It’s not very often that Hanley gets big bands, let’s say twice a year for this venue and for people of the rock / metal persuasion it’s even less. With this in mind I headed into the venue (out of the rain and December wind) to hear one of my favourite UK bands Sylosis who I first saw in a small pub venue two years before and was intrigued to see how the majority of fans of the thrash / death crossover would take to them.

Given that they had one of the best albums of 2008 and now have this slot on a tour as large as this one I was proven right. The crowd however at first did the usual throw fist / horns in the air when asked to until halfway through the set where one side had to decided to start a circle pit (which at least in this venue they had room to!) I expect Sylosis to get even bigger in the years to come and this tour will gain them even more new fans.

Next came the Swedish power metallers Sabaton who gained a big following at this year’s Bloodstock and were described by their singer as ‘the Village People band of the night’ (must have been the whole leather and beards thing ). If the crowd weren’t here for Dragonforce they definitely showed their appreciation for Sabaton with chanting, jumping, pits and being described by the singer ‘as loud as Bloodstock’s crowd on it’s own’ on a Tuesday night no less. I wouldn’t be surprised (and hope) that Sabaton actually get a Stoke date on their next tour given the appreciation shown that night.

Now for the main event. Dragonforce on their final tour before they take a year long break. I’ve seen Dragonforce three times (twice at Download Festival) and I noticed the crowd was split each time, however this time the split had decreased (mostly kids but if it helps them get into the music genre, fair play). The show itself demonstrated that the band interact well with their fans, ZP throwing water to cool fans down, Herman and Sam trying to one-up each other, Vadim in his GREEN NEON suit jumping up and down on his keyboard and keytar.

This all led to the grand finale…

Many fans learnt of Dragonforce via the Guitar Hero video game which used 'Through The Fire' and 'The Flames' (which Sam described to me as great due to the new fans it brought and yet they want to bring the old fans back as best they can) so as the final song they decide to play it. ZP then says that we’re not going to play the song and the band walk off, the crowd begins to boo (I however chuckle), next thing you know the band switch roles and do a version of through 'The Fire' that fails so decide to go back to the usual line up for one final crescendo.

Overall the night showed that all three bands have their own groups but unlike other gigs I’ve been to people actually stayed to the end to enjoy the show either by moving their feet or air guitar amongst other things! Sabaton and Sylosis will benefit even more and I expect them to get even bigger from this tour or personally I’ll be disappointed.