Unfortunately, a bit of terrible security work on the doors meant most of the crowd were left stuck out in the pouring rain whilst Season's End were playing their opening set. Much to the anger of several of us in the queue - having been looking forward to seeing them specifically. Having finally got into the Academy, somewhat akin to a drowned rat, I managed to witness the last 5 minutes of their closing song "Ghost in my Emotion", which sounded spectacularly clear and bombastic, only going further to rub it in over what I had missed! Needless to say, those lucky enough to get past security on time obviously had quite a treat [8]

I can't be quite so positive about Intense, but perhaps I'm not the best person in the world to give an opinion. Power Metal/Heavy Metal bands along these lines have never really floated my boat, and unless there is something truly different to grab onto, they are never likely to either. Intense work the crowd well, and are obviously experienced showmen - many people here today are singing along and rocking out like a good'un to the anthems on offer, but unfortunately due to it not being my cup of tea, and being unfamiliar with the material, the set washes over me. The crowd reaction is extremely positive down the front however! [6.5]

Next up we get Dragonland, a sort of cross between Sonata Arctica and Dragonforce. Sadly, the song writing is far more akin to Dragonforce, meaning the songs drag on for far too long, coming across as overly dragged out Sonata off-cuts that didn't quite make the grade because they were full of too much pointless fret-wankery. Every song blends into the next, coupled with an ear piercing amount of treble in the soundmix - making everything sound particularly messy and hard to listen to. When you find yourself wishing the band onstage would finish up because your feet ache and you want another beer - there's obviously something not quite right [5.5]

Having seen Epica twice before the 13th Day festival, I have to say their performance in Birmingham has been my least favourite so far - generally due to the sound being slightly better for previous encounters - but the band's stage show and live performance is still second to none. The material from their studio work is always given a new lease of life - songs seeming ten times heavier than you remember, and the band leap around stage with enthusiasm and energy. Simone is an excellent front woman that doesn't take on the typical Goth metal "misery" image, and actually looks like she's having fun on stage. Nothing can quite beat the chorus of "Cry for the Moon" when the entire band are windmilling in unison, and for the first time today, the band's hour long set seems to be over far too quickly. This won't be the last you hear of Epica, that's for sure. [8]

Finntroll bring the madness to 13th day. Their blend of insane polka metal, while all much of a muchness in style, can't help but raise a smile on even the most cynical of faces. Man Mountain Wilska growls his way through all the classics, including the likes of "Jakten's Tid" and sing-along favourite "Trollhammaren". The band's energy projects onto the crowd, and it's not long before everyone is jigging, jumping, moshing or Cossack dancing. The silliest crowd shenanigans you could possibly have, all to a blisteringly jolly and insane metal soundtrack that only Finntroll can bring. Yarr! [9]

I’ve never been one to see the fuss about Norther, and unfortunately after catching the second half of their live set, I am still somewhat non-plussed. Sure it’s heavy enough, and I’m sure lots of Norther fans will hate me for saying so, but to me they are still just Children of Bodom without the hook or the melody. For every highlight such as “Hellhole” there is a dreadful number along the lines of “YDKS” (You Don’t Know Shit, kids). Maybe I’m missing something – I may try to get to know them better on CD to prove myself wrong, and they certainly had lots of energy on stage, but still, it doesn’t change the fact after seeing only half their set I felt it was dragging on a bit. [6.5]

Headliners Sonata Arctica finally lay to rest the demons of last year's somewhat lacklustre UK debut at the Bloodstock Festival. (Due to technical problems, the band pretty much got in a huff last year and looked thoroughly fed up throughout their entire set) Putting on a performance that borders on nuclear this evening, all memories of last year are soon washed away. Indeed, front man Tony Kakko somewhat overcompensates on stage by mentioning several times how "pleased the band are to be back in the UK". That aside, the performance is brilliant. The band plough through their songs with such gusto, you'd think they had a bus to catch. Ballads such as "Replica" give people's lighters their first outing of the evening, whilst belters like "The Cage" and "Black Sheep" give everyone a chance to go crazy. There's even time for a little cover version of the Kiss classic "I Was Made For Lovin' You". All of this with crystal clear sound and beaming smiles from the band (apart from their bass player - cheer up!). The encore of "Don't Say A Word" and "The Cage" is a fitting, hi-octane end to the proceedings, and this time when they lift the English flag, you get the feeling they may have enjoyed themselves. Excellent. [8.5]

To see our Official Photos of the THIRTEENTH DAY Festival please visit our full Photography section HERE.

Overall Score:   8 /10