Kamelot, Exit Eden, Temperance – O2 Ritz, Manchester – 3rd November 2026

Power metal has been a constant presence since it first reared its head back in the 80s. It doesn’t pander to trends, and might not get as much coverage as other genres, and it certainly isn’t “trendy”, but it has a devoted fanbase that cling onto every syllable sung and every note played. Kamelot have been a key exponent of the genre for well over thirty years, and show no signs of slowing down, and with that in mind we headed to Manchester’s Ritz for one of only two UK dates on the Dark Asylum tour. 

TEMPERANCE

A sizable queue of high spirited devotees gathered outside the venue well before the doors opened, keen to secure a spot on the barrier, and by the time Temperance took to the stage a decent sized crowd had gathered. Having formed back in 2013 and with eight albums under their belt, it seems a little unfair that the band are not headlining venues like this in their own right. That didn’t seem to matter one bit as they launched into The Magician: Into The Fire, to a rapturous reception.

Their set understandably focussed on the recently released Arcani album but did also visit some older material as Michele Guaitoli and Kristin Starkey’s vocals combined effortlessly. The band were in high spirits as they bantered with each other and the crowd, being treated as though they were headlining, before things were brought to a close with an epic Daruma. Surely they will return before long.

EXIT EDEN

A rapid turnaround and it was the turn of Exit Eden, and although the band have performed at festivals previously, this was their first full tour, and their was a lot of excitement in the crowd at the prospect of catching them live. In some ways, the band might be considered a super group, bringing together the vocal talents of Anna Brunner, Marina La Torraca and Clémentine Delauney, and are perhaps best known for covering pop and rock anthems.

However, the band opened with the distinctive Femme Fatale, as a powerful statement of intent, reminding everyone that they also have their own material. Following on, Journey’s Separate Ways was followed by another original track Dying In My Dreams which sounded immense. The band looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves on the packed stage, and their consummate professionalism shone through as the tracks effortlessly led from one to another. Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi received a loud cheer from the crowd, as did It’s A Sin which came later.

For me the highlight was the Nightwish-esque Run! which saw Michele Guaitoli return to the stage for guest vocals. Its galloping rhythms and infectious melody had the whole crowd bouncing up and down while singing along, and epitomised the whole set. 

KAMELOT

Headliners Kamelot raised the bar to a new level with their symphonic power metal. Taking to the stage to the Sanctorium tape, the band launched into Ashen World from the latest album Dark Asylum. Soaring, grandiose melodies and rollicking rhythms were the order of the day as Tommy Karevik’s polished vocals combined with the guttural growls of Ignacia Fernández giving extra depth and power to the tracks.

The stage set up was impressive, centred around a throne, giving additional visual impact to the performance as the band effortlessly covered every inch, playfully joking with each other while also interacting with the front rows. Clémentine Delauney returned to the stage and added a further dimension to the vocals during the set as the decent sized crowd lapped it all up.

Things slowed down for an emotive Ivy, My Dear which also brought a Celtic tinge to the evening with Celtic swirls projected over the ceiling, before a drum solo led into One More Flag In The Ground, bringing us back to the more familiar rampant power metal. Although the set understandably focussed on the latest album, the setlist visited eight albums if I counted correctly, and although it will never be possible to play everyone’s favourite with such a large back catalogue, everyone seemed to leave with a smile on their face after the set closed with a triumphant Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife).

Power metal is alive and well, and is as relevant to today’s metal scene as ever. Long may it continue. 

All photography by Andy Pountney (Event Photography Awards Winner 2024 and 2025). You can check out more of his work on shot_in_the_dark_photography2 on Instagram.

Kamelot: Website

Exit Eden: Website

Temperance: Website

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