An essential purchase for all purveyors of quality Scandi Metal.

Having witnessed these Swedish Glam Rockers perform a storming set at Firefest 6, I was looking forward to sampling Jakob Samuel & Co's first live DVD offering for the newly signed to Frontiers Label. 'In the Flesh' is much more than just a live DVD though, it’s also a 'Rockumentary' and is superbly directed by Aussie Steve Ravic. The DVD gives some great Insight into the background and birth of The Poodles, with band member bios and tributes from the fans for their love of 'Metal' and the band

Now onto the live concert footage. We are treated to a rousing 12 song set filmed in the lovely Swedish City of Gothenburg. The band kick off their set with 'Too Much Of Everything', with Jakob Samuel showcasing the first of his amazing stage costumes. Next up is my personal favourite, the hit single 'Caroline', before moving onto 'Seven Seas' from their 2007 opus 'Sweet Trade'. The band then perform the Poodles anthem 'Metal Will Stand Tall', with the very appreciative crowd participating in some whoa whoa’s with the talismanic Lead Singer. We are then treated to for 4 more tracks, including 'Like No Tomorrow' from their latest release 'Clash Of The Elements'. Up next is 'I Rule The Night' (which features some great guitar work from 'new boy' Henrik Bergqvist. This leads onto 'Night of Passion' from their debut release, showcasing the bands thumping rhythm section of Pontus Egberg on bass & Christian 'Kicken' Lundqvist on drums. Next to last track on offer is 'Flesh & Blood' and this provides another opportunity for the packed crowd to participate in some good old punching of the air. Encore 'Line Of Fire' with Pontus & Jakob on dual lead vocals, brings proceedings to a close.

All in all an excellent DVD, both the live material offered up & 'The Rockumentary' on the band are very, very well directed & produced. An essential purchase for all purveyors of quality Scandi Metal.

Mark Warburton