Eurovision-conquering Metal beasts Lordi descended on the Electric Ballroom in Camden with the heroic speed crew of All For Metal and bewitching Goth Metal outfit Crimson Veil along for the ride. This promised to be an entertaining evening of full-on rock mayhem.
All For Metal – Crimson Veil
Electric Ballroom, Camden – 3 April 2024
Words: Paul Monkhouse
Photography: Manuela Langotsch
All For Metal brought their own brand of rampaging heavy-duty destruction, the band everything that Manowar always wished they were but with a warmth and humour so lacking in the American outfit.
Gloriously over the top without slipping into the parody that grates with other bands that shall remain unnamed, what the sextet have is enough drive and Viking spirit to light up the whole of Camden.
Front and centre, like two giants leading the charge, the twin vocals of Antonio Calanna and Tim ‘Tetzel’ Wagner bring melody and power in equal measure, the band’s titular anthem not just the opening song but a clear declaration of intent.
With Wagner roaring, “London…let me see those horns,” it was a full-tilt rush into Fury Of The Gods, the twin guitars scything and rhythm section creating a sledgehammer wallop that crushes things to dust.
With numbers like Thor Raise Your Hammer, Born In Valhalla and Mountain Of Power, it’s clear where All For Metal are coming from, their commitment to the cause absolute, carrying with it a sense of community that draws everyone in.
Whilst the band may be performers on a bigger stage, this feeling that every single soul in the place is a vital part of that journey gives the whole an extra air of being an event, the distance between musicians and audience closed entirely.
It’s certainly a fun ride, and with their new album Gods Of Metal fast approaching, the title track and closer Gods Of War points to a long and fruitful journey for this German/Italian clan of warriors.
Crimson Veil
Opening the night, the Brighton-based quartet of Crimson Veil brought some otherworldly vibes with their very theatrical and atmospheric take on unsettling gothic rock.
Fronted by the extraordinary vocals of Mishkin Fitzgerald, there seems to be an eternal struggle happening here between dark and light, the additional vocals and cello of Hana Piranha adding some real blood-spattered hues into the mix as Garry Mitchell’s guitar and Anna Mylee’s drums add a massive drive and punch to the music.
Wrapped in an enigmatic aura, there’s something utterly compelling here that takes you into realms unknown and with the twisted Victoriana Of Flinch and the chilling yet beautiful siren song of Hex, Crimson Veil have an irresistible pull that deserves to see them capture hearts and minds of all those who love something intelligent and extraordinary.
