Amaranthe has been on my photographic bucket list since I began shooting and became a fan of their music. Their wonderful mix of vocal puts them in a category that I call “Gateway Metal”. The melodic sound easily draws listeners in where they suddenly get hammered by face melting screams. Then just as they may find themselves pulling away, they are once again drawn into the sound. It isn’t long before they welcome the heavier vocals and begin down a road of metal.
Amaranthe was joining Within Temptation on tour when I shot them on the Royal Oak Music Theater. This was my first time shooting this venue and many things about it quickly made it one of my favorites. It started with the little things like ample parking on a ramp across the street for only $3. With a line wrapped nearly around the entire block I was concerned that I’d be stuck waiting, however will call was sitting right out front so I was able to secure my media credentials, and when the doors opened, security waved me in.
The photo pit was nice, and the stage height was reasonable. It is a little shorter than other places, but it makes for some good images, although a little hard to stay out of the way of the fans. One thing I learned quickly was this is one wide stage! It gives the bands a bit of room to spread out, almost a little too much room. I really could have been shooting with two bodies that night to try to cover all that was going on.
The venue clearly has the means for some great lighting. I can’t say that they put in full force when shooting Amaranthe as the band was frequently side lite, or backlit. Sometimes with no front spots on at all! Of course there was the all too frequent red light. I’m still not sure why this is so popular. It drives me nuts as a photographer of course, but it also obscures the bands so much even for the fans. This may very well be the reason for it, but still, I’ve seen what amazing lighting can do for a show, and I wish more performances took advantage of it.
Amaranthe put on a spectacular show and while I can cross them off my bucket list for bands I wanted to shoot and see perform, it only leaves me wanting to catch them again on their next tour.
