An absolute essential purchase for fans of this legendary singer.
Doro celebrated her 30th anniversary of performing live throughout much of 2013/14 and three special shows were filmed in celebration; Wacken, followed by two sold out shows in her hometown of Dusseldorf.
Available in Blu-Ray, DVD and gatefold vinyl, the music spans this legendary Metal singer's career from Warlock to her present day solo work. The Wacken show in particular really gives you a feel of a momentous occasion, the sight of eighty-five thousand Metalheads singing along and giving the horned salute is quite a sight indeed, every angle filmed in close up detail to give you the feel of almost being there on the night.
The first song of the Wacken show, 'Anthem (We Are Metalheads)', has a group of lucky fans on stage with Doro playing some enthusiastic air guitar as she high fives them in celebration. It is a tight set including such classics as 'Burning The Witches' and 'Hellbound', and Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell joins proceedings for a run through of the Judas Priest classic 'Breaking The Law' which is one of many Metal classics given the Doro treatment throughout these shows.
The "Classic" billed show is backed by an orchestra (who at times though were drowned out by the band on certain songs) which makes for interesting viewing. Former Accept front-man Udo Dirkschneider joins Doro for a terrific version of the Accept classic 'Princess Of The Dawn' and the duet 'Dancing With An Angel', while Lordi, in full monster outfit, also makes an appearance for 'Hard Rock Hallelujah' where it looks, at certain moments, like he's not sure if he wants to sing to Doro or eat her!
The "Rock Night" show is just the band running through a similar set minus the orchestral element, which for me without the clutter of the orchestra works better. Doro's enthusiasm and love for her craft is evident from the smile on her face and how she interacts with the audience, jumping into the pit and offering the microphone to them to sing with her. Saxon singer Biff Byford steps up for the classic 'Denim And Leather' while Wolfsbane/Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley, Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth and Savatage guitarist Chris Caffery also make appearances.
The two hour documentary 'Behind The Iron Curtain, Inside The Heart Of Doro' is sadly the only let down on offer here, with no vintage footage or real Metal legends to add to the story; it screens like a very long interview with Doro in her native tongue, German, complete with subtitles.
That minor disappointment aside, the package as a whole is an absolute essential purchase for fans of this legendary singer. The quality of filming throughout the shows is exceptional, plus the many guests included adds a real sense of occasion.
Ray Paul