Dream Theatre/Warrior Soul/Paradise Lost/Riverdogs/Freak Of Nature/Damn The Machine/Channel Zero

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Whilst English valium-rockers Paradise Lost were definitely one of the most anticipated bands on the bill, an abysmal sound resulted in an equally mixed crowd reaction. You could sense the disappointment from the crowd because they were obviously looking forward to hearing new songs such as ‘Embers Fire’, ‘Dying Freedom’, and ‘True Belief’ for the first time but with the sound being far from perfect, a dismal light show and a manically depressed band on stage, things just weren’t the way they could or indeed should, have been.

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But when Dream Theatre hit the stage, it became immediately obvious exactly why they were the headliners because what they offer tonight was, without a doubt, spectacular. Aided by a great life show and killer sound mix that was as clear as a bell, every instrument could be heard him its full diversity. Mixing older classics such as ‘A Fortune In Lies’, ‘Afterlife’ and ‘A Killing Hand’ with new material like ‘Pull Me Under’, ‘Surrounded’ and ‘Take The Time’, the set was highlighted with brilliant drum, guitar and keyboard solos. The likes of ‘Still Life Forever’ proved that not only were Dream Theatre fantastic musicians, but they are also excellent song writers. Welcome Iron Maiden's natural successors. In that, there is no doubt.