SEPTEMBER 10th, 2023
UNITED FORCES TOUR 2023
Review & Photo Gallery: Polina Kulikovskikh
http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/helloween-hammerfall/

On September 10th, two legendary bands, Helloween and Hammerfall, took the stage at Sentrum Scene in Oslo, marking the grand opening of the metal concert season in the city. The concert was planned long ago, but for various reasons had to be postponed. However it was well worth the wait. Both bands delivered exceptional performances, setting the bar high for the upcoming shows.

First up was Hammerfall, hailing from the metal heartland of Gothenburg, Sweden. A band renowned for their timeless and traditional approach to heavy metal, drawing inspiration from iconic acts such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Manowar. Notably, this performance marked their 1000th concert, a remarkable milestone in their illustrious career.

Hammerfall's music often delves into themes of mythology, fantasy, and epic battles, a characteristic trait shared by many power metal bands. Their unwavering dedication to the genre, coupled with their high-energy live shows, has garnered them a devoted fan base spanning the globe.

Kicking off their set with "Brotherhood" from their latest album, "Hammer of Dawn," they seamlessly flowed into crowd favorites like "Any Means Necessary" and "The Metal Age." Their electrifying performance left fans ecstatic and primed for the evening's main act.

Hammerfall setlist:
Brotherhood
Any Means Necessary
The Metal Age
Hammer of Dawn
Blood Bound
Renegade
Venerate Me
Last Man Standing
Hero's Return / On the Edge of Honour / Riders of the Storm / Crimson Thunder
Let the Hammer Fall
Glory to the Brave
(We Make) Sweden Rock
Hammer High
Hearts on Fire

Helloween, the iconic German power metal band, holds an esteemed place as pioneers within the power metal genre, significantly shaping its development worldwide. The band's enduring journey is marked by a rich tapestry of history and noteworthy transformations.
Since its inception in Hamburg in 1984, Helloween has traversed a dynamic path, witnessing numerous changes in its lineup. This ever-evolving lineup has brought diverse talents to the forefront, contributing to the band's unique sound and character. Today, Helloween stands strong with a remarkable dual-frontman setup, featuring both the illustrious Michael Kiske and the charismatic Andy Derris. Together, they share vocal duties, weaving a captivating narrative in their music. Notably, founder and guitarist Kai Hansen also lends his vocal prowess to the band's sonic tapestry.

In their live performances, Helloween masterfully blends the old with the new. They started their show with "Skyfall" from their latest album from 2021, infusing fresh energy into their setlists. However, their hearts lay in the treasures of the '80s and '90s, with a repertoire of hits that have stood the test of time such as "Future World", "Eagle Fly Free" and "Forever and One" to name a few. This strategic song selection left longtime fans elated, reliving the golden era of the band.

What truly sets Helloween apart is their unwavering commitment to their audience. Their live shows are a testament to this dedication, as they constantly engage with the crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonates with fans. This connection ensures that every performance is a memorable and immersive experience.

As the band's performance unfolds, spanning nearly two hours, the culmination of the evening is nothing short of spectacular. The epic anthem "I Want Out" serves as a fitting climax, accompanied by a visual spectacle of pumpkin balloons ascending into the audience, leaving a lasting impression of the band's signature showmanship.

Needell to say - Helloween's remarkable journey through the annals of power metal history continues to captivate audiences, both old and new. Their dynamic performances and enduring legacy serve as a testament to their indelible mark on the genre.

Helloween setlist:

Intro: Orbit
Skyfall
Eagle Fly Free
Mass Pollution
Future World
(preceded by "Trouble" by Elvis Presley snippet)
Power
Walls Of Jericho
Metal Invaders / Victim of Fate / Gorgar / Ride the Sky
Heavy Metal (Is the Law)
Forever and One (Neverland)
Guitar Solo by Sascha Gerstner
Best Time
Dr. Stein
How Many Tears

Encore:
Keeper of the Seven Keys

Encore 2:
Drum Solo
I Want Out