring Alex Landenburg was a display of phenomenal talent and mastery of the drums and the music would not be the same without the keyboardist Oliver Palotai.
Between the music, the band energy, and the unique area of the venue the show on May 6th was a wonderful night and once again displayed how metal brings people together, be they longtime fans or their first experience was that night. The show will live in the memories of fans for a long while, and I know for me, personally, I look forward to these bands returning to the area the next time so I can see them again.
Check out some more photos from the show!
Review And Photos By Suzie Packebush
