unclechristo | Within Temptation & Delain @ Birmingham O2 Academy

2 of my fave symphonic metal bands featuring 2 of my fave female vocalists - had to be done. Seen Delain twice before, and WT once before, last time at the same venue. Got there early but queue was round the block, Last time I was in the balcony and sound and vision was not so good so I risked the ground stalls and standing. Was a good move, as sound was better and although I am short I could see quite well.
It was nice to hear Delain with a good sound - last 2 times the sound was not so good. So... the best I'd heard them. Charlotte was having fun and that showed. I got to meet Martijn Westerholt at the end of the night. Nice to hear Shame they didnlt play April Rain but it was cool to hear Not Enough.
Then Within Temptation came on and suddenly the sound was HUGE!!! It was like being in a force 9 musical gale. Sharon's voice was amazing - full on, low and high, bang in tune - seemingly indisctructable. Backdrop videos and lights were amazing too. I modulated my own mix with earplugs as last time I'd been there it hurt my ears. Got lucky with the camera too.

my photos are here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/unclechristo/sets/72157644118203775/

Funny thing is, after I see a gig in a genre, even a good one, I don't want to hear that kind of music again for a while. It's a bit like that if I go for an Indian or Chinese meal. Great but, leave it a while before doing so again... My symphonic metal appetite has been sated for quite a while :-)