Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium

ANDROMEDA: Playing off the board

Release

Style

A mix between Arena and Dream Theater, that's how the Swedish progmetal band Andromeda is often referred to, and I can't agree not more. After 4 studio albums the opportunity was there for the release of a dvd, they have chosen for this occasion a theatre in Poland during the Chimera tour in 2006. This location can easily be compared with the 'Cirque Royal' in Brussels, not exactly a place where you would expect a progressive metal act. Despite all attempts of singer David Fremberg the public never shows any signs of fascination during this magnificent concert, apart from some ‘exuberant’ exceptions. Normal ‘seats’ don’t really invite to freak out, the spectators are staying stoical en just respond with a polite applause.

 
So this was the only minus point of this live concert, because the guys of Andromeda really have given a great performance. David Fremberg is at his best on vocals, many zingers in this style can learn a lot from this guy. On keyboards Martin Hedin shows some nimble-fingered power work, especially during interplay with the guitar of Johan Reinholdz. The rhythm section is being cared of by bass player Fabian Gustavsson and if course the incredible creative and technically strong drum player Tomas Lejon, also doing a great job with fellow-men of A.C.T. But the sound is mainly driven by the blond god Johan Reinholdz, performing some amazing guitar solos. The result of all this individual talent is grouped into a bunch of strong compositions, taking songs of each of their studio albums. They have delivered a sort of ‘best of’, the ideal opportunity to become known with the works of Andromeda. And the real sympho rocker should try this too, because this no ‘pure metal’ at all.
 
The Polish technicians have done an excellent job, the camera shots are flashy and yet very pleasant to look at, thanks also to the nice transitions. The montage and light show could not be better and the sound is of the same quality level, you can choose between 2.0 and 5.1 Surround.
 
Don’t forget the extras, there are in depth interviews with some band members, Swedish guys are perhaps no real talkative persons, but you are getting to know some things here. There are some videos of their tours (a.o. in the Netherlands) and the preparations of the dvd recordings. Add some pictures, biographies, discography and you will understand that this dvd reveals everything about the band.
 
So forget the small minus point from the beginning (anyway this is not the fault of the band) and buy this little thing, you won’t regret it.
 

Musicians

Bonus video:
Interview with Johan Reinholdz and Martin Hedin
Interview with David Fremberg and Thomas Lejon
Rehearsal, October 2006
Andromeda Goes Dutch
European Tour Tales
Three Days in Poland
Old Live Footage

Also includes:
Photo gallery
Biography
Discography
Desktop images
Weblinks
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Extension of The Wish (2001)
II=I (Two is One) (2002-2003)
Extension of the Wish - Final Extension (2004)
Chimera (2006)
Playing Off The Board (DVD) (2007)

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Last updated: 09 juni 2007 .
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