Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed, Genting Arena, Birmingham - review and pictures

The rock giants treated fans to a double header at Birmingham's Genting Arena; filling the NEC venue with heavy metal fans of all ages.

Chicago band Disturbed came first - bringing with them a superb display of pyrotechnics and an astounding live performance.

Devoted fans sang along as the band performed an array of numbers - from 2000 fan favourite Stupify, through to songs such as The Light, released in 2015.

The band were deliciously heavy and faultless throughout, but the real highlight was of course the tremendously talented David Draiman.

Dressed in a floor-length trench coat, David adopted an evil stage persona; laughing maniacally at the end of songs, as flames appeared to almost engulf the stage and red lights flashed.

And his voice was sublime; shown especially well during his spine-tingling, jaw-dropping rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's The Sound Of Silence.

"Light up your phones - now is the time," bellowed David, indicating that he was well aware the fans were dying to hear it.

And, as his strong, gorgeous vocals were carried across the venue, a constant echo of the room singing along could be heard - amazing, I thought, given the number of young people in the room who otherwise wouldn't have had their eyes and ears opened to such an iconic song.

Another highlight was the band's superb, hefty, lively performance of 10,000 Fists; their electric energy spreading to the crowd as they threw their hands in the air and sang along.

"Together my brothers and sisters, we are Disturbed," shouted David.

"You guys kicked ass tonight."

Then came what appeared to be the main attraction for many - the super-talented Avenged Sevenfold.

And, though they were incredible, the most impressive act of the night for me was undoubtedly Disturbed.

Musically, Avenged Sevenfold truly stunned. Guitarist Synyster Gates really shone throughout as star of the show - thrilling the crowd with his high-paced, intricate fingerwork, awesome hefty riffs and shredding at what seemed like the speed of light.

"Birmingham, how you doing?" beamed vocalist Matt Shadows.

"David said you're the best crowd of the tour so far.

"It's always good to play a show in the birthplace of heavy metal."

The band had set out to create something new visually; with 3D effects transporting fans into space - and a huge astronaut floating above the stage. The effects were certainly impressive - particularly the astronaut - but much of it was lost on those sat either far side of the stage. In fact, it would have looked best from the back. Though not many of the back rows were even taken.

Again, the band played a wide variety of material - promising at the start to play something from each of their albums. This was perhaps a slight downside for me, as I didn't know a fair amount of the set. It was a shame in that I couldn't sing along, but also a good thing as it meant I could appreciate just how tight and talented the band actually are.

Fans rocked out and mini mosh pits formed in the crowd as the band blasted out numbers such as Buried Alive and God Damn.

Matt's vocals were stunning and superbly versatile throughout - shown especially well on 2010 number Nightmare and Little Piece of Heaven; which was dedicated to and written by drummer The Rev, who tragically died back in 2009.

Favourites such as Bat Country and Hail to the King had fans jumping around and singing along, as the thunderous drumbeat vibrated through the seats and tremendous playing from all three guitarists thrilled.

"Thank you Birmingham. See you next time." said Matt, as the venue began to empty.

I, for one, would be happy to see this double header show every year - so, guys, please do return soon.

By Kirsten Rawlins