ORANGE GOBLIN | LIVE REVIEW
The Globe, Cardiff, Sun 2 Oct
Albany Road’s singular, humble gig venue, The Globe, was bursting at the seams with a packed-out pit of eager metalheads awaiting a lineup more fitting for an arena than a former cinema. It took three bands to stand in support of the mighty Orange Goblin, beginning with a heavy helping of the local scene in the form of psychedelic metallers Lacertillia, superseded by UK doom metal quartet Poseidon and headed up by North American 70s throwback rockers, Electric Citizen. All three acts are showstoppers in their own right but not even the intoxicating psychedelic vibes of Electric Citizen could steal the limelight away from Orange Goblin – but they gave it a bloody good go, warming up the crowd a treat.
Known for their epic stage shows, the English heavy metal heavyweights unfortunately got off to a not-so-great start. Technical difficulties stalled their opening track, leaving the crowd high and dry. Luckily, the show was only put on pause for a few minutes and the band returned with a vengeance. Thundering through their scorching set list, from the bluesy riffage of Scorpionica to the heavy grooves of Some You Win, Some You Lose, imposing frontman Ben Ward demonstrated his commanding stage presence, effortlessly petitioning the throng into action.
Although the crowd’s response was at first underwhelming, things quickly picked up as the indefatigable metal kings soon got every combat boot-clad foot moving, heads banging and fists in the air. The crowd was soon completely immersed by the band’s fast-paced and energetic performance, which only ramped up in intensity as they reeled off hit after hit. Rounding off the show with fan favourite Red Tide Rising, the pit was thrust into a frenzy as Orange Goblin’s set came to an epic conclusion. A fantastic show but here’s hoping they get the stage they deserve on their return to the Welsh capital – it would save us the painful yet worthwhile earache.
words ALICE PATTILLO