24-11-2012 Vortex

Supports: Birmingham Sunset, SteelHorse; Venue: De Meester, Almere (Netherlands)
By: Sabine van Gameren

Heavy Metal fans are probably aware of it already, Meesterlijk Metaal is an event that was held now for the 14th time. Vortex was headlining the evening while Steel Horse and Birmingham Sunset were there to support.

Birmingham Sunset is a Dutch formation that brings a bunch of Heavy Metal covers. Those tracks that are played are all bringing a good atmosphere to the venue. Because the tracks chosen are from quite different directions it is not too easy to find the identity of the group self, some tracks seem to suit vocalist Jamie very well, while others are, though performed well, suiting less to her range. The set is jumping a bit from side to side where they could have brought a more logical line into it. Nevertheless the band has a good feeling of their audience and knows how to keep them entertained so after all it was a successful night for them.

Spanish band Steel Horse came to town specially for this event and played a long set. Rocking since 2007 the band has built and it might take a bit of waiting but then there comes the surprise of a good outburst into a solo that shows charisma a set full of NWOBHM tracks. What is to notice that sometimes the tracks tend to be a little cliché. Those moments really bring the music up. The band also brings a lot of energy on the stage which makes that the performance is received well.

Headliner Vortex gets announced and it seems that the band has been on the organisation’s wishlist for quite a while. The band is formed back in 1979 and have been playing for 11 years. After that some reunion gigs are played and in 2010 their last album came out. What speaks for this band is that they present a whole package to their audience. There is a show, the visual aspect is one part of the band’s show that defines them. There is the music that comes so confidential to the fans, the set list is diverse and shows that the guys can go into different directions without losing touch with their own sound. The passion and intensity that the guys have while performing make that the music captivates the audience. Simply said, Vortex succeeded today.