The first band on tonight were young UK rockers DEAR SUPERSTAR. Why this band had been chosen to support a power metal unit like FIREWIND is quite bemusing. DEAR SUPERSTAR's music is similar to BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, with less of the screamo vocals, and hints of a more sleaze rock approach. Still, a fiery performance, full of energy, ensured that they avoided getting booed off the stage, as I thought may have happened upon first sight of the band.

A more far suitable support act followed, with Finland's KIUAS laying siege to the stage – a band who write powerful, traditional influenced metal, with some folk elements thrown in for good measure. Towering, dread-lock wielding frontman Ilja Jalkanen did a great job of stirring up the crowd, and he has a great voice too, switching between clean and harsh vocals with relative ease. Lead guitarist Mikko Salovaara was also highly impressive, with plenty of solos that Gus G would have been proud of. With great songs like 'Warrior Soul' and the stomping 'The Spirit of Ukko' - KIUAS went down an absolute storm.

Ever since FIREWIND supported DRAGONFORCE in the UK a few years ago, they seem to have developed a love affair with the country. These headline shows are the third time this year that the Greek based band have played the UK following a support slot with KAMELOT and a triumphant mid-afternoon performance at the Download Festival.

The show at Jillys tonight was a very intimate affair, and the small Manchesyer nightclub was packed with fans looking to witness Gus G's shredding abilities up close and personal. Unfortunately though, due to the very low stage at Jilly's, only the front row could truly witness the guitar wizardry in all it's glory, with the rest of the crowd having to rely on their ears and imagination. However, this certainly didn't hamper the enjoyment of the show.

After a long intro tape, the atmosphere in the venue exploded as FIREWIND burst onto stage with 'Into The Fire', with frontman Apollo Papathanasio leaning over the front barrier to say a personal hello to the front row. 'Head Up High' and the fist-pumping 'Kill to Live' quickly followed as FIREWIND whipped the Jilly's crowd into a headbanging frenzy.

British born journeyman Mark Cross put in a typically pounding display on his enormous drum kit, the highlight of which was his solo in the middle of 'Silent Code'. The most impressive instrumental moment of the night though was the frenetic medley of 'Fire & Fury' and 'Feast of Savages' with Gus G taking centre stage. Gus G really did show why he is regarded as one of the top young guitarists in the world, and along with his shred-tastic solo work, his interplay with Babis Katsionis' keyboards was absolutely spellbinding.

The purists amongst the crowd would have perhaps liked a longer set than the hour that was played, but the performance of FIREWIND could not be faulted. The excellent 'Falling to Pieces' brought an end to what was an exhilarating show and one that will undoubtedly leave the FIREWIND faithful hungry for more. This was a masterclass in metal.

FIREWIND Setlist: Into The Fire / Head Up High / Kill To Live / Allegiance / Angels Forgive Me / Silent Code / My Loneliness / Fire & Fury / Mercenary Man / Till The End Of Time / Maniac / Falling To Pieces

FIREWIND Rating: 4.6/5.0

KIUAS Rating: 4.6/5.0

DEAR SUPERSTAR Rating: 3.0/5.0

Review by James Allman