It’s been four years since German Symphonic Rockers, Beyond The Black, last stood on this very stage at the O2 Ritz in Manchester and tonight was the first night of their Rising High European Tour in support of their latest release, Break The Silence released less than a week ago.
Any sign of first night nerves were quickly dispelled as they opened stridently with the powerful title track of their new record with lead singer Jennifer Haben looking every inch the Symphonic princess resplendent in a flowing gown, as “Hysteria” and “Rising High”, another impressive new song followed in quick procession.
Haben dominated the stage both visually and vocally. Her powerful and supremely melodic vocals simply soared on “Reincarnation” and “Songs of Love and Death” backed by a bombastic soundtrack with an atmospheric lightshow and stunning video visuals making this a thrilling spectacle.
“Heart Of The Hurricane” featured a cutting lead break from Chris Hermsdorfer while Tobi Lodes and Hermsdorfer doubled up in a thrilling harmony duel during “Let There Be Rain”.
A stunning “Free Me”, surely the finest ballad by anyone, anywhere in the last decade, saw Haben reach for the sky while “Ravens” complete with “Haben” dressed in spreading, golden wings was spine tingling stuff.
With almost half of their new album being aired during the evening including “The Flood” and “The Art Of Being Alone” showed a band rightly, exuding confidence, riding the crest of a creative wave.
Of course the closing “Hallelujah” was spectacular, bombastic and thunderously dramatic ensuring the show ended perfectly at the peak of the crescendo after over an hour and a half of songs that hit the mark each and every time.
Beyond The Black, now six albums into their career, have really grown exponentially with each release and tonight proved that they are more than worthy challengers to the crown currently held by Within Temptation with this thrilling performance of pure, genuine class.
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