Beyond The Black + SETYØURSAILS + Seraina Telli @ Shepherds Bush Empire, 16 January 2026
With only two UK dates on their European tour, and this their first visit to these shores in four years, this was very much a must-see show. Over the years, German band Beyond The Black have developed into front-runners within the ever-strengthening symphonic and power metal scene, and with a new album, Break The Silence, out now, this was a night where they rose up and showcased their true abilities.
As the closing notes of the Rolling Stones’ Paint It Black (fitting in the circumstances) roll out, the lights drop and the band hit the stage. There is no holding back from Beyond The Black tonight. They have a point to prove, and they are intent on doing exactly that.
As lead vocalist Jennifer Haben enters the stage, robes flowing like a magnificent maleficent – haughty, powerful and determined – the band tear straight into the recent single and title track of their new album, Break The Silence, a song that certainly does exactly what it says on the packet.
Quite simply, the band are on fire tonight, and we are in for some supreme symphonic splendour.
With lead guitarists Chris Hermsdörfer and Tobi Lodes ripping shred-loads of notes from their instruments, they create an intense visual and sonic spectacle. Jennifer works her way tirelessly around the stage, sometimes regaling the audience from her riser, other times climbing the steps to join drummer Kai Tschierschky, but always focusing on the crowd and steadily raising the excitement levels.
With songs like Hysteria and Heart of the Hurricane, the band have the musical wherewithal to entrance and stimulate the baying crowd. The band are getting warmed up, and so is the audience – both moving as one in the moment.
There is a wonderful, mesmeric relationship between band and audience tonight. Even when things are slowed down with a synth medley, with Jennifer briefly taking over on keys, it only adds to the anticipation of what is about to be unleashed. Ravens from the latest album follows and sees Jennifer adorned with a pair of giant gold bird wings. She looks radiant.
Shine and Shade sees the guitarists go head-to-head, ripping off exquisite solos as the emotional chorus builds above them. On the strength of this performance, Beyond The Black are clearly staking a claim to be the next major force in the symphonic metal movement. With Nightwish currently taking time out, there is space for someone to step forward – and there is no reason that Beyond The Black should not be that band.
Setlist
- Break The Silence
- Hysteria
- Rising High
- Heart of the Hurricane
- Reincarnation
- Songs of Love and Death
- Wounded Healer
- Synth Medley
- Ravens
- The Flood
- Lost in Forever
- Written in Blood
- Let There Be Rain
- When Angels Fall
- Shine and Shade
- In the Shadows
Encore:
- The Art of Being Alone
- Running to the Edge
- Hallelujah
SETYØURSAILS
SETYØURSAILS hail from Cologne, Germany, and should not be confused with the English metal band Set Your Sails. As the second warm-up act, they are very much not here to make up the numbers, despite lead singer Jules Mitch proclaiming that she knows the audience aren’t here to see them.
Quite simply, they are an intense outfit, straddling the line between nu-metal and metalcore. There is strength and variety in their music, and this is a band who know exactly how to deliver.
Impressed we are.
There is passion in their approach and an understanding of what an audience wants. Even if their heavier style didn’t perfectly align with all of the symphonic hordes, they went a long way towards dispelling any potential negativity. By the end of the set, the audience were baying for more.
Jules Mitch is an absolute powerhouse. Her vocal adaptability is astonishing – whether clean vocals, rap-style delivery, screams or guttural growls, she delivers with total conviction.
When she yells, “Wait for the breakdown,” we know exactly what is coming, as guitars and drums collide in skull-crunching virtuoso magnificence. Even when Jules slips and lands on her riser, she never breaks character or momentum.
There is also humour woven into their performance. Introducing Why as “a very aggressive track,” Jules quickly adds, “We’re German. We are aggressive.” No one was arguing with them tonight.
Yet there is also a thoughtful and defiant side. Jules briefly leaves the stage before returning with a black flag stating: “No place for homophobia, fascism, sexism or racism.” As she stalks the stage, twirling the flag, the roar of approval from the crowd is immense.
Best of Me closes the set to a thunderous reception. This wasn’t just a support slot – it was a declaration of intent. Keep your eyes open for their next UK visit. SETYØURSAILS mean business.
Seraina Telli
Swiss singer and guitarist Seraina Telli may not be a name familiar to everyone, but fans of early Burning Witches will recognise her as their original vocalist. What we heard tonight, however, was very different.
The set is stripped back, with Seraina on vocals, guitar and keyboards, supported by a drummer and extensive backing tracks, particularly noticeable when she is singing without playing an instrument.
Her current material is far less heavy, dipping into bluesy rock, semi-acoustic balladry and even moments of faux-prog via the keyboards. The stage setup is audacious, adorned with large illuminated daffodils and floral-covered keyboards. Heavy metal this is not.
However, she knows how to work an audience, presenting a vibrant and enigmatic persona – something like a heavier, equally quirky Cyndi Lauper. Opening with Let It All Out from her latest solo album Green, the set proves diverse and engaging.
With just 30 minutes, this was a solid opening performance, though realistically it was SETYØURSAILS who probably did more to warm up and work up the audience.
WORDS: ADRIAN STONLEY PHOTOS: ROBERT SUTTON
