I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with Fantasy Festival that took place at The Hobbit, Southampton nearly three weeks ago. What I did know is that it had nearly sold out, there were going to be bands and plenty of stalls to buy fantasy attire. The moment I stepped into The Hobbit, it was like stepping into another world. More than half of the attendees adorned fantasy-type attire; it was very much like walking into a Lord of the Rings realm. In recent years, there has been a gradual emergence of metal festivals showcasing the best in melodic metal. Could Fantasy Festival be joining the realm with Power Metal Quest Fest and Epic Fest? After experiencing the delights of the day, the chances of it happening look incredibly likely.
The Bards that performed at the Fantasy Festival proved to be very mighty indeed. Things got off to a more serene and calm start with ARCANE OUBLIETTE; the music very much reminded me of those video games or films where the quest party is about to either start an adventure, face a crucial part of it, or reach the end of their journey. It’s the type of music that, whilst it relaxes you, you also pay attention to it too. With all this said, ARCANE OUBLIETTE’s music was more than appropriate to get things underway and intrigue many of the punters.
As attendees started to fill the iconic Hobbit Pub garden, Brighton-based Hard Rock quartet HELL FOR LEATHER were next to show us what they were made of. Their wildly infectious energy and their old-school sound with a modern twist won the crowd over instantly. Their sound very much reminded me of bands such as BLUE OYSTER CULT and JUDAS PRIEST. After the calm, serene sounds from before, the attendees needed a jolt, and HELL FOR LEATHER certainly provided that. I never thought I would use the words dragon mask and beach balls in the same sentence; thanks to HELL FOR LEATHER, I now have.
Swedish Epic Heavy Metal Warriors VANQUISHER travelled the furthest to perform in these festivities. You know things get good when I do more headbanging than notetaking; their music is brilliantly eclectic, one minute you are getting ready for battle with their triumphant sounds and the next you’re getting ready to mosh from the sheer brutality of their sounds. Their energy was also incredibly infectious, so much so that you only had to look away for a second and you they have all already swapped positions on the stage. Their cover of BLACK SABBATH classic Paranoid provided the perfect tribute to recently fallen legend Ozzy Osbourne, to say this was greatly welcomed by the crowd is a massive understatement. It was the perfect end to a glorious set. This was their first ever UK performance, it’s more than safe to say they are welcome back any time.
It’s fairly safe to say that headliners BATTLE BORN have become a household name in metal, especially in Southampton where their roots first started to grow and develop. The Hobbit is where they performed their very first live show in a tiny little room, it’s crazy to think they will be/currently on tour with heavy metal giants WASP.
Their set at Fantasy Festival was a warmup show for this upcoming/current tour so to speak and they were on top form as headliners. Their set contained the perfect mix of a wide array of songs. These included their newer singles such as Magic & Steel and One On One, brand new ones that even their long-time fans didn’t know the lyrics to and of course their much-loved classics such as Power Force, Dragonheart and Battle Born. Their charismatic energy was absolutely infectious and it passed onto the crowds. They were the perfect band to end the festivities on.
The moment I stepped into Fantasy Fest, I felt welcomed and accepted by every one who was in attendance. The bands all performed brilliant, passing on their powerful energy onto the attendees and provided that elixir. Whether this will be the first of many events or a one off celebration, this was truly an honour to be a part of it.
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Photos: Michael Crittenden
