We arrive in the city at 6:30 that's what time the show is suppose to start according to the ticket. The line is around the block to get in they didn't even open the doors yet. It takes about an hour to get in . A guy who works the door has the set times he says don't worry Arch Enemy does not go onto 8:00 . I say fuck Arch Enemy what time Is Maiden starting he says 9:30. When we're finally in the place it is already packed the HammerStein only holds 4300 people.

Arch Enemy;takes the stage a little after 8:00 I was looking forward to checking them out . I missed them when they played with Slayer a few months ago. Arch Enemy SUCKED period. I don't no how there getting on these tours it must be the lead singer who is a woman , she must really be able to use her mouth {and I am not talking about Singing either} If you have ever herd of Arch Enemy this chick fuckin growls like no other ,you would not think a chick would be able to sing like this. Her vocals make this band the rest of the guys played very sloppy. They are from Sweden and are making quit a name for themselves. In this business you have to no somebody and they must no allot of people. They were a real disappointment!!!!!!!

Iron Maiden;take the stage at 9:15 they open with " I"M on my Way" the crowd is siked and let's Maiden no it. They then break right into "Wrath Child" Maiden's sound is right on and not over powering this little hall. Bruce is already running all over the stage like he playing tennis. He breaks out his British flag and waves it in the air like crazy something he does at ever show. Iron Maiden is not shy about letting you no their from England. The place is going fuckin nuts!!! They go into " Can I play with Madness" and then right into "The Tropper" the pace of the show is blistering then Bruce announces they will be doing some music from the new album "The Dance of Death" he then lets the crowd no they will play the whole album right in a row, which they do. The new album is good but to play it straight threw was a mistake. The boy's lost allot of attention during this set. Bruce changed outfits and makeup like a play. That's right make up. All them years out on the road with Rob Halford must have caught up to him. The crowd was a little taking by this. But the music was solid though different than a Maiden fan is used to. I guess there not a better way to promote a new album than ram it down your fans throat!!!!!!! They get back to the classics which the fans are starving for " Gallo's Pole" Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are fuckin tearing it up on guitars . They seam happy to be playing these classics again. Iron Maiden then go into " Fear of the Dark" Bruce is still running laps with his voice getting stronger as the set goes on. They break into there self title "Iron Maiden" Eddie comes out dressed as the grim reaper on the new album cover. He looks a little smaller than normal he must of shrunk a little for these smaller venues. The crowd goes nuts and this is what it's all about' Eddie disappears and returns for the next song " Number of the Beast" they then go off for encore and come out "With run to the Hills" The crowd is going nuts again Maiden leave the stage again for good saying goodnight. The crowd stayed for a little while wanting more which we did not get the show let out at 10:50.

I give this show a 7 out of 10. Arch Enemy is not close to being in the same class As Iron Maiden. They do not belong on this tour. Out of over 4300 people only about 200 people liked there set. and yes everybody I asked thought they sucked. As for Maiden what can you say their one of the best Hard-rock band EVER!!!! They need to break up the 'Dance Of Death" set a little . People don't want to listen to 45 min. of music strait there not use to . Especial when you only doing an 1 1/2 set.

By Brandon Dilks
Manager - Nuse

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