Well there I was, first shoot for Heavy Magazine and it was an international one, the highly acclaimed 'Blind Guardian' from Germany with their special brand of power metal.

With most live shows the industry standard suggests that we're only allowed in the photography pit for the first three songs, so you better know your camera, adjust to the lighting conditions and press that shutter as often as you can.

The energy was high after both 'Bane Of Winterstorm' and 'Divine Ascension' delivered punchy and powerful sets, paving the way for 'Blind Guardian' to enter the stage accompanied by their haunting intro music, then straight into what became a mesmerising two hour display of crunching operatic style metal which led the crowd into waving of fists, head banging and of course chorus like singing as is often the case at power metal gigs.

Job done, my first shoot for the publication and I had a great time... here's looking forward to many more opportunities.