At The Gates - The Flames Of The End (Earache)

This is completely a phenomenal package. You get more At The Gates than you can handle (certainly in one evening.) This three DVD set has all the footage any self respecting At The Gates fan may need. The opening disc is The Story of At The Gates. This is a very well put together documentary. Includes interview with all members of the band, and other personnel close to the band. The band actually travels and shows the exact location of where history took place. You even see the baby pictures of the band members. The documentary is really superb, extremely deep and comprehensive. All of the interviews are conducted in Swedish and subtitled. You definitely get a feel for the band and the individuals who make it.

The second disc in a reunion show from Wacken 2008. Here the band is just destroying on stage. The energy level here on both sides of the stage in unbelievable. It's hard to imagine At The Gates was inactive throughout all these years, the band is in top notch form. This performance (as are many others on this set) is a great testament to At The Gates. This show needs to be seen to be believed.

The third disc is a Live Material From The Vaults. What we find here are amateur filmed performances, and once again these are simply electrifying performances. You see the intensity of the crowds, and the band operating on full speed. Most of those shows were filmed when At The Gates was an active group between 1991 and 1996. One impression you get is that At The Gates played many memorable shows, and now everyone can experience it as well.

The Flames Of The End is an absolute must to have. Once again, At The Gates designed a blueprint for what a DVD set should be. This set is enjoyable on every level.

On a personal note, the band used some live footage and an interview filmed and conducted by me back in 1996. This makes it extra special and personal, but regardless of the fact, I would still be a big fan of this set.

Mark Kadzielawa