Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineFebruary 20, 2023gallery, live, melbourne, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy, odin imaging, forum melbourne, Valhalore, Arch Enemy, DRW

Arch Enemy + Valhalore @ The Forum 18-02-23

Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineFebruary 20, 2023gallery, live, melbourne, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy, odin imaging, forum melbourne, Valhalore, Arch Enemy, DRW

photos & words: Nathan Goldsworthy @odin.imaging

Arch Enemy's reputation precedes them in the death metal scene, and the Swedish outfit did not disappoint with their recent Australian tour. The band's mix of technical prowess and ferocious energy was on full display. Melbourne's Forum Theatre was the perfect venue for a night of death metal, with Arch Enemy and Valhalore delivering a powerful performance to a packed house of dedicated fans.

Valhalore kicked off the night with an incredible performance. The band's unique blend of folk, power, and death metal was a perfect fit for the night, and they had the crowd pumping their fists and singing along to every chorus. Valhalore's stage presence was impressive, with the band members looking completely at home on the Forum stage. The soaring vocals of Lachlan Neate were particularly impressive, blending perfectly with the band's crushing riffs and thunderous percussion.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd roared, Arch Enemy took to the stage, kicking off with the blistering "Deceiver, Deceiver". From the very first note, it was clear that the band was firing on all cylinders, with Alissa White-Gluz's powerful vocals leading the way. The band's performance was an absolute masterclass in death metal, with every member of the band delivering a standout performance.

Guitarists Michael Amott and Jeff Loomis (personally one of my guitar heroes) were simply incredible, trading ferocious solos and riffs with ease. Meanwhile, Sharlee D'Angelo's bass and Daniel Erlandsson's drums laid down a crushing foundation for the rest of the band. The setlist was a perfect balance of old and new material, with classic tracks like "Ravenous" and "My Apocalypse" sitting comfortably alongside newer material like "The Eagle Flies Alone" and "The World Is Yours".