United Forces Tour – At Chicago’s Riviera Theatre with Helloween and HammerFall

Written & Captured By | Olivia Moy

Power metal legends Helloween from Germany and HammerFall from Sweden took over Chicago’s historic venue, the Riviera Theatre on Friday night. Both bands are on tour in support of their new albums. The venue was packed with Chicago locals and fans from out of town. Merch line was probably one of the longest line I have ever seen and was nearly out the entrance door. It was a great night to start the long holiday weekend.

Sweden’s own HammerFall kicked off the show with the song “Brotherhood” from their latest album release, Hammer of Dawn. Each band members took the stage, entertained, and pumping the crowd chanting, with their fists pumping. HammerFall’s vocalist Cans asks, “How many of you are seeing HammerFall for the first time!?” There were also many who saw HammerFall for the first time and they definitely gained a lot of new fans. As Cans screams “Let the hammer…” and crowd shouted “Fall” Cans joked that “not sure if you noticed, but our name is Hammer… FALL!”

See more photos of HammerFall HERE

Now it is time for the opening act Helloween from Hamburg, Germany in formed in 1984. The name Helloween was chosen because “Halloween comes once a year, but you can have Helloween everyday” The band expanded to a seven-person line up.

Helloween delivered for over an hour and half set. They pour so much passion, energy, and heat keeping fans locked in. The band started with the intro song “Skyfall.” Their set list delivered, with so much chemistry between the band and fans.

See more photos of Helloween HERE

Helloween was recently inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame by Allissa White-Glutz.

Setlist:  Skyfall ; Eagle Fly Free ; Mass Pollution ; Power ; Save Us ; Metal Invaders / Victim of Fate / Gorgar / Ride the Sky ; Heavy Metal (Is the Law) ; Forever and One (Neverland) ; Guitar intro (Sascha Gerstner) ; Best Time ; Dr. Stein ; How Many Tears ;  -ENCORE 1 – Perfect Gentleman ; Keeper of the Seven Keys ; -ENCORE 2- I Want Out

Photos By | Olivia Moy