While it is still fresh in my mind and the joy of seeing this band live, remains…I wanted to write this review. One of the best shows I have seen…in a very long time.
Have been following Visions of Atlantis since, their Eternal Endless Infinity, album. I have that CD somewhere, but can’t find it. I may have lost it, as I did many beloved first run CDs; in the many home moves, I’ve made over the years.
Not since their awesome beginning, with Nicole Bogner, and that original cast, has the Visions of Atlantis ship sailed, so straight and powerful. This band is not only back, it is better than that original seminal cast and crew. From the two wonderful male and female, balance of lead singers, which form the heritage and principal power of this band; to the awesome drums, slicing guitars and deep bass; this band is anew, forever!
Michele Guaitoli and Clémentine Delauney, are the male and female singers which create and perform the dichotomic viewpoint, for each of these songs, filled with excellent lyrics, that are full of meaning and emotion. Christian, “Dushi” Douscha provides lead guitars with slicing precision at times, and roar, all of the rest. Thomas Caser, is the ‘Ironman’, and only original member still in the band, and he plays drums. His solid thunder remains unbroken throughout this band’s career. His commitment to the band cannot be questioned. Herbert Glos’ bass playing throughout Visions of Atlantis’ albums, since 2017, is powerful and melodic. He is also the tallest member, so you cannot miss him on stage.
So, my wife and I proceeded to the meet and greet at 6pm PST. I had never attended a meet and greet, for a show before this. I had always just waited outside, until the after show, and I met so many legendary artists of the past, that way. However, the meet and greet format, is a much more organized way to conduct these band/fan meet ups. The band gathered us around them to listen to a five-song acoustic set, which was wonderful. Dushi played acoustic guitar, Thomas played a portable drum, Herbert played an electric bass, and the singers sang, with Michele adding percussion.
The band moved through, “New Dawn”, off Delta; “Darkness Inside”, off Pirates; “Heroes of the Dawn”, off Wanderers; “A Life of our Own”, off Wanderers and “Clocks”, off Pirates, with fluid motion and emotion. It was a very good mix and choice of classic and new songs. They asked us questions about our knowledge of the music and the band. They asked how many of us had attended a Visions of Atlantis concert previously. They also asked where we were all from. The answers were as diverse as the crowd. My wife and I had been talking with a gentleman, who came down from Vancouver, and saw the band last year at their Vancouver show with Dragonforce. He was so happy to be back and brought plenty of albums and CDs, for the band signing, which took place after the band pictures.
The meet and greet was a very enjoyable experience and the band banter with each other was warm and friendly. The authenticity, respect for the music, and love of their art, was on display for all to see and witness. They enjoyed meeting and talking with their fans. This band is tight and the feeling they share between them is strong. The many tours they have had together recently, and over the years, have helped solidify this group, and I don’t expect them to change members any time soon. They genuinely were happy being together.
The main event show was masterful. It opened with a surprise, my favorite song “Master the Hurricane”. My wife and I had a gentlemen’s bet. I thought they’d open with the Pirates, album opener, “Pirates Will Return”. My wife thought, “Legion of the Seas”. “Master the Hurricane” was well played and of course my favorite of the night. They blasted off with this massive track and never let up as they breezed their way through the 13-track regular set. Again, the band chose a great mix of classic and brand-new songs for the set. Most of the tracks were from Pirates, The Deep and the Dark, and Wanderers. But they did include a band favorite, “New Dawn”, from Delta.
Clémentine Delauney did a fantastic job of getting everyone in the audience to request “Mercy”. She and Michele also lead everyone in a pogo jump marathon on the closing track of the main show, “Melancholy Angel”.
“Pirates Will Return”, finally was given its moment as the opening track of the encore. It was quickly followed by the epic, pirate VOA flag waving closing, with “Legion of the Seas”! All of my favorites were played and I was extremely happy with the way the live performance conveyed the emotion locked away in many of these great studio tracks.
But the highlight of the evening was Clémentine Delauney’s birthday celebration. A surprise cake was brought out to her, as she began singing the opening for “Nothing Lasts Forever”. Michele led the crown in a celebration of her birthday, with all of us singing, the “Happy Birthday” song. The cake was bought by Martin Vargo, a European “sailor”, who travelled from Europe, to be at the Seattle show.
A wonderful night was had by all, and I saw few dry eyes, as fans left the theater, totally satisfied with one of the best shows they probably had ever seen, as well.
I have included videos of “Master the Hurricane”, and Clémentine Delauney’s birthday celebration below, along with some pictures I took as highlights.
I loved this show and really count these band members as friends. This concert will definitely go down as one of my favorite shows of the year. The best, so far!
If Visions of Atlantis come to your town, get tickets…for the show and for the “Meet and Greet”. It will be well worth your while…and unforgettable!
“Meet and Greet”
- New Dawn
- Darkness Inside
- Heroes of the Dawn
- Life of our Own
- Clocks
“The Main Show”
- Master the Hurricane
- New Dawn
- A Life of Our Own
- Clocks
- The Silent Mutiny
- Deep and the Dark
- Freedom
- In My World
- A Journey to Remember
- Mercy
- Heroes of the Dawn
- Nothing Lasts Forever
- Melancholy Angel
Encore
- Pirates Will Return
- Legion of the Seas
Pirates Review:
Pirates Interview:
“Master the Hurricane” – Visions of Atlantis – Live in Seattle, WA – El Corazon – February, 11, 2023:
Visions of Atlantis – El Corazon Concert – Seattle, WA – Clémentine Delauney Birthday Celebration:
Recently added video of Visions of Atlantis, playing “Pirates Will Return”, live from Wacken. To be included on their new live album, Pirates Over Wacken Live Earbook, from Napalm Records: https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/visions-of-atlantis-pirates-over-wacken-live-limited-edition-earbook.html
YouTube Video: